Information for Individuals Seeking to Study in the United States

Information for Individuals Seeking to Study in the United States

Information for Individuals Seeking to Study in the United States

NOTE: The U.S. Department of Education and USNEI do not evaluate foreign degrees or qualifications.  Please DO NOT submit requests for such evaluations to us or submit diplomas or other records for review.  Refer to the LINKs below.

The competent U.S. authority for recognizing your previous education and qualifications will be the U.S. school or higher education institution in which you seek to enroll.  Therefore, you need to contact the international admissions office (undergraduate or graduate) for instructions on what to do and how to get your education evaluated.  Some institutions and schools perform the evaluation themselves, but most will refer you to a credential evaluation service.

SELECTING A CREDENTIAL EVALUATION SERVICE

If the U.S. school or institution recommends that you use a specific credential evaluation service, then use the service, or one of the services, recommended by the international admissions office.

If not, then you can select a credential evaluation service yourself.  You can search for credential evaluation services on the Internet, but you should know that there is no federal or state regulation of such services.  However, there are two national associations of credential evaluation services that have published standards for membership, affiliations to national and international higher education associations and are frequently linked to and used by federal agencies, state agencies, educational institutions and employers.

National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) is an association of 19 credential evaluation services with admission standards and an enforced code of good practice.

Association of International Credentials Evaluators (AICE) is an association of 10 credential evaluation services with a board of advisors and an enforced  code of ethics.

Neither the U.S. Department of Education nor USNEI endorses or recommends any individual credential evaluation service.

IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER

Credential evaluations are not free.  The cost will vary according to the complexity of the case and the amount of documentation you can provide. 

Obtain English translations of any non-English documents, preferably notarized, prior to submitting any documents to a credential evaluation service.

U.S. educational institutions and credential evaluation services evaluate applicants on an individual case basis, and they look for many factors in making an admission decision, not just your diplomas.  This is how evaluations are done for U.S. citizens as well.  Therefore, you can expect that different institutions and services may evaluate you differently according to their criteria.

Even though the international admissions office will process your application, it is a good idea to let the subject faculty in which you want to study know that you are applying.  The faculty may have a positive role in the admissions decision, especially for graduate level studies (master’s and research doctorate), and may be more familiar than the admissions office about your capacity to do work in their specific subject area.

Credential evaluation services provide procedures to appeal their recommendations.  Do not appeal to the U.S. Department of Education – the federal government has no role in credential evaluation appeals.  Use the procedure provided by the credential evaluation service and the institution to which you are seeking admission.

Go to Professional Recognition for information on U.S. regulated professions and their credential evaluation procedures, in case you are applying to a professional school or to a residency or internship program for persons holding first-professional degrees.

Financial Assistance for US Study

Financial Assistance for US Study

Financial Assistance for US Study

The United States has an advanced post-industrial economy and the cost of living is correspondingly high.  So is the cost of postsecondary education and private education at the primary and secondary levels.   U.S. Consulates will require you to show that you have the means to finance at least a year’s study in the United States as part of the process of qualifying for a student visa.

Despite the high costs, you should know that these same financial issues face all U.S. students and their families.  There are resources available in the United States and elsewhere that may be helpful to you.  The United States welcomes over half a million international students each year – more than any other country – so financial issues should not prevent you from being one of them!

GENERAL RESOURCES

EduPass provides information on financing a U.S. education and living in the United States, tools for calculating costs, and links to sources of assistance.

International Education Financial Aid (IEFA) provides a database of many available scholarships from higher education institutions and other sources as well as links to various resources.  Choose “United States” in the country menu of the Scholarship Database to obtain information on funding for U.S. study.

Institute of International Education (IIE) provides extensive information and resources on financial assistance for U.S. study, and also administers several scholarship and fellowship programs.

NAFSA International Students Information provides useful information and resources for students planning to study in the United States, especially at the undergraduate level.

College Board Scholarship Search is a database of funding sources for undergraduate study that can be accessed by international as well as U.S. students.

