“When I arrived at the airport, I couldn’t follow what people were saying to me,” Fatoumata recalled of her first moments in New York City. “Even the gate numbers—I had to ask them to write it down. I could understand English on paper, but I couldn’t understand the American accent.”  

Fluent in French and Bambara, Fatoumata studied health sciences in Mali. She completed degrees in both nursing and microbiology, and worked for four years as a licensed nurse before she transitioned to a role in a laboratory. She eventually landed a research testing position with an internationally recognized global health center that develops vaccines.  

With more than seven years of clinical and research experience, plus multilingual skills, Fatoumata was optimistic about her career prospects when she left Mali for the United States. But she quickly learned that her challenges in New York would include English barriers and more. Her credentials, including her nursing license, were not recognized by state licensing boards. Relicensing as a nurse would require her to repeat much of her training and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).  

“The major challenge with the NCLEX was the English, not the medical jargon or the technical concepts,” she explained. “You may never be able to pass those tests if you don’t understand what [the questions] are asking.”  

Fatoumata simultaneously enrolled in English classes and a medical assistant certification program, taking her first steps toward accessing employment in the U.S. health sector. In 2016, she began an entry-level job at a community health organization. Three years later, she decided to once again explore her options for rejoining the nursing profession.  

Aware of the critical nursing shortages in New York and beyond—along with a growing awareness of the ways that a multilingual, culturally competent health workforce is linked to strong communication and patient health outcomes—Fatoumata knew that her training and skills were needed. Yet systemic barriers continued to limit her opportunities—along with those of an estimated 165,000 other immigrants and refugees who hold international health credentials but are unemployed or underemployed in the U.S. More underemployed immigrant and refugee health workers hold nursing degrees than other types of health credentials.  

“I took my credentials—including my nursing license—to a local university, and they told me that I should do a social work program, even though I wasn’t interested in social work. Then I applied for a different nursing program and was on a waiting list for months.”  

In 2020, just before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Fatoumata connected with the New York City Welcome Back Center, a program that supports health workers who hold credentials earned abroad. The center provides services that help these workers reestablish their careers in the U.S.  

“The program felt too good to be true. I had to try it to believe it. There are so many immigrants in the U.S. with good credentials and skills, but they don’t know that programs like this exist,” Fatoumata said.  

Via Welcome Back, Fatoumata joined more than 40 students, many of them internationally trained nurses like her, in a cohort-based program that provided career-aligned English instruction, support in preparing to take the NCLEX, and hands-on assistance navigating New York’s complex occupational licensing requirements. As Fatoumata’s cohort launched during the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing protocols, all courses were held online. Welcome Back also provided technical support, including laptops and internet connections.  

The tailored support was instrumental in boosting Fatoumata’s confidence. She soon believed that she could, in fact, successfully navigate the process. “They told me, ‘the day you have your certificate in hand, the struggle will all be worth it.’”   

Fatoumata approached preparing for the exam with encouragement from Welcome Back staff and her cohort colleagues. She knew that others had taken the NCLEX multiple times before passing it, and she understood that repeated attempts could be part of her experience as well. 

“I had to go through this process to learn English, to understand the social and cultural differences between the U.S. and Mali, and to work as a medical assistant first, to regain my confidence.”  

Fatoumata passed the NCLEX on her third attempt. With a New York nursing license in hand, she applied for multiple positions—and received multiple offers. She now works for a human services non-profit that supports children and adults who have intellectual disabilities. Her work involves home visits and follow-up care via videoconferencing, giving her a flexible schedule that allows her to care for her own family, including her two young children. 

“Nursing is about caring, and I’m excited to be able to care again. I’m very grateful for the Welcome Back program,” Fatoumata says. “I’m also more confident than ever. I tell myself, ‘I have a BSN already—why not be a nurse practitioner?’ One day, maybe I will.”  

The New York City Welcome Back Center is administered through City University of New York’s LaGuardia Community College. It is part of the national Welcome Back Initiative which is a founding member of IMPRINT, a coalition based at WES. Learn more via the WES Global Talent Bridge U.S. Program Map, a directory of more than 100 programs and services that foster the economic and professional development of internationally trained immigrants and refugees. 

