United States
United States
NEW YORK, NY—(June 24, 2022) Yesterday the U.S. Senate passed the Bridging the Gap for New Americans Act, S.3157, bipartisan legislation that calls on the U.S. Department of Labor to study the systemic barriers that impact internationally trained immigrants’ and refugees’ employment opportunities and issue recommendations for reform. The measure received strong bipartisan support as an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act of 2022 (NDAA) in September 2021, but after a compromise was reached that removed many amendments from the NDAA Congress passed a revised version of the defense spending bill that did not include the study. The bill now moves to the U.S. House of Representatives.
At least two million college-educated immigrants and refugees are currently underemployed or unemployed in the U.S.; sixty percent hold international credentials, according to the Migration Policy Institute. This historic legislation makes progress toward strengthening the U.S. workforce and promoting the economic mobility of internationally trained immigrant and refugee workers.
“The Senate’s passage of the Bridging the Gap for New Americans Act is a recognition of the critical need to address systemic barriers that prevent immigrants and refugees who hold international credentials from restarting their careers in the U.S.,” said Esther Benjamin, CEO and Executive Director of World Education Services (WES). “Several states across the country have implemented reforms to open pathways to ensure that everyone can reach their educational and career goals in the U.S. Now Congress must do its part to promote economic justice and more inclusive, equitable workforces.”
World Education Services (WES) is a non-profit social enterprise dedicated to helping international students, immigrants, and refugees achieve their educational and career goals in the United States and Canada. For more than 45 years, WES has set the standard of excellence in the field of international academic credential evaluation. Through WES Global Talent Bridge, the organization joins with institutional partners, community-based organizations, and policymakers to help immigrants and refugees who hold international credentials fully utilize their talents and education to achieve their academic and professional goals. Its philanthropic arm, the WES Mariam Assefa Fund, supports catalytic leaders and organizations working to build inclusive economies and to ensure that immigrants and refugees can achieve their aspirations and thrive.
Based at WES, the IMPRINT Coalition advances public policy and promising models that support the economic inclusion of immigrants and refugees who hold international credentials in the U.S. The IMPRINT Coalition envisions a United States that values the education, skills, and experience of immigrants and refugees and ensures equitable access to pathways for success. In September 2021 the Coalition launched the #UntappedTalent: Inclusive Economies for All campaign to advance policies that are inclusive of all workers and open pathways so that everyone has a fair chance of reaching their educational and career goals. Learn more about the #UntappedTalent campaign.
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NEW YORK, NY—(January 26, 2022) Last week, the Biden-Harris administration announced efforts to expand opportunities for international students to gain practical experience and contribute their education and skills to the U.S. workforce. Building on the Joint Statement of Principles in Support of International Education issued by the U.S. Department of State and Department of Education in July 2021, these reforms include a new program to facilitate the research, training, and education of early-career exchange visitors; the addition of 22 new fields of study to the STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) program; and the removal of barriers for eligible international STEM students to remain in the U.S. post-graduation.
World Education Services (WES) welcomes these steps to strengthen opportunities for international STEM students and reaffirms its recommendations to create more accessible pathways for international students to apply their education and training in the U.S.—including pathways to permanent residency for all international students.
“The new policies announced by the Biden-Harris administration send a clear message to international students that their talents and contributions are recognized and valued,” said Esther Benjamin, CEO and Executive Director of WES. “We commend the administration for responding to our calls for more welcoming policies that promote the U.S. as a leader in international education and hope to see the U.S. continue to demonstrate leadership by creating and advancing inclusive policies that benefit all international students.”
Read MoreWorld Education Services (WES) Global Talent Bridge is dedicated to helping immigrants and refugees who hold international credentials fully utilize their skills, leverage their training, and achieve their academic and professional goals in the United States. WES Global Talent Bridge recognizes the integral role of organizations that are run for immigrants by immigrants in fostering pathways that enable success and advancing programs and policies that promote equity and economic inclusion. The Global Talent Leadership Network (GTLN), a recent initiative of WES Global Talent Bridge, serves as a hub for immigrant- and refugee-led organizations in the U.S., channeling the power and potential of networks to amplify the efforts of immigrant and refugee leaders.
Read MoreWorking with WES is simple and requires no contract or commitment. Academic institutions, employers and other organizations refer their candidates to WES for credential evaluation services just as they would for admissions testing or other external services. Candidates then work directly with us and designate your organization as the recipient of WES Evaluation Reports.