Funding for U.S. Study from Your Country

Many countries offer foreign study funding in  the form of grants or scholarships for their own nationals who are admitted to an approved program or institution abroad and who qualify for the assistance program.  You should check with your national higher education authorities.

Go to National Systems of Education to locate links to national authorities for many different countries as well as links to the U.S. Embassy, which often has information on  any available local funding for U.S. study as well as U.S. government programs.

FUNDING FROM PRIVATE SOURCES

Grants for study and research are available from private foundations and non-profit organizations.  They may also be available from private businesses; many employers will assist with the education of employees or employees’ children.  Funding may also be available from charitable and religious organizations.  Check with you local mosque, church, temple, or synagogue; your or your parents’ employer; charities or foundations in your country; as well as the resources below.

Foundation Center International Students Page provides guidance, training resources, and links to important directories for students seeking funding to study in the United States.

Foundation Center Reference Guide for International Students is a directory of links to organizations that fund international students or provide information resources.

NAFA Scholarships Directory is a linked list of various competitive scholarship programs, some of which are available to international students, maintained by the National Association of Fellowship Advisors.

Various specific scholarship, fellowship, and exchange programs exist in the U.S. higher education system.  Among the well-known types of privately administered assistance programs are the following, with any restrictions indicated:

AAUW International Fellowships (female graduate students)

ACLS Fellowship Competitions (specific disciplines only)

American Councils Program List (specific countries and regions)

AMIDEAST Exchange and Scholarship Programs (Middle East and nearby countries)

Ford Foundation International Fellowships Program

IREX Educational Programs (Eastern Europe and CIS countries)

Margaret McNamara Memorial Found (developing countries)

Open Society Scholarship Programs (varies by program)

Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholarships >

INSTITUTIONAL AND LOCAL ASSISTANCE

Many U.S. academic institutions have their own resources for assisting international students.  It is important for you to check with the international admissions office to discover if you may be eligible for any institutional, community, or state assistance that may be available.

U.S. GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE PROGRAMS

The U.S. government does not provide general scholarship assistance for international students, nor are international students eligible for loans or grants provided to U.S. citizens and permanent residents by the U.S. Department of Education or other federal agencies.

There are several exchange programs administered by the U.S. government that do provide assistance to qualified international students.

Exchange Programs to the United States provides information on all the educational and cultural exchange programs administered by the U.S. Department of State, including the Fulbright Program and others at all education levels.

Fulbright Program is the flagship U.S. exchange program for international students at the graduate level.

Search Designated Sponsors is a searchable database of approved sponsors for student and professional exchange visitors participating in U.S. Department of State exchange programs.

Interagency Working Group (IAWG) provides information and resources on federal exchange programs in all agencies and links to agency websites.

NON-GOVERNMENTAL EXCHANGE PROGRAMS

Several exchange programs and agencies exist that are either partially sponsored by federal agencies or cooperate with the U.S. Department of State in broadening the opportunities for exchanges.  Some, but not all, of these programs provide financial assistance for participants.  You should consult individual programs for further information.

Council for Standards in International Education and Travel (CSIET) provides information about private exchanges for school-age students and school teachers as well as a directory of exchange programs approved by CSIET.

Alliance for International Educational and Cultural Exchange is an organization of private exchange providers for students and educators at all levels that provides information resources and directories of exchange programs.

Mobility International USA (MIUSA) provides information for students with disabilities who may be interested in exchange programs, important resources, and links to exchange programs with accommodations.  The MIUSA National Clearinghouse is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State.

Visiting the United States, Working in the United States

Visiting the United States, Working in the United States

Visiting the United States, Working in the United States

Visiting the United States,

Working in the United States

NOTE:  It is critically important that you rely on official information when planning a visit to the United States.  Do not assume that unofficial web sites, guidebooks, or the experiences relayed by acquaintances are reliable.  Use the advice and links provided below.

Working in the United States, including teaching, touches upon education because of the frequent requirements to have an educational background of the type and level appropriate for the job you seek.  There are additional resources that may be useful in the process of looking for work, coming to the United States, and obtaining recognition of your qualifications. 