The post From Mali to NYC: How Fatoumata Continued Her Healthcare Career appeared first on World Education Services.

When is the best time to obtain a credential evaluation?

We recommend starting the credential evaluation process as early as possible. Since many academic institutions, professional licensing bodies, and employers will require a credential evaluation report, this is an item on your to-do list that you can complete early.  

It is a common misconception that you need to know where you will study or work before starting the credential evaluation process. The truth is that you can order a credential evaluation as soon as you decide that you will move to the U.S. or Canada.  

Once you receive a credential evaluation from WES, you can always sign into My Account and order extra copies of your report to be shared with specific recipients (such as a university’s admissions office or a prospective employer) when the need arises.  

Receiving your credential evaluation early can allow you to turn your attention to other important items on your to-do list, such as securing an appropriate visa, completing necessary language tests, and submitting applications to academic programs or employers. 

How long does it take for WES to complete a credential evaluation?  

The credential evaluation process begins once WES has received and verified all required documents. From this point, the process typically takes up to seven business days, although for Educational Credential Assessments (ECAs) for immigration to Canada, the process can take up to 35 business days.

Read more: How Long Will It Take to Obtain a Credential Evaluation?

What are the advantages of getting a credential evaluation early? 

There are several advantages to receiving a credential evaluation early. Below are a few benefits to consider.  

Inform your research  

Obtaining a credential evaluation before you apply for academic programs or employment can help guide your efforts, as you will know at the outset how your current qualifications are viewed in the U.S. or Canada.  

From there, you can decide whether or not you need to undertake additional coursework or training before approaching a particular academic institution or employer.  

Save time and money 

We have heard many stories of internationally trained immigrants who did not receive a credential evaluation and made the mistake of repeating coursework or an educational level that was already equivalent to their current qualifications.  

You can imagine how much time and money could be wasted by making this mistake. Understanding the U.S. or Canadian equivalency of your international coursework and credentials will ensure that you select the most appropriate courses, programs, or training opportunities to further your education or career.  

Be prepared

Once you receive your credential evaluation, you will be prepared for new opportunities when they arise. Some applicants make the mistake of waiting until an academic institution or potential employer requests a credential evaluation. Having your credential evaluation report available when you need it will help you reach your career and education goals more quickly. 

You might also discover unexpected opportunities to use your credential evaluation report. For example, some international student scholarship applications may ask you to provide proof of your academic achievements. Having a credential evaluation report in hand could help the scholarship provider make an informed and fair decision.   

Start Your Credential Evaluation Early 

In short, your credential evaluation will be a valuable tool to help you reach your educational or professional goals in the U.S. or Canada. Our standard Document-by-Document and Course-by-Course evaluation reports do not have an expiration date. In fact, many applicants end up ordering extra copies of their reports as they continue to pursue new educational or career opportunities.

For those seeking immigration to Canada, it is important to note that ECAs are valid for five years from the date of issue. However, they can be renewed. To extend the validity of a WES ECA, applicants can sign into My Account and order an additional copy of the ECA for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. This will extend the validity of the applicant’s ECA for an additional five years. 

Are you ready to take the next step toward reaching your goals? Prepare for your future with a WES credential evaluation today! 

Related Reading: 

How Long Will It Take to Obtain a Credential Evaluation
Get Started with Your WES Credential Evaluation

The post When Is the Best Time to Obtain a Credential Evaluation? appeared first on World Education Services.

*Not his real name. We are using another name to protect the subject’s identity.  

______________________________________________________________________________

“I’ve known since 8th grade that I wanted to do something in this field. I knew I wanted this career.” 

A self-described “creative soul,” José started working as an intern at an advertising agency when he was 17. Five years later, as a graduate of one of the largest universities in Venezuela, José was instrumental in establishing the institution’s first in-house media agency, launching digital campaigns for the newspaper, radio, and TV platforms in support of university communications. The role catalyzed a 14-year career with the university that would culminate in a role as a communications professor. 

