A combined education and work experience evaluation is used for an H-1B visa petition when the beneficiary does not have a U.S. bachelor’s degree in a directly related field but does have a mix of foreign education and relevant work experience that together may be considered equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree in the specialty occupation.
Work experience evaluation is a critical part of the H-1B visa petition process, especially when a foreign national does not have a U.S. bachelor’s (or higher) degree in a directly related field. It allows USCIS to determine whether the individual has the equivalent of a U.S. degree based on a combination of education and relevant professional experience.
The goal is to prove to USCIS that the foreign national has the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree (typically 4 years) in a field closely related to the offered H-1B position by combining:
- Partial academic education (often foreign)
- Relevant professional work experience
A Master’s degree equivalency may also be achieved through work experience under the USCIS “Bachelor’s plus five rule” in which an individual who possesses a U.S. Bachelor’s degree or foreign equivalent and a minimum of five years of professional work experience may be considered to have the equivalent of a U.S. Master’s degree.
When Is It Needed?
You’ll need a work experience evaluation if:
- You have no degree but extensive, relevant work experience.
- You have a foreign degree in a different field than the H-1B job.
- You have partial college education plus experience.
- You’ve received a USCIS RFE (Request for Evidence) asking for degree equivalency.
It helps US institutions like USCIS and authorities understand when a US equivalency is arrived with a combination of education and work experience.
USCIS generally accepts the “3-for-1 rule”:
Three years of progressive, relevant work experience = one year of U.S. university education.
So, if a person has:
- 2 years of relevant college education (e.g., associate degree), and
- 6 years of related work experience,
They may be evaluated as having the equivalent of a 4-year U.S. bachelor’s degree.
Required Documents:
Required documents typically Include:
- Academic transcripts
- Diplomas or degree certificates
- Work experience letters (if any handy)
- Latest resume
- Total work experience table
- Certified English translations if academic documents are in foreign language – We can help translate your documents or you can get them translated yourself before submitting to us.
Submit copies of all the documents in PDF to contact@aaeevaluations.com
We don’t need originals.
The fee for education/academic evaluation is $115 with 2 business days turnaround.
Payment methods:
Payment methods:
Payments can be made using one of the following (Zelle or ACH are Preferred):
Zelle: accounts@aaeevaluations.com
ACH to our bank account:
BANK OF AMERICA
Account Name: AAE EVALUATION
Account No. 4350 6003 3750
ACH Routing No. 051000017
Credit card authorization: Fill out the attached CC form and authorize us.
Note: We do not accept checks.
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FAQ
Educational Evaluation with Work Experience FAQ’s
Why is it important for working professionals?
It helps employers, licensing bodies, and immigration authorities understand your qualifications and work background in their context.
Why is it important for working professionals?
It helps employers, licensing bodies, and immigration authorities understand your qualifications and work background in their context.
Who should apply for this type of evaluation?
Professionals planning to work or immigrate abroad and those applying for skilled migration programs.
Which countries require this type of evaluation?
Countries like Canada, the USA, Australia, and New Zealand often require both academic and professional background validation.
What documents are needed?
Degree certificates and transcripts
• Experience letters
• Job descriptions or contracts
• Latest resume
Can work experience count toward education equivalency?
In some cases, especially in USA evaluations for employment, relevant experience may substitute for formal education.
Do evaluation agencies verify work experience?
Some agencies verify, while others only assess based on provided documentation.
Which agencies provide this combined evaluation?
• AAE EVALUATIONS (www.aaeevaluations.com) and their combined education and work experience evaluations are well accepted by agencies and USCIS.
Is work experience included in WES evaluations?
No. WES does not evaluate work experience, only academic credentials.
What is a professional work equivalency evaluation?
It compares your job roles, responsibilities, and years of experience to equivalent qualifications or job standards abroad.
Is this required for employment visas?
Yes, particularly for H-1B (USA), Express Entry (Canada), and Skilled Migration (Australia).
Does unpaid work or internship count?
Only if it’s documented and relevant—each agency has different criteria.
How is the work experience measured or evaluated?
By reviewing your job title, duties, employer credibility, duration, and progressive work experience in your field.
Will my evaluation say I’m “equivalent” to a local degree?
Yes, if your work and academic background together match the host country’s qualification standards.
Can I submit documents from multiple employers?
Yes, all relevant, documented experience can be included.
How recent should the work experience be?
All your work experience can be evaluated.
Do I need my employer to send documents directly?
Sometimes yes, especially if the agency requires independent verification.
How much does it cost?
With AAE EVALUATIONS a combined education with work experience will cost $115–$150 with 2 business days turnaround.
How long does it take?
2 to 3 business days after all the documents are submitted and fee is paid.
Where can I start?
For employment-based evaluations (e.g., H-1B), consult us at:
www.aaevaluations.com
contact@aaeevaluations.com
(813) 816-3969
HOW IT WORKS
Our Process
Step 1: Initial Consultation
We begin by understanding your goals for immigration, study, or employment abroad. In this consultation, we review your academic background, career plans, and the specific requirements of the destination country or institution.
Step 2: Document Collection and Review
We guide you in gathering the necessary educational documents, such as transcripts, diplomas, and certificates. Our team carefully reviews each item to ensure they meet international standards and are ready for evaluation.
Step 3: Evaluation and Verification
We assess your academic credentials according to the guidelines of relevant evaluation bodies or immigration authorities. This includes verifying authenticity, determining equivalency, and aligning your qualifications with international education systems.
Step 4: Report Issuance and Support
Once the evaluation is complete, we issue a detailed report that can be used for visa applications, job placements, or university admissions. We also provide support if any additional documentation or clarification is required by foreign agencies.
TESTIMONIAL
Our Review