You should begin the process of planning to work in the United States at least a year ahead of when you want to arrive.

PRELIMINARY STEPS

You may work in the United States if you qualify for either a temporary (non-immigrant) visa or a permanent visa (immigrant status) and if you are cleared to enter and stay in the United States.   The number of work visas issued per year is limited by U.S. federal law, and worker exchange programs are limited by the available spaces.

The U.S. Consulate or Consulates in your country have the sole authority to grant or deny visas as well as to determine the type of visa you will receive. 

U.S. Embassies and Consulates provides direct links to the websites of all U.S. Embassies and Consulates.  They can provide resources, information and advice on working in the United States as well as information on the labor market and the visa process.

Countries with Limited or No Visa Services provides information and guidance for persons wishing to come to the United States from countries where U.S. visa services are restricted, suspended, or where there is no U.S. diplomatic presence.

Exchange Programs provides information about exchange programs sponsored by the U.S. government, including programs for scholars, researchers, teachers and other professionals.

SPECIAL INFORMATION FOR INTERNATIONAL TEACHERS

Teachers who want to work in the United States are treated as professional workers and must meet the requirements of the state education agency for certified public school educators or the requirements of a private school or district.

Refer to Professional Recognition for information about meeting U.S. teacher licensure requirements and to the rest of this section for work visa information.

Teachers may also come to the United States on temporary assignments that do not  necessarily require obtaining a U.S. teaching license.

Fulbright Teacher Exchange is a program within the well-known Fulbright Fellowship Program that provides opportunities for exchanges among U.S. and non-U.S. school teachers and administrators.

Individual U.S. states also occasionally have agreements with exchange services and foreign embassies to accept foreign teachers, especially in foreign language and cultural subject areas, for temporary assignments.  Check with individual state departments of education.

Worldwide List of Fulbright Bi-National and Fulbright Commissions provides contact information and links to all overseas Fulbright offices.

Secretary of Education's March 24, 2003 Letter to Chief State School Officers Regarding the "Highly Qualified" Teacher Requirement of ESEA sets forth U.S. Department of Education policy on implementing the Elementary and Secondary Education Act with respect to international teacher exchanges and clarifies that foreign teachers do not need U.S. certification to participate in U.S. teachers exchanges under most circumstances.  The letter provides guidance on how states can use such teachers without endangering their accountability under NCLB Highly-Qualified Teacher requirements.

APPLYING FOR A VISA TO WORK IN THE UNITED STATES

Do not wait to apply for a visa until the last minute.  Make this part of your preliminary planning.

To apply for some work visas you must have a valid offer of work from a U.S. employer who is approved to sponsor visa holders.  For all work-related visas, you must meet all requirements as published by the U.S. Consulate in your country and undergo any required background checks.

Work Visas provides an overview of the categories of persons eligible to work temporarily, the applicable visas, and the visa process.

Visa Information Page provides detailed information about U.S. visas, visa policies, and related issues. 

Business Visa Center provides information on business traveler visas (B-1).

Employment Visas provides detailed information about employment-based visas (E).

Temporary Workers provides information on special visa categories for temporary migrant workers, religious workers (missionaries), and persons engaged in work covered by economic treaties.

Exchange Visitor Visas provides detailed information about the J category visas issued for participants in U.S. exchange programs, including professionals.

Labor Certification: Guest Worker Programs provides information about the analysis done by the U.S. Department of Labor to certify that employers may hire temporary or permanent workers without affecting the jobs, employment prospects or pay of U.S. workers.

US VISIT Program describes the background screening process for all visitors to the United States, including workers, and provides information on how it is implemented.

Special Registration (NSEERS) provides information on the screening process that can be instituted at the request of a U.S. consulate for citizens of designated terrorist-sponsoring countries and for other security reasons.

Visa Wait Times Database allows you to check on the current time, in days, that visa processing takes at each U.S. Embassy and Consulate.