But José’s work in both journalism and higher education made him a target of political retaliation amid a rapidly deteriorating situation in Venezuela. He sought political asylum in New York City, and, after receiving work authorization, took the first job he could to support himself: a sales role with a prepaid wireless service provider. 

“It was totally different from what I was doing in Venezuela. People would ask me, ‘you were a professor, you were a director, what’s going to happen with your career?’ But when you are in a country where you’re alone, you’re on your own, you have to survive. I had to do what I had to do,” José said.  

José’s extensive professional experience – along with his fluency in Spanish, Italian, and English – helped him grow quickly in his new sales role. He was offered a promotion that would have required him to relocate, but instead he opted to stay in New York City and begin to take steps to reestablish his communications career.  

He was among more than 200 applicants for 16 spots in the Collaborative for New Immigrant Education (CINE), a professional development and language upskilling initiative tailored to the needs of college-educated refugees and asylum seekers, offered via New York University (NYU). While other programs had rejected José’s application, citing his advanced English skills and extensive résumé, NYU accepted him.  

“It was the first time since leaving Venezuela that I felt re-immersed in the academic field,” he recalled. “Up until that point, I’d been caught up in daily things – I have to pay rent, I need a job – and I thought that it wasn’t going to be possible to reinsert myself in my professional field. Starting with NYU was like being reborn.”  

The NYU program serves participants who have fled conflict and political instability in many countries, Haiti, Myanmar, Russia, Ukraine, and Venezuela among them. While all the participants have training, experience, and credentials from abroad, systemic barriers – including limited access to effective English instruction – have prevented them from reestablishing their careers in the U.S.

According to the Migration Policy Institute, more than two million college-educated immigrants and refugees are unemployed in the U.S.; sixty percent hold credentials earned in other countries.  

After he completed the program, NYU invited José to continue his engagement as a counselor for a new cohort of CINE participants. At a networking session at NYU, he connected with Upwardly Global, a national non-profit and GTB partner organization that provides job coaching and support to immigrants and refugees who hold credentials from abroad.  

“I thought, ‘this is exactly what I need as a next step,’” José recalled.  

Via Upwardly Global, José has received individualized coaching along with access to online certification programs that complement his Venezuelan credentials. He’s completed more than 60 communications-focused certificates—from copywriting to storytelling—and has learned how to position his multilingual skills and extensive professional experience to local employers. He has also acquired a less tangible but critically important edge in his job search: confidence.  

“Before both NYU and Upwardly Global, I didn’t know what to do—I was disoriented. I tried to follow certain steps to improve my résumé, but it wasn’t enough. Now I understand how the professional market works here.”  

As José strives to reconnect with his communications career—he’s seeking senior-level roles in digital marketing—he is committed to expanding his U.S. work portfolio while also giving back to his community. He provides communications consulting services to various non-profits, including Venezuelans and Immigrants Aid (V(A), a WES Global Talent Bridge partner that supports asylum seekers and other displaced Venezuelans. He’s also committed to aiding others who are just beginning their career journeys in the U.S. 

“There are lots of immigrants coming to this country that don’t know what to do – information is key. When you have that information, especially from people like you that are pursuing the same goals, it’s easier. It gives you confidence to approach a company and explain why you’re a strong candidate – ‘this is what I did in the past, this is what I’m doing now. I’m here, and I want to be available to you.’”  

Upwardly Global is a founding member of IMPRINT, a coalition based at WES; Venezuelan and Immigrants Aid Inc. is a member of the Global Talent Leadership Network (GTLN), an initiative of WES Global Talent Bridge (GTB); the Collaborative for New Immigrant Education (CINE) is a member of GTB’s New York network. Learn more via the WES Global Talent Bridge U.S. Program Map, a directory of more than 100 programs and services that foster the economic and professional development of internationally trained immigrants and refugees

The post Gaining Confidence: How José Launched a Communications Career in the U.S. appeared first on World Education Services.

“I come from a family of engineers – both of my parents and many of my aunts and uncles are engineers. It’s a very technical field, but I’m passionate about it.”  

