WES Blog

A WES evaluation report serves not only as a credential evaluation but also an authentication of academic qualifications. This means that, in addition to providing an educational equivalency, WES verifies document authenticity. As part of the authentication process, WES requires that the appropriate educational authority seal documents and send them directly to WES. Below are […]

Are you considering a move to New Zealand? If so, the first step is to learn what is required. If you have received university degrees, diploma certificates, or similar credentials in another country, the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) requires you to provide verifiable authentication evidence of your academic credentials. A Global Records Verification Report […]

We often hear the question, Can I use my Indian degree in the United States or Canada? The answer is yes! In fact, having your Indian degree evaluated by WES could set you up for your next big opportunity—whether that’s getting re-licensed in your occupation, continuing your education, or seeking employment after graduation.   Let’s talk […]

In 2023, states across the country passed legislation to advance the economic and career mobility of immigrants and refugees (the recent WES 2023 State Policy Report highlights these reforms). During 2024 state legislative sessions, policymakers have renewed opportunities to propose measures that bolster state economic interests and the economic mobility of immigrants and refugees. Labor […]

Once you have applied for a WES credential evaluation, the next step is crucial: document submission and verification. For some applicants, this step can be time-consuming. But what if there was a way to free up your time and still complete this step?   There is, with Qualification Check (QC), our specialist verification partner. QC […]

New funding opportunity seeks to support organizations elevating the voices and influence of immigrants and refugees in United States communities The World Education Services (WES) Mariam Assefa Fund today announced a new grantmaking initiative. Elevating Migrant Leadership: Building Inclusive Futures will support U.S. organizations that are working to strengthen immigrant and refugee voices and leadership.   […]

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of World Education Services (WES). WES does not offer financial advice and recommends that you conduct your own research and consult with a financial professional before making any final decisions related to […]

In the United States, some schools and employers might hesitate to recognize a three-year degree, since most domestic bachelor’s degree programs take four years to complete. Because of this, some Indian students encounter difficulties having their three-year bachelor’s degree recognized in the U.S.  As a result, Indian students may be asked to repeat coursework or […]

Our partners, the many organizations led by immigrants, refugees, and community members with lived experience, never fail to inspire us at the WES Mariam Assefa Fund as we work at the nexus of so much energy and dedication to building inclusive communities and economies. As we kick off the New Year, the Fund team is […]

Since 2020, the Fund Ambassadors Program has played a pivotal role in educating WES staff about philanthropy while supporting mission-aligned immigrant and refugee grassroots organizations in the United States and Canada. As we celebrate the program’s fourth year, the Ambassadors are proud to announce that nine organizations have been selected to receive a total of […]

By Matthias Pries, Impact Investing Manager    “Sometimes you have to be together in a physical space with folks to forge trust and build genuine relationships and connection.” Betty Francisco, CEO of Boston Impact Initiative This idea captures the inspiration for World Education Services’ inaugural investee partner gathering. In late October, ahead of the SOCAP23 […]

Ownership is a key driver of wealth creation, yet many individuals and communities lack access to these opportunities. This ImpactAlpha article, co-authored by Smitha Das, Senior Director of Investments, WES, and Santhosh Ramdoss, President & CEO, Gary Community Ventures, explores emerging investment strategies, such as employee ownership, homeownership, and community wealth building. These approaches have […]

Tips for Completing Your WES Application  A credential evaluation report is an important part of your immigration journey. It helps higher education institutions and employers understand the value of your academic qualifications. The goal of this blog post is to help you complete the credential evaluation process with relative ease.  Keep reading for helpful tips […]

Reflections by the WES Mariam Assefa Fund’s Lauren Crain, director of U.S. grantmaking and strategy, and Shevani Khatri, U.S. program associate  For immigrants and refugees to experience communities as welcoming, inclusive access to economic opportunity is critical. However, in rural communities, there are major gaps in awareness of how and why it is important to […]

Lorinda Grogg has worked at WES for more than 20 years. In her role, she works with and provides support to institutional partners, as well as many WES applicants undergoing the evaluation process. In this piece, she discusses one of the key benefits of a WES credential evaluation: its lifetime value.   I was recently contacted […]

Hina Gul obtained a WES credential evaluation to support her goal of immigrating to Canada. We spoke to Hina about her educational and career plans, and discussed how a credential evaluation will help her begin a new life in Canada.   Teaching to Transform Lives  Meet Hina Gul, a high school teacher in Pakistan. She shares […]

Have you signed into My Account and seen the following status update?   “On Hold: We are waiting for your institution(s) to verify your documents.”   Once WES has received all required documents from an applicant and their institution(s), WES will begin document verification. When this process begins, we will update the applicant’s WES account with the […]

A credential evaluation verifies an individual’s academic credentials, making their educational background and achievements more accessible to institutions and organizations. Institutions such as colleges, universities, employers, and licensing boards commonly review credential evaluation reports as part of their screening process. For these reasons, a credential evaluation is a valuable tool for international students and professionals […]

As a former international student from Thailand, Pat Chaisang’s wish is to support other international students as they begin to pursue fulfilling careers in Canada. This desire ultimately led her to found Isempower – an all-in-one technology platform that helps international students bridge the gap between education and employment.  According to Isempower, 70 percent of […]

Refugees arrive in the United States with tremendous skills, but too often face a tangle of barriers that make it hard for them to get good jobs and other critical supports. And too often, traditional resettlement approaches inadvertently create additional challenges. For example, resettlement agencies are typically focused on ensuring that refugees achieve “rapid economic […]