Are you an international professional seeking to build your American career dreams by applying for jobs in the U.S. with a foreign degree? Well, you are not alone! According to 2024 statistics, the U.S. labor force comprises 19.2% foreign-born workers. These figures represent nearly 30 million professionals who’ve successfully navigated this transition. The educational and health sectors employ the largest share, with 5.5 million workers, while the professional and business services sector employs 4.7 million.
The good news? Employers are actively looking for more international talent. These are not just any jobs; it’s about meaningful careers where your international value is genuinely recognized.
However, let’s not sugarcoat the challenges you might face. Statistics demonstrate that 25% of immigrants with foreign degrees experience skill underutilization, compared to 18% of American-born workers. Common issues that could hinder your career include credential transfer processes, licensing requirements, and challenges in employer recognition.
Recognizing these potential obstacles is vital for developing an effective job search strategy. With the right knowledge and preparation, you can showcase your international qualifications and land the career you deserve by reading what you need to know below.
What U.S. Employers Want to See
American employers require verification of credentials for legitimate business purposes, particularly when eyeing visa sponsorship for international candidates. The verification process helps lessen risks linked with credential fraud and, at the same time, ensures adherence with industry standards.
A comprehensive assessment of an individual’s educational background seeks to examine several key elements. The degree confirmation and institutional accreditation, attendance and graduation dates, field of study alignment with job requirements, and validation of honors or certifications. Employers also cross-index professional profiles to ascertain that consistency is attained throughout all documentation.
Moreover, it is also important to address misconceptions that could possibly deter your success in the job search. English proficiency is a good advantage, but competing effectively also includes an understanding of the business culture and industry-specific jargon. Contrary to the popular belief that a wide range of opportunities is posted on the internet, research has debunked this notion, as 70-85% of positions are never posted online. Networking and direct outreach are the primary strategies employed. Industry requirements differ across sectors. Professions such as healthcare, engineering, and law are regulated and entail credential evaluations for licensing purposes.
Breaking Down the Credential Evaluation Process
Credential evaluation is the bridge between international education and U.S. career opportunities. This systematic process involves accredited organizations. These agencies examine foreign educational credentials for authenticity and their equivalence to the American standards.
Professional evaluators who possess expertise in global educational frameworks methodically review academic transcripts, degree certificates, course descriptions, and supporting documentation. Reviewing these will determine the compatibility with the U.S. education system.
Aside from that, it is also essential to know that evaluation services do not issue new diplomas or transcripts. The U.S. law exempts this authority for recognized institutions of higher education. Instead, they provide detailed reports that compare your credentials to American educational standards. This comes with equivalency statements, credit conversions, and relevant recommendations.
These evaluations are valuable tools for employers, as they offer clear insights into aspirants’ educational backgrounds and competency levels. They enable fair comparisons that facilitate informed hiring decisions while ensuring equitable treatment of all applicants.
Choosing Your Evaluation Partner
When choosing foreign degree evaluation services in the USA, pick a credential evaluation that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). NACES regulates professional standards set for credential evaluation services. Ensure that the U.S. Department of State recognizes the evaluation services.
Upon researching evaluation agencies, inquire about their professional associations, the kinds of evaluations they offer, their report formats, fee structures, processing timeframes, and customer service quality. Also, ask how they handle any disputes that might arise.
In addition, consider your timeframe, as processing can take from hours to several weeks, depending on the chosen credential evaluation service. Make sure that your target employers or licensing boards recognize the credential service.
In conclusion, entering the U.S. job market carrying your international credentials needs strategic preparation and proper documentation. Finding a reliable foreign degree evaluation in the USA serves as an investment in your career advancement. Establishing credential authenticity is a valuable asset that validates your commitment to meeting the standards of American professionals.
Employers view diversity as a competitive edge among applicants, and a proper credential evaluation is vital to help you effectively showcase your authentic qualifications.
Set your evaluation process early and allow ample time to prepare and process your document. With expertly evaluated credentials, you will be well-positioned to land your American dream confidently.
References
7 Myths about Foreign Credential Evaluation. (n.d.). ERES. https://eres.com/blog/myths-about-foreign-credential-evaluation
Ahn, K. (2021, April 13). What are the top three myths of the U.S. job market? Columbia University School of Professional Studies. https://sps.columbia.edu/news/what-are-top-three-myths-us-job-market
Arnita, C. (2024, May 30). Barriers to career advancement among skilled immigrants in the US – Ballard Brief. Ballard Brief. https://ballardbrief.byu.edu/issue-briefs/barriers-to-career-advancement-among-skilled-immigrants-in-the-us
Choosing a credential evaluation service | Study in the USA. (n.d.). International Student. https://www.internationalstudent.com/study_usa/application-process/credential-evaluators/choosing-a-service/
Credential Evaluation 101: What employers need to know. (n.d.). ERES. https://eres.com/blog/what-employers-need-to-know-about-credential-evaluation
How do employers verify education background? (n.d.). https://www.ferretly.com/blog/how-do-employers-verify-education
https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/forbrn.pdf
The 10 most In-Demand jobs in the US right now. (n.d.). Prodigy Finance. https://prodigyfinance.com/resources/blog/indemand-jobs-in-us/
USAFacts. (2025, January 29). Which industries employ the most immigrant workers? USAFacts. https://usafacts.org/articles/which-industries-employ-the-most-immigrant-workers/
Also read: Health and Wealth: 5 Great Healthcare Jobs to Consider