Betzabeth Guillén spent five and a half years completing a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering in Venezuela—and another eight years working in the country’s petroleum industry. She married a fellow engineer, continuing her family’s tradition in the field. But growing political instability in Venezuela forced Betzabeth and Felix to flee the country. They landed in New York City in 2017, grateful for the opportunity to seek asylum and receive work authorization. Yet they soon realized that the move would likely cost them their careers.  

“You find yourself in a country where you can’t speak your language,” Betzabeth said. “I’ve been working to improve my English for the past three years. I can now understand what I hear, and I respond with short phrases. I can make myself understood when I speak, but it’s still very difficult.”  

Systemic factors including language barriers, limited recognition of credentials earned in other countries, and uneven access to other workforce development opportunities drive the unemployment of an estimated two million college-educated immigrants and refugees in the United States. Sixty percent are internationally trained professionals like Betzabeth and her husband.  

“The prospect of returning to engineering is difficult. Language is the biggest barrier that I have, but I’ve also been told that I need to update a lot of my design certifications, even though they’re the same programs that I worked with in Venezuela. It’s also been difficult to make connections with other people in the field to grow a professional network,” Betzabeth explained. 

In 2019, the birth of the couple’s first child gave Betzabeth a welcome new project to focus on while determining the next steps in her career. She stayed home with the baby and studied English while her husband, similarly unable to reestablish his engineering career, found work in construction to support the family. 

The following year, a connection with Venezuelans and Immigrants Aid (VIA), a WES Global Talent Bridge partner that supports asylum seekers and other displaced Venezuelans in New York, would open new possibilities. VIA referred Betzabeth to the International Rescue Committee (IRC), a global humanitarian relief organization with an office in New York City that offers workforce development and training programs to displaced persons. IRC helped Betzabeth connect with a career pathway in early childhood education, a high-demand field where her growing bilingual skills would be an asset.  

As part of a cohort of students at IRC, she studied child development and completed a certificate in childcare. Betzabeth now works as a bilingual assistant teacher in an early childhood development center in Brooklyn. She cares for infants, and her son participates in the center’s pre-K program in the next room.  

“Working with children reminds me of how amazing and exciting the world can be. Children encourage me to use my imagination and find new and creative ways to do things. And I can be close to my son every day—it makes me very happy,” she said.  

Betzabeth has found a new professional calling that serves both her community and her family. With recent news that both her and her husband’s asylum cases have been approved, she is now eager to put down more permanent roots in the U.S. Still passionate about engineering, she holds on to a long-term goal of returning to the field. 

“I’m happy in my current role but don’t want to leave behind all the years I spent earning my engineering degree and building my career. I’m still interested in energy, especially green energy,” she said. 

Betzabeth recently completed a certification in solar panel installation, part of a growing field that she hopes might one day offer her an opportunity to launch her own business.  

“I appreciate every single person who has helped me achieve my goals,” she said.  

Venezuelan and Immigrants Aid is a participant in Global Talent Leadership Network (GTLN), an initiative of WES Global Talent Bridge; IRC is a partner of the WES Gateway Program. Learn more via the WES Global Talent Bridge U.S. Program Map, a directory of more than 100 programs and services that foster the economic and professional development of internationally trained immigrants and refugees.  

The post From Engineering to Education: How Betzabeth Built A New Career in the U.S. appeared first on World Education Services.

Even if you’re certified in your home country, you might need to re-certify to begin working as an accountant in Canada.  This role requires specific training, testing, and certification in the province or territory where you live or plan to move.  The first thing you need is information about the certification process so you can plan your education and career path.

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Below, we’ve rounded up some useful resources so that you can get started.

Top Resources to Become a CPA in Canada

1.  Attend Free Webinars: Learn about Canada’s accounting certification process directly from professionals in the field. There are plenty of free opportunities to have your questions answered. For example, CPA Ontario regularly hosts webinars to explain how you can apply your international education toward a recognized CPA designation in Ontario, Canada. They discuss the application process, credential equivalency, and the value of getting an evaluation from WES.