Standardized tests, such as the TOEFL and others, may be required for your visa application depending on the applicable rules and your purpose in coming to the United States.  Go to Standarized Tests for descriptions of these tests and links to their websites.

RECOGNITION OF EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

U.S. employers and professional licensing authorities will need to evaluate your previous education.   It is likely that they will request what we call a credential evaluation, which is a statement of the comparability of your qualifications in the context of the U.S. education system.  These are usually prepared by credential evaluation services.

ENTERING THE UNITED STATES AND WHILE YOU ARE HERE

Visiting the United States FAQs provides answers to common questions concerning issues such as dependents, sponsorship, waivers, changing your visa status, extending your stay in the United States, replacing lost immigration forms, and other legal matters.

Living in the United States, while prepared for students, provides important information on practical matters such as health insurance, housing, money and banking,  telecommunications, safety and law enforcement, dependents who might accompany you, adjusting to U.S. culture and society, and other issues relevant to temporary workers.

U.S. Lawful Permanent Residence ("Green Card") provides information on the legal process of obtaining U.S. permanent residence, changing visa status, and related matters.

Guidelines for Studying in the United States

Guidelines for Studying in the United States

Guidelines for Studying in the United States

Studying in the United States

NOTE:  It is critically important that you rely on official information when planning a visit to the United States.  Do not assume that unofficial web sites, guidebooks, or the experiences relayed by acquaintances are reliable.  Use the advice and links provided below.

The process for coming to the United States to study consists of several important steps.  It is important that you understand and follow the process in order to enjoy a successful study visit.  You should begin the process of planning a study visit at least a year ahead of when you want to enroll in a U.S. school or higher education institution.

PRELIMINARY STEPS

First, you need to review the information presented by USNEI and by EducationUSA, the U.S. Department of State’s online guide to visiting the United States for purposes of study.

Second, you need to contact the EducationUSA Advising Center nearest to you.  The advising center staff and its reference library can answer many questions, help you in your planning, and advise you on programs and the visa process.

Countries with Limited or No Visa Services provides information and guidance for persons wishing to come to the United States from countries where U.S. visa services are restricted, suspended, or where there is no U.S. diplomatic presence.

Go to Financial Assistance for U.S. Study for information and resources that may help you finance a study visit.

EXCHANGES

If you are interested in applying for an exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government, you can find information about the various programs at Exchange Programs to the United States.

Search Designated Sponsors is a searchable database of approved sponsors for student and professional exchange visitors participating in U.S. Department of State exchange programs.

Council for Standards in International Education and Travel (CSIET) provides information about private exchanges for school-age students and school teachers as well as a directory of exchange programs approved by CSIET.

Alliance for International Educational and Cultural Exchange is an organization of private exchange providers for students and educators at all levels that provides information resources and directories of exchange programs.

Mobility International USA (MIUSA) provides information for students with disabilities who may be interested in exchange programs, important resources, and links to exchange programs with accommodations.  The MIUSA National Clearinghouse is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State.

APPLYING TO A SCHOOL OR INSTITUTION

Next, you need to apply to an accredited U.S. school or higher education institution that is approved for issuing the Form I-17 request for a U.S. Consulate to issue you a visa.  You can locate accredited U.S. institutions and programs by going to U.S. Institutions and Programs.

Follow the application requirements set by the admissions office of the institution in which you are interested.  Many institutions have international admissions offices or personnel as well as specific information for international students.  Virtually all U.S. postsecondary institutions have websites, as do most schools.

An online list of schools and institutions approved by the U.S. government to host international students can be found at MAP of SEVIS-Approved Schools, which is searchable by state and territory and provides location information.

NOTE: Check to be sure that any approved school or higher education institution in which you may be interested is also accredited by a recognized U.S. accrediting agency.  Only in this way can you expect authorities in your home country to recognize your U.S. education.  Schools only approved by state government agencies, but not also accredited by a recognized accrediting agency, will usually not be recognized.

Standardized tests, such as the TOEFL and others, may be required both for admission to an academic institution and for your visa application.  Go to Standarized Tests for descriptions of these tests and links to their websites.