Read MoreOTTAWA, ON—(Nov. 12, 2021) Last night, at the Groningen Declaration Network annual meeting, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) and World Education Services (WES) signed a partnership agreement that will ensure eligible refugees and displaced individuals can have their qualifications assessed and recognized in South Africa.
A significant number of individuals seeking SAQA’s foreign evaluation services are refugees and those who have been forcibly displaced. They often face challenges in meeting SAQA’s application criteria to have their qualifications assessed for recognition.
WES will serve as a collaborative partner to SAQA in developing a pilot initiative in line with its Recognition Model for Refugees and Asylum Seekers to assess and recognize the credentials of those with incomplete or partial documentation. The one-year pilot will begin in 2022 to develop a customized model for South Africa that incorporates global best practices–including the methodology developed by WES through its Gateway Program, the UNESCO Qualifications Passport, as well as practices from the Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education (NOKUT). This unique pilot in South Africa will build on established practices and expand into the principles of RPL (recognition of prior learning)-informed documentation process used by WES in its assessment of credentials and qualifications of refugees and displaced individuals.
WES developed a recognized model for evaluating incomplete or partial documentary evidence in 2016. Canada was welcoming thousands of Syrian refugees who were educated and skilled but left their home with little to nothing. They faced challenges in proving their academic qualifications which was preventing them from being able to continue their education or find employment in Canada. After a successful pilot, the program scaled to what is now the WES Gateway Program that assesses the educational credentials of individuals in the U.S. and Canada who have been displaced due to adverse circumstances in their country of education and have limited proof of academic achievements.
“There are millions of people across the globe who are being forcibly displaced. It is imperative that there are appropriate systems in place to ensure that education and skills are recognized—no matter where someone lands. WES is honored to work with SAQA in building and testing a method that works for South Africa,” says WES’ CEO and Executive Director, Esther T. Benjamin.
In her statement, SAQA CEO, Dr Julie Reddy added, “SAQA is committed to providing lifelong learning opportunities, and enabling access to meaningful and sustainable livelihood opportunities to all people who live in South Africa. We welcome this opportunity to work with WES on this exciting and innovative project to validate and recognise the qualification achievements of the refugee community in South Africa.”
About WES
WES is a non-profit social enterprise dedicated to helping international students, immigrants, and refugees to achieve their educational and career goals in the United States and Canada. For more than 45 years, WES has set the standard of excellence in the field of international academic credential evaluation. Through WES Global Talent Bridge, the organization joins with institutional partners, community-based organizations, and policymakers to help immigrants and refugees who hold international credentials fully to utilize their talents and education to achieve their academic and professional goals. Its philanthropic arm, the WES Mariam Assefa Fund, supports catalytic leaders and organizations working to build inclusive economies and to ensure that immigrants and refugees can achieve their aspirations and thrive.
About SAQA
SAQA is a statutory entity that was established over 25 years ago to design and implement a transformative National Qualifications Framework to reform and integrate a fractured education and training system. It is the only entity mandated by the South African National Qualifications Framework (NQF) to provide an evaluation and advisory service to recognise the foreign qualifications of its citizens and foreign persons who seek to pursue further studies and work opportunities in South Africa. SAQA is a key player in the implementation of the Addis Ababa Convention which provides a framework for the recognition of academic qualifications throughout Africa and has a special clause on creating a special dispensation for the recognition of qualifications of refugees, asylum seekers, and other displaced persons.
Read MoreNEW YORK, NY—(November 4, 2021) Yesterday the Bridging the Gap for New Americans Act was introduced in the U.S. Senate, following its passage out of the U.S. House of Representatives with strong bipartisan support in September. As the U.S. welcomes Afghan evacuees, this legislation takes a critical step toward addressing the systemic barriers that limit the employment opportunities of immigrants and refugees with international education and experience, filling worker gaps in essential industries, and ensuring an inclusive economic recovery.
The Bridging the Gap for New Americans Act calls upon the U.S. Department of Labor to study the factors that limit the employment opportunities of immigrants and refugees who hold international credentials. More than 120 national and local organizations have signed a letter urging Congress to support the legislation.