2.  WES Credential Evaluations for CPAs: You might need to have your international credentials assessed before you can pursue an accounting or finance-related career in Canada. Here, you will get an overview of the process required to evaluate your past education, pursue entry to Canada, and attain certification as a CPA in Canada. You can also find a list of our academic partners with accounting education programs in Canada. Find out about credential assessments.

3.  Gain recognition as an internationally licensed CPA: If you’re a licensed accountant in a country other than Canada, you might be recognized as a CPA in Canada. Many provinces and territories have established Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs), Reciprocal Membership Agreements (RMAs), or Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with certain qualifying countries or accounting certification boards (although additional exams or experience might be required). You can learn more here.

4.  Learn from other Internationally Trained Accountants: It might help to hear directly from an immigrant who successfully relocated to Canada and became licensed as a CPA. In this blog post, Ivy Anigbogu shares her story and offers words of advice for other internationally educated newcomers who might wish to become accountants in Canada. One tip is to join a Professional Immigrant Network.

5.  How to Pass the CPA Exam in the United States: If you aren’t entirely sure yet if you’d like to move to Canada or the United States to become a CPA (which, in the United States, stands for “Certified Public Accountant” rather than “Chartered Professional Accountant”). If you’d like to compare the career paths and certification processes, you should check out this blog post. It walks you through the steps involved in becoming a CPA as a newcomer to the U.S. Learn more and compare the processes here.

We wish you the best of luck on your journey!

RELATED READING

Why You Should Join a Professional Immigrant Network

The post How to Become a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) in Canada appeared first on World Education Services.

This blog post will address some of the most common questions we receive from applicants about the process and timeline for a WES credential evaluation. 

When will WES start my credential evaluation? 

For WES to start evaluating your credentials, all your required documents must be sent to WES. Once you apply for a WES credential evaluation, you will need to work with your former academic institutions and have them issue your required documents to WES.  

Some academic institutions may take several weeks to process your request and send your documents to WES.  In some cases, WES applicants have experienced delays in obtaining their final credential evaluation because their former institution did not send the required documents in a timely manner. This is why we urge applicants to request their documents from their former academic institutions early in the process.  

To make this process faster and more seamless, we have formed digital partnerships with many institutions around the world that can send an applicant’s required documents via digital channels. If it is not possible for your academic institution to send your files to WES electronically, you can use the Academic Records Request Form to easily submit a request for your documents from your former institution. You can find this form under “My Account.” 

Once WES receives your documents and confirms that you have submitted all the required information and payment, the credential evaluation process begins. We will send you a confirmation email that your documents have been received and an estimated date of completion. 

Even if you do not know who will need to see your credential evaluation report, we always recommend starting the process early. This will ensure that you will be prepared to apply when an academic or employment opportunity presents itself.  

How long will it take to obtain a WES credential evaluation? 

After WES receives all your required documents, the credential evaluation process takes up to seven business days. This timeline only applies to our standard Document-by-Document (DxD) or Course-by-Course (CxC) evaluation reports.  

An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) files can take up to 35 business days to complete. 

However, the evaluation process could take longer if your documents require further verification. If we need to verify your documents, we will send your former institution a verification request. Once your institution has responded to our request, we will update your WES account and continue with the credential evaluation.  

How long will WES keep my application active? 

Once you start your WES application, you have 180 days to complete the application, submit payment, and have your required documents sent. After 180 days, your application will become inactive in our system.  

A reactivation fee applies if you would like to reopen the application.  

When is the best time to obtain a WES credential evaluation? 

Some people make the mistake of waiting too long before applying for a credential evaluation, but waiting often leads to delays. Once you have committed to pursuing an education or career in the U.S. or Canada, that is the perfect time to apply for a WES credential evaluation. Remember, a credential evaluation is not only a requirement in many cases—it can help you achieve your educational or professional goals. 

Take the first step toward accomplishing your goals—create a WES account today!  

Related reading: 

Get Started with Your WES Credential Evaluation
How to Send Electronic Academic Records to WES 

The post How Long Will It Take to Obtain a WES Credential Evaluation? appeared first on World Education Services.