RECOGNITION OF EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

U.S. schools and higher education institutions will need to evaluate your previous education.   It is likely that they will request what U.S. educators call a credential evaluation, which is a statement of the comparability of your qualifications in the context of the U.S. education system.  These are usually prepared by credential evaluation services.

Go to Recognition of Foreign Qualifications for important information about this process.

APPLYING FOR A STUDENT OR EXCHANGE VISA

The U.S. Consulate or Consulates designated in your country to process student visa applications has the sole authority to grant or deny visas as well as to determine the type of visa you will receive.  You should check with the U.S. Overseas Educational Advising Center, Embassy or Interests Section to find out which consulates process student and exchange applications.

Do not wait to apply for a visa until the last minute.  Make this part of your preliminary planning.

International Student FAQs provides important information and guidance on regulations and policies for students interested in coming to the United States, including who is eligible to apply for a visa.

EducationUSA Visa Information provides general information and guidance for student and exchange visas as part of the process for planning a study visit.

Visa Information Page provides detailed information about U.S. visas, visa policies, and related issues.

Legal Requirements for F-1 (Student) Visa Holders in Public Schools provides important information on the restrictions governing certain primary and secondary school students seeking to attend U.S. public schools.

Information for Students in Non-Degree Vocational Programs provides useful guidance to postsecondary students planning to enroll in a U.S. non-degree career or technical education program.

Exchange (J) Visas provides detailed information about exchange visas, requirements and eligibility, and processing.

Websites of U.S. Embassies and Consulates provides links to all U.S. embassies and consulates around the world.  The visa section of each U.S. embassy provides important information for student visa applicants from that country, and individual consulates provide specific information relevant to that consulate.

SEVIS Home Page provides detailed information about the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), which is a background checking system that you will be required to use and for which a fee will be charged by the consulate.

Visa Wait Times Database allows you to check on the current average time, in days, that visa processing takes at each U.S. Consulate.

ENTERING THE UNITED STATES AND WHILE YOU ARE HERE

Your primary sources of information and advice while you are in the United States will be the international student advisor at your school or higher education institution, international student organizations, and any U.S. family you may be staying with or your relatives in the United States.  Nevertheless, there are important sources of information and guidance that you need to know about that will help to plan your visit, make it successful, and reduce the anxiety of living in a new and sometimes quite different environment.

International Students and Exchange Visitors provides detailed information, in several languages, about what will happen as you enter the United States and how to ensure that your visa status is maintained while you are here.   It also provides important information about regulations concerning working while you are a student, emergency situations, and other matters.

Visiting the United States FAQs provides answers to common questions concerning issues such as dependents, sponsorship, waivers, changing your visa status, extending your stay in the United States, replacing lost immigration forms, and other legal matters affecting students.

Living in the United States provides important information on practical matters such as health insurance, housing, money and banking, telecommunications, safety and law enforcement, dependents who might accompany you, adjusting to U.S. culture and society, and other issues.

US Education, Diploma Mills and Fraud

US Education, Diploma Mills and Fraud

US Education, Diploma Mills and Fraud

Accreditation and Quality Assurance:

The existence of unaccredited, substandard, and fraudulent postsecondary education providers is a global phenomenon, as is the existence of unrecognized and/or fraudulent accreditors.  It is imperative that students interested in quality postsecondary education focus on institutions that are accredited by recognized national competent authorities, such as recognized accrediting agencies.  Unaccredited institutions and institutions claimed recognition by bogus accrediting agencies should be avoided.  The credits and degrees awarded by unaccredited and bogus providers are unlikely to be recognized by legitimately accredited institutions, official professional licensing authorities, recognition authorities or reputable employers.

For recognized U.S. institutions of higher education and postsecondary career and technical schools, go to Institutions and Programs.

The following resources can help you to avoid substandard and unaccredited institutions, unrecognized accrediting bodies, and academic frauds that have been or are being investigated and prosecuted.