“There are at least 2 million immigrants and refugees with college degrees who are unemployed or underemployed in the U.S.; 60 percent hold international degrees. This underutilization of talent harms workers, communities, and the economy,” said WES CEO and Executive Director Esther Benjamin. “As the nation works to develop inclusive and diverse workforces, policymakers can seize this opportunity to tackle the systemic barriers that prevent immigrants and refugees from advancing their careers in the U.S.”
About World Education Services (WES)
World Education Services (WES) is a non-profit social enterprise dedicated to helping international students, immigrants, and refugees achieve their educational and career goals in the United States and Canada. For more than 45 years, WES has set the standard of excellence in the field of international academic credential evaluation. Through WES Global Talent Bridge, the organization joins with institutional partners, community-based organizations, and policymakers to help immigrants and refugees who hold international credentials fully utilize their talents and education to achieve their academic and professional goals. Its philanthropic arm, the WES Mariam Assefa Fund, supports catalytic leaders and organizations working to build inclusive economies and to ensure that immigrants and refugees can achieve their aspirations and thrive.
About IMPRINT
Based at WES, IMPRINT is a national coalition working to advance public policy and promising models that support the economic inclusion of immigrants and refugees with international credentials in the U.S. IMPRINT envisions a United States that values the education, skills, and experience of immigrants and refugees and ensures equitable access to pathways for success. Join the IMPRINT Coalition’s #UntappedTalent: Inclusive Economies for All campaign to advance policies that are inclusive of all workers and to open pathways so that everyone has a fair chance of reaching their educational and career goals.
Western University - Undergraduate Admissions
Read MoreNEW YORK, NY—(September 29, 2021) Last week, bipartisan legislation directing the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) to conduct an interagency study of the barriers that limit employment opportunities for immigrants and refugees with international credentials passed the U.S. House of Representatives as an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
First introduced as a stand-alone bill with bipartisan support in August 2020, the Improving Opportunities for New Americans Act was reintroduced in June 2021 with six co-sponsors. In August 2021, World Education Services (WES) joined 120 organizations in urging members of Congress to co-sponsor the bill.
WES applauds this progress and calls on the Senate to pass the legislation into law.
In June, WES’ Executive Director and CEO Esther Benjamin stated that the legislation is “critical to helping advance economic opportunity for all and redressing inequities that prevent immigrants and refugees from rejoining their fields in the U.S.”
Read more about the legislation in WES Global Talent Bridge’s recent blog post.
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About World Education Services (WES)
World Education Services (WES) is a non-profit social enterprise dedicated to helping international students, immigrants, and refugees achieve their educational and career goals in the United States and Canada. For more than 45 years, WES has set the standard of excellence in the field of international academic credential evaluation. Through WES Global Talent Bridge, the organization joins with institutional partners, community-based organizations, and policymakers to help immigrants and refugees who hold international credentials fully utilize their talents and education to achieve their academic and professional goals. Its philanthropic arm, the WES Mariam Assefa Fund, supports catalytic leaders and organizations working to build inclusive economies and to ensure that immigrants and refugees can achieve their aspirations and thrive.
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Read MoreCanadian Alliance of Dental Technology Regulators (CADTR)
Read MoreNEW YORK, NY—(September 20, 2021) World Education Services (WES) is dedicated to creating a world in which everyone is able to put their education, experience, and skills to work anywhere in the world. The humanitarian crises now unfolding in Afghanistan and Haiti have spurred the organization to act in line with this vision by donating to five organizations that work directly with Haitians and Afghans.
“In this moment and as a social enterprise that serves international students, immigrants, refugees, we have a responsibility and obligation to act,” says WES CEO and Executive Director, Esther T. Benjamin. “Our contributions, funneled through five organizations with deep expertise and relationships among the individuals and global communities we serve, will help to ensure the smoothest possible road to recovery for newly displaced Afghans and Haitians—including those who are seeking to build new lives in the U.S. and Canada.”
WES donations have gone to the following organizations:
WES is also a founding partner of Lifeline Afghanistan, a newly established network of individuals and organizations supporting the resettlement of Afghan refugees in Canada.
WES views these actions as first steps in helping affected individuals to recover and integrate into their new communities. Over the coming months and years, the organization will continue to support and drive mid- and long-term efforts to ensure not just successful resettlement, but the social and economic integration and inclusion of displaced individuals and refugees in the U.S. and Canada.