An ECA is required by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for the Express Entry immigration stream. However, an ECA does not include two pieces of information: the Admission Requirement of your previous academic credential or the Length of the Program. This information is generally required for employers, colleges, universities, and professional licensing bodies in Canada. A WES CxC or DxD evaluation report can fulfill this requirement.  

In this blog post, we will explore a few reasons to consider upgrading your ECA. 

Overview of the Evaluation Types 

First, let’s review our two primary types of evaluation reports:  

• Document-by-Document (DxD): A standard DxD report identifies and describes each credential—such as a degree or diploma—that you submit to WES. This evaluation provides the Candian equivalency of each credential. A DxD is most often used for employment purposes and in some cases for licensing bodies. You can see a sample of a DxD evaluation on this webpage.
   
• Course-by-Course (CxC): Like the DxD, a CxC evaluation provides the Canadian equivalency of each credential you have earned. This evaluation also provides a detailed analysis of each academic course listed on your transcript. You will receive your semester credits, grades converted, and calculated GPA. You can see a sample of a  CxC evaluation on this webpage. 

When to Upgrade to a CxC or DxD Report

The heading on your ECA clearly states that it is for immigration purposes only. For that reason, thousands of applicants upgrade their ECA to a CxC or DxD report to provide to colleges, universities, employers, and professional licensing bodies in Canada. Additionally, upgrading your report can help you prepare for new opportunities as they arise.

Below are three of the top reasons you may need to upgrade your ECA:  

• You are returning to school to complete a degree: If you are transferring to a new school in order to finish your previous or current program, then you might need a CxC. The Canadian institution you are applying to will need to thoroughly assess the courses you have completed thus far. A CxC may help you avoid having to repeat courses and will show that you are an excellent candidate for an institution or program. Note: WES provides CxC evaluation reports for in-progress and incomplete degree programs.
   
• You are applying for a professional license: Licensing bodies in Canada often require a CxC or DxD. If you earned some or all of your credentials abroad but want to apply for a professional license in Canada, then you might need to provide the detailed CxC to show the scope of courses you have taken as well as how your credit hours and grades convert to Canadian standards. However, some licensing bodies only require a DxD, so be sure to contact your local licensing body to confirm its requirements.
   

• You are applying to college or university: You will most likely need to upgrade your ECA if you are applying to a college or university program in Canada. Be sure to check with the institution and confirm its credential evaluation requirements. Most will ask for a more in-depth review of your academic history than a DxD report provides.
   

Final Thoughts

Are you ready to take the next step in your career or education in Canada? If you have decided that you need to upgrade your ECA, then the next step is to log in to your WES Account. In your account, you will be able to learn what information is required to upgrade your ECA. In many cases, you will not need to send new documents.*  

If you are a new applicant or want further information on upgrading your WES ECA, please visit our Evaluations and Fees page to learn more. 

*Due to regulatory requirements, applicants who obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) as part of the requirement to apply to certain Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) programs may, after 10 years, have limited access to their credential evaluation reports and other documents.   

Related Reading

Will Going Back to School in Canada Help Your Career?

The post Why You Should Upgrade Your Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) in Canada appeared first on World Education Services.

It can be helpful to know the difference before you begin your application for a WES credential evaluation. This post will explain how ICAP can save you time, effort, and money.

Ready to get started? Create an account now and select WES ICAP.

Why You Should Choose ICAP  

There are several benefits to choosing ICAP when you order a credential evaluation from WES.  

More Flexibility: Ordering ICAP is a smart choice if you are not yet sure how you will use your credential evaluation. By choosing ICAP, we will evaluate your credentials and securely store your transcripts and your evaluation report after your evaluation is complete. ICAP makes it easy to send your report to future recipients as needed. Still unsure if ICAP is right for you? You have three opportunities to decide whether to order or upgrade to ICAP.

• Choose ICAP during your initial application phase. 
• Upgrade to ICAP while we are preparing your credential evaluation report. 
• Order ICAP (go to My Account) after your report has been completed.

