Position Evaluation vs. Credential Evaluation for U.S. Immigration: Key Differences Explained
Position Evaluation vs. Credential Evaluation for U.S. Immigration: Key Differences Explained
When applying for a U.S. work visa, green card, or other immigration benefits, it’s important to understand the documents and evaluations required. Two of the most commonly needed assessments are credential evaluations and position evaluations.
While both are used in the U.S. immigration process, they serve very different purposes. If you’re unsure which one you need—or whether you need both—this guide will help.
At AAE Evaluations, we specialize in both credential and position evaluations, helping professionals and employers meet immigration requirements quickly and accurately.
What Is a Credential Evaluation?
A credential evaluation is an official review of your foreign academic qualifications (degrees, diplomas, or certificates) to determine their U.S. educational equivalency.
This evaluation is essential if you earned your degree outside the United States and need to prove that it meets U.S. academic standards. It’s often required for visa categories like the H-1B, EB-2, or O-1, where proof of a U.S.-equivalent degree is mandatory.
Why Credential Evaluations Matter
A credential evaluation ensures that your foreign education matches U.S. degree standards. Immigration officers and employers rely on these reports to verify that your qualifications meet the academic requirements for your visa or job.
For example:
An H-1B applicant must show that their foreign degree equals at least a U.S. bachelor’s degree.
An EB-2 applicant must prove that their education and experience meet advanced degree requirements.
At AAE Evaluations, we provide accurate, detailed credential evaluation reports that help strengthen your immigration or employment application.
Types of Credential Evaluations
There are two main types of credential evaluations:
General Evaluation
Summarizes your degree’s equivalence to a U.S. degree.
Often used for employment or general immigration purposes.
Course-by-Course Evaluation
Provides a detailed analysis of courses, grades, and credits.
Commonly required for visa applications, university admissions, or licensing boards.
How the Credential Evaluation Process Works
Submit your documents (degree certificates, transcripts, mark sheets).
The evaluator reviews your academic history and compares it to U.S. educational standards.
A report is issued stating your U.S. degree equivalency—and sometimes your calculated GPA.
At AAE Evaluations, our evaluators make this process smooth and transparent, ensuring your report meets USCIS and employer requirements.
When You Need a Credential Evaluation
You will likely need a credential evaluation if:
You hold a foreign degree and are applying for a U.S. visa (H-1B, EB-2, or O-1).
You’re applying for a U.S. job requiring a U.S.-equivalent degree.
You’re pursuing U.S. professional licensing or further education.
AAE Evaluations assists applicants worldwide in getting their foreign qualifications properly evaluated for U.S. immigration or employment purposes.
What Is a Position Evaluation?
A position evaluation (sometimes called a job evaluation) focuses on the job being offered, not your education. It determines whether a U.S. job position qualifies for a specific visa category, such as the H-1B, EB-2, or O-1.
Why Position Evaluations Are Important
U.S. immigration law requires that certain visa categories be tied to “specialty occupations.” A position evaluation confirms that the job:
Requires a specific degree or field of study.
Involves specialized knowledge or advanced expertise.
Meets the minimum salary and qualification criteria set by USCIS.
For example, an H-1B visa applicant must show that their job is in a specialty occupation. A position evaluation ensures the job duties and educational requirements meet that definition.
At AAE Evaluations, our experts conduct thorough position evaluations that meet USCIS standards and help employers strengthen their immigration filings.
How a Position Evaluation Works
A position evaluation typically includes:
Reviewing the job title and description.
Assessing the educational and experience requirements.
Confirming whether the position requires specialized skills or knowledge.
Checking that the salary level aligns with immigration standards.
The evaluator then prepares a professional report confirming whether the position qualifies for the desired visa category.
When You Need a Position Evaluation
You need a position evaluation if:
You’re applying for a work visa such as H-1B, O-1, or EB-2.
Your employer needs to confirm that the job meets immigration qualifications.
The USCIS or attorney requests documentation proving the job is a “specialty occupation.”
AAE Evaluations works with both employers and immigration attorneys to ensure positions are properly classified and compliant with USCIS criteria.
Credential vs. Position Evaluation: What’s the Difference?
Factor
Credential Evaluation
Position Evaluation
Focus
Your education and degrees
The job and its requirements
Purpose
To verify your foreign education meets U.S. standards
To verify the job meets visa requirements
Used For
Visa types like H-1B, EB-2, or O-1
Employment-based visas such as H-1B or EB-2
Who Needs It
Individuals with foreign degrees
Employers or foreign employees
Example
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering → U.S. equivalent degree
IT Specialist job → qualifies as a specialty occupation
Why Both Evaluations Are Crucial for Immigration
Credential Evaluation ensures that you are qualified.
Position Evaluation ensures that the job is qualified.
Both are often required to prove eligibility for employment-based immigration to the United States.
At AAE Evaluations, we provide comprehensive services for both evaluations, ensuring your documentation is complete and compliant for a smooth immigration process.
How to Get Started with AAE Evaluations
For a Credential Evaluation:
Submit your academic documents.
Our experts review and assess your qualifications.
Receive a detailed report showing your U.S. degree equivalency.
For a Position Evaluation:
Provide your job offer letter or job description.
Our evaluators analyze it against USCIS standards.
Receive a certified report verifying that your position qualifies.
With AAE Evaluations, you’ll receive accurate, fast, and USCIS-compliant reports designed to make your immigration process easier.
Final Thoughts
Both credential and position evaluations play a vital role in U.S. immigration success. One confirms your educational background, while the other validates your job’s eligibility.
Whether you’re an employer sponsoring an international hire or a foreign professional pursuing your U.S. career dream, AAE Evaluations is your trusted partner for reliable, professional evaluation services.