FEDERAL INFORMATION RESOURCES

Diploma Mills and Accreditation is the U.S. Department of Education’s overview and guide to how to recognize fraudulent institutions and accrediting bodies.

Scholarship Scams is the U.S. Federal Trade Commission’s guide to avoiding fake offers of student financial assistance.

GAO Reports on Diploma Mills provides links to reports on diploma mills issued by the U.S. General Accountability Office (GAO), the investigation and auditing agency of the U.S. Congress that has examined how the diploma mill problem affects both U.S. citizens and the federal government.

STATE INFORMATION RESOURCES

NOTE: Because state governments actually oversee the organization and structure of U.S. higher education, the state agencies that publish information about diploma mills and accreditation mills are very important.  Several states agencies now have the legal power to publish “negative lists” of unapproved, unaccredited, or illegal providers.

Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Guide to Unaccredited Degree-Granting Institutions provides links to information on Hawaii’s actions to combat diploma mills, including lists of providers that have recently been prosecuted.

Maine Department of Education Degree Mills and Accreditation Mills Page provides information on Maine laws and procedures and a list of unaccredited institutions known to operate in Maine.

Michigan List of Unaccredited Institutions and Unrecognized Accrediting Bodies is the official Michigan list of illegal providers and accreditors known to operate in that state.

Minnesota Office of Higher Education Tips for Validating a School’s Claims provides links to information resources on state-approved institutions, fraud complaints, and related matters.

New Jersey Statutes & Regulations Regarding Academic Degrees provides information and links to New Jersey regulations prohibiting the use of qualifications earned from institutions not accredited by a recognized accrediting agency.

Oregon Office of Degree Authorization (ODA) provides extensive and authoritative information on diploma ills and other unaccredited institutions, state policies on regulating unaccredited institutions, as well as links to other authorities and an extensive list of diploma mills and other unaccredited and unrecognized providers.   The Oregon ODA is considered authoritative by many other states and is frequently referred to by international authorities as well.

ODA Accreditation Page provides information and a list of accrediting agencies known to be unrecognized and/or fraudulent.

Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board List of Illegal Institutions and Degrees provides a directory of unrecognized and fraudulent institutions know to operate in Texas.

Washington Higher Education Coordinating Board Degree Authorization Page provides information on how institutions and programs are approved, how to avoid diploma mills, and links to state directories and authorities.

Wisconsin Education Approval Board Resources Page provides extensive information on recognized institutions, fraudulent academic credentials,  diploma mills, and the legal process for approving a postsecondary education provider.

INTERNATIONAL INFORMATION RESOURCES

Both UNESCO and the Council of Europe (COE) have suffered due to diploma mill and accreditation mill websites claiming that these international organizations recognize institutions or accrediting bodies.  International organizations have no authority to do this, and mere affiliation with such an organization does not in any way confer educational status or recognition.  Neither UNESCO nor the Council of Europe accredit or recognize institutions of higher education, nor do they recognize or approve accrediting agencies.

UNESCO Disclaimer

Council of Europe (COE) Disclaimer

In addition, several countries have published official warnings and/or lists of unrecognized providers operating in their territory.  These include:

Australian Government Fake Degrees and Unaccredited Providers Alert

Indian University Grants Commission (UGC) Fake University Alerts

Netherlands Center for Information on Diploma Mills (CIDM)

Avoiding Bogus Degrees (UK)

OTHER INFORMATION RESOURCES

CHEA Degree Mills Page provides information and resources on diploma (degree) mills from the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

EAIE Diploma Mills Presentation is a useful guide to resources as well as what to look for in diploma mill websites and advertising, by Ann M. Koenig and various U.S. experts on academic fraud.  Presented at the EAIE annual conference in Basel, Switzerland, 2006.

Dr. John Bear’s Guide on Degree.Net is a detailed introduction to distance learning and the problem of distance learning fraud by one of the leading private authorities on academic fraud and distance education.

Buying a PhD from a University that Doesn’t Exist is a detailed analysis of the fakery involved in sample online diploma mill claims by Dr. George Gollin, a University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign professor of physics.