Less Effort: Some institutions require original transcripts and degree certificates. WES will send those institutions copies of the documents directly, in addition to your credential evaluation report, saving you time and effort. As mentioned above, WES will also store your documents after your credential evaluation has been completed. In the future, this will make it easier to send verified transcripts to other designated recipients on your behalf. However, ICAP does not include any extra or separate reports. You must still order copies of your credential evaluation as needed. When you do, you will find that ordering duplicate reports is more affordable through ICAP. See below for more information on pricing.

Save Money: In the United States, ICAP costs US$47 for in-progress evaluations and US$84 for completed evaluations. In Canada, ICAP costs CA$37 for in-progress evaluations and CA$104 for completed evaluations. (If you order an Educational Credential Assessment for Canadian immigration purposes, please note that ICAP is already included in the price.) Many applicants request extra copies of their reports in the future. In this case, ordering ICAP now will save you money. With ICAP, you can order extra copies later for $32 (US and CA). Without ICAP, the price of is $52 (US and CA) per report, so ICAP provides a discount of $20 (US and CA).

WES Digital Badge: Another exciting ICAP advantage is the WES Digital Badge. A digital badge allows you to showcase your verified credentials on digital channels such as a website, email, or on social media.  

Get Started with WES ICAP

Selecting ICAP when you order a WES credential evaluation allows you to spend more time focusing on your career and education goals in the U.S. or Canada. Let WES be part of your journey. Create your WES account and get started today! 

Note: All WES credential evaluation reports received after January 1, 2007, are eligible for an ICAP upgrade. 

Related Reading

WES Digital Badges

Tips for Completing Your WES Application

Get Started with Your WES Credential Evaluation

The post Benefits of WES International Credential Advantage Package (ICAP) appeared first on World Education Services.

From taking English language tests and completing the Common Application to learning about financial aid and scholarships, navigating the U.S. college application process doesn’t need to be as complicated as it may seem. 

Benefits of Pursuing Higher Education in the U.S. 

International student enrollment at U.S. universities declined by 15 percent in the 2020/21 school year because of COVID-19. However, according to the Open Doors 2022 report released by the Institute of International Education (IIE) and the State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, new international student enrollments have increased by 80 percent. Pursuing higher education in the U.S. can be advantageous when you enter the workplace. Many international students want to study in the U.S. for the following reasons: 

• Access to a diverse array of academic majors and programs 
• Potential advantages in gaining job prospects 
• Internship opportunities at global companies  
• World-class facilities and student resources 

How to Apply to a U.S. University 

Navigating the university application process is easier if you know what to expect. Most U.S. university websites include application instructions and requirements. The usual requirements are an academic transcript, test scores, statement of purpose, résumé, and payment of the application fee. 

Planning is essential for a smooth and successful university application process. Below are some of the most important considerations when you are applying to a U.S. university as an international student. 

Application Deadlines 

In some cases, U.S. universities have different deadlines for international students and U.S. residents. Each university has its own application deadlines, but most accept applications for either spring or fall admission. Refer to the university website for specific deadline details.   

You might also check to see if the U.S. university you’re applying to offers options for early action or early decision. This means you can get an early admission decision. However, make sure to confirm the details with the university. Early decisions are generally binding; that is, if you are accepted, then you are required to enroll in that institution. Early action allows more flexibility, and you can consider offers from other schools. Read more about the difference between early action and early decision.   

Common Application 

Most U.S. universities require applicants to complete the Common Application. The Common Application (also called the Common App) is a centralized application form that you need to fill out only once, even if you’re applying to multiple universities. This saves you time and effort as you consider different U.S. study options. 

Obtain a Credential Evaluation 

When applying to a U.S. university, you will be required to provide an evaluation of your international education and credentials. A credential evaluation assesses your academic records according to U.S. standards.  

It’s a good idea to begin the credential evaluation process early—even before you know which U.S. universities you will apply to. Obtaining your credential evaluation report early will help you avoid delays and allow you to focus on all the other application requirements. 

Standardized Tests and Language Requirements 

As you apply to U.S. universities or colleges, you will need to show proof that you passed standardized tests and met language requirements. If you plan to enter an undergraduate program in the U.S., you should submit your SAT or ACT scores. For graduate programs, you need to take the GRE or GMAT, depending on the program you’re applying to. 