Read MoreSince 1974, WES has been committed to the success of the international students, immigrants and refugees who look to the United States as a place to fulfill their dreams. With a staff that represents 37 nations and speaks more than 40 languages, WES ...
Read MoreNEW YORK, NY—(August 19, 2021) WES is deeply concerned by the deteriorating situation in Afghanistan. Thousands of Afghans have been forced to flee their homes, and the fate of many who remain is uncertain.
WES welcomes the efforts of governments around the world to expedite special migration pathways. We urge the U.S. and Canadian governments to ensure the safety and well-being of Afghans, particularly those who are most vulnerable to persecution. We stand with our global partners who are working to ensure the evacuation and resettlement of refugees.
Given our mission to support the global mobility of all people, including those forcibly displaced, WES has an obligation to act. We are determining how WES can best help in this moment and will share an update as soon as we can on how we are directing resources to organizations that are working to meet the needs of Afghan refugees.
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Read MoreAlgoma University
Read MoreNEW YORK, NY—(August 3, 2021) World Education Services (WES) joins Church World Service, International Rescue Committee, National Immigration Forum, National Skills Coalition, New American Economy, and Upwardly Global, together with more than 120 national, state, and local organizations, in urging Congress to co-sponsor the Improving Opportunities for New Americans Act. This bipartisan legislation would direct the United States Department of Labor to conduct an interagency study of the barriers that impact employment opportunities of immigrants and refugees who hold international credentials.
Read the full sign-on letter urging members of Congress to co-sponsor the Improving Opportunities for New Americans Act:
Dear Members of Congress,
On behalf of more than 120 national, state, and local organizations, we write to express our support for The Improving Opportunities for New Americans Act of 2021. This bipartisan legislation directs the United States Department of Labor (DOL) to study the barriers that lead to the underemployment and unemployment of immigrants and refugees who hold professional credentials earned in other countries.
Immigrants, refugees, and asylees are eager to contribute their experience and training in the U.S. Yet because of systemic barriers, including the lack of recognition of their international education and experience, more than two million immigrants with college degrees are underemployed or unemployed in the U.S.; 60 percent of them have international credentials, according to a report from the Migration Policy Institute. This underutilization of talent limits workforce diversity and robs us of the urgently needed social, cultural, and linguistic abilities of immigrant and refugee workers. It also results in nearly $39.4 billion in forgone earnings and $10 billion in unrealized tax payments.
Dr. Sura Alsaffar, for example, spent 16 years practicing as a physician in both Syria and Iraq. She treated patients during extreme war conditions but was ultimately forced to flee as a refugee. Despite her extensive experience and efforts to successfully pass all three steps of the U.S. Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE), Dr. Alsaffar’s medical career has stalled in the U.S. She earns $15 an hour as an administrative assistant; to re-enter the medical field, she is working with the job coaching non-profit Upwardly Global. As the COVID-19 pandemic strains the U.S. health sector and the nation faces a looming physician shortage, cumbersome barriers to licensure prevent qualified professionals like Dr. Alsaffar from re-establishing their careers.
“Coming to the U.S. was a dream come true for us. We were so grateful to have the opportunity to move to a safe place. But our safety has also cost me my career. And it’s been hard to sit on the sidelines during this pandemic, when I know that I have experience to contribute,” Dr. Alsaffar says.
Refugees and immigrants are vital to the prosperity of our communities, and their inclusion will be critical to the nation’s economic recovery. In 2015 alone, nearly 2.3 million refugees earned a collective $77.2 billion in household income, contributed $20.9 billion in taxes, and held $56.3 billion in spending power. Immigrants make up more than 16 percent of all U.S. health workers; 8 percent of teachers; 25 percent of the biopharmaceutical manufacturing industry; and 25 percent of IT professionals.
As the U.S. recovers and rebuilds, the need to integrate immigrants and refugees into the workforce is increasingly urgent. The Improving Opportunities for New Americans Act of 2021 marks an important step in building a resilient workforce and robust economy, and we urge all members of Congress to co-sponsor this bill.