International applicants also need to show proficiency in the English language. You can comply with this requirement by passing one of the commonly accepted English language tests, such as IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, and C1 Advanced. 

Student Visa 

You need to be accepted by a U.S. university in order to apply for a student visa, so this is usually one of the final steps in the application process. The university will provide you with the acceptance letter — usually as a Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 —which you will present to the U.S. embassy when you apply for your student visa.  

Financial Aid and Scholarships 

The cost of living in the U.S. and your tuition fees could be higher than you expected, so it is common for international students to apply for scholarships or financial aid. Visit the Education USA website to search for financial aid opportunities or contact your institution directly and ask about any scholarships, grants, or other aid it may offer. 

Ready to take the next steps in your educational journey? Let WES support your dreams of studying in the U.S.! Create your WES account and get started today. 

Related Reading

The International Student’s Guide to Funding and Visas

The post How To Apply To A U.S. University as an International Student appeared first on World Education Services.

In this blog post, we will explore a few reasons to consider upgrading to a CxC evaluation. 

Overview of the Evaluation Types  

First, let’s review our two primary types of evaluation reports:  

• Document-by-Document (DxD): A standard DxD report identifies and describes each credential—such as a degree or diploma—that you submit to WES. It also provides the equivalent credential in terms of U.S. or Canadian education. A DxD is appropriate for immigration and employment purposes, and for entering a college or university program as a first-year student. 
   
• Course-by-Course (CxC): Like the DxD, a CxC evaluation provides the U.S. or Canadian equivalency for each credential you have earned. But this evaluation also includes a detailed analysis of each course listed on your transcript. In addition to providing the equivalent credential, the CxC includes your semester credits and grades converted and a calculated GPA. A CxC evaluation meets the requirements of licensing boards and higher education graduate programs. evaluation is appropriate for licensing boards and for higher education such as a graduate program. 

You can see a sample of the DxD and CxC evaluations here.

When to Upgrade to a CxC Report 

Each year, thousands of applicants upgrade their WES standard DxD report to a CxC report. CxC is required by many colleges, universities, and professional licensing bodies in the U.S. and Canada. Additionally, upgrading your report can help you prepare for new opportunities in your career and education. 

Below are three reasons for upgrading to a CxC report.  

• You are returning to school to complete a degree: If you are transferring to a new school to finish your previous or current program, then you might need a CxC. The U.S. or Canadian institution you are applying to will need to thoroughly assess the courses you have completed thus far. A CxC may prevent you from having to repeat courses and shows that you are a good candidate for an institution or program. 

  Note: WES provides CxC evaluation reports for in-progress and incomplete degree programs.

• You are applying for a professional license: Licensing boards (also known as licensing bodies) in the U.S. and Canada often require a CxC. If you earned some or all of your credentials abroad but want to apply for a license in the U.S. or Canada, then you might need to provide a detailed CxC to show the scope of courses you have taken as well as how your credit hours and grades convert to U.S. and Canadian standards. However, before applying for an academic credential evaluation, contact your local licensing board or body to confirm its requirements.
   
• You are applying to college or university: You will most likely need to upgrade to a CxC if you are applying to a college or university program in the U.S. or Canada. Be sure to check with the institution and confirm its credential evaluation requirements. Most institutions will ask for a more in-depth review of your academic history than a DxD report provides. Also, with a CxC, you can negotiate credit transfers with the institution you are applying to.   

Final Thoughts  

It is important to note that upgrading your evaluation report can only be done within the same country where you initially obtained your WES evaluation report, either in the U.S. or in Canada.  For example, if you previously ordered an ECA for Canada and you’re now interested in getting a CxC that showcases your courses, credit hours, grades, and GPA, then you need to apply for a Canadian CxC.   

Ready to upgrade to a CxC evaluation? Take the next steps and log in to your WES Account.  

Related Reading

Evaluations and Fees

The post What Is a Course-by-Course Evaluation and When Do I Need One? appeared first on World Education Services.