Sincerely,
African Advocacy Network
African Bridge Network
Amplio Recruiting
Arlington Public Library
Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, AFL-CIO
Bellevue Program for Survivors of Torture
Boulder Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
CAMI Health
Career Solutions
Chicago Citywide Literacy Coalition
Chicago Jewish Coalition for Refugees
Chicago Jobs Council
Chinese Mutual Aid Association
Office of Social Justice, Christian Reformed Church
Church World Service (CWS)
Cincinnati Compass
Coalition for Adult Basic Education (COABE)
Colorado Organization for Latina Opportunity and Reproductive Rights (COLOR)
Community College Consortium for Immigrant Education (CCCIE)
Community Refugee & Immigration Services (CRIS)
Comunidad Maya Pixan Ixim
Consortium of Physicians From Latin America (COPHYLA)
Council on American-Islamic Relations in Missouri (CAIR-MO)
Disciples Refugee & Immigration Ministries
Dominican Sisters of Houston
Dover Adult Learning Center
Ethiopian Community Development Council (ECDC)
Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon
Edgewater Castle FC
Eleser Corp
Empowering Communities Globally: For the Care of Children
English for New Bostonians
Faith in Public Life
Fellowship Southwest
Gainesville’s Interfaith Alliance for Immigrant Justice
GirlForward
Glen Oaks Community College
Global Cleveland
HIAS
Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters, Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) ministry
ICNA Relief
IMPRINT
Institute for Immigration Research (IIR)
InterFaith Works of Central New York
International Institute of Buffalo
International Institute of Metropolitan Detroit
International Institute of St. Louis
International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP)
International Rescue Committee (IRC)
Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services (IRIS)
Jewish Family and Career Services (JFCS) Louisville
Jobs for the Future (JFF)
Journey’s End Refugee Services
Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR)
Livefully Corp
League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)
Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS)
Maine Business Immigration Coalition
Massachusetts Immigrant & Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA)
Mc2
Médicos Unidos Venezuela USA
Mennonite Central Committee U.S.
Middle Eastern Immigrant and Refugee Alliance
MIRR (Migrant, Immigrant, Refugee Rights) Alliance
Motherland Beauties
National Council of Churches USA
National Immigration Forum
National Network for Immigrant & Refugee Rights (NNIRR)
National Partnership for New Americans (NPNA)
National Skills Coalition
Nebraska Appleseed
New American Economy
New American Pathways
New Women New Yorkers
New York Immigration Coalition
Niskanen Center
New York City Employment and Training Coalition (NYCETC)
One Refugee
Ozark Literacy Council
Palm Beach State College
Pars Equality Center, Los Angeles
Pennsylvania Council of Churches
Per Scholas
Phipps Neighborhoods
PODER
Portland Adult Education
Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration
Project Blueprint
Project Worthmore
Promise Arizona
Pursuit Transformation Company Inc
Refugee Action Network
Refugee Advocacy Lab
Refugee Congress
Refugee Education & Adventure Challenge (REACH)
Restore Education
Riverside Language Program
Russian Oregon Social Services
Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, Justice Team
Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia
Spring Institute for Intercultural Learning
Spur LLC
SUNY Bronx Educational Opportunity Center (EOC)
Syrian Community Network
Talent Beyond Boundaries
Tent Partnership for Refugees
The Center for Victims of Torture
Turas Group
Union for Reform Judaism
Upwardly Global
U.S. Africa Institute
U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI)
Venezuelans and Immigrants Aid
Voces Unidas for Justice
Washington Academy for International Medical Graduates (WAIMG)
We Are All America
Welcome Back Initiative
Welcoming America
Westchester Jewish Coalition for Immigration
World Education Services (WES)
World Relief
YMCA International Learning Center
YMCA of Greater New York
Read MoreNEW YORK, NY—(July 27, 2021) Yesterday, the United States Departments of Education and State issued a Joint Statement of Principles in Support of International Education outlining the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to restoring the role of the U.S. as a global leader in international education. The following is a statement by Esther Benjamin, Executive Director and CEO of World Education Services (WES).
“WES commends the administration’s renewed focus on welcoming international students to the U.S.
“Earlier this year, we offered recommendations to the incoming administration on how to revive the reputation of the U.S. as the leading destination for international students. International students are vital contributors to the U.S.—they create jobs, drive innovation, and enrich our campuses and communities.
“WES urges the U.S. Departments of Education and State to implement the following measures to restore and strengthen U.S. leadership on international education:
“WES looks forward to engaging with the Biden-Harris administration to identify policies and practices that recognize and value the contributions of international students.”
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About World Education Services (WES)
World Education Services (WES) is a non-profit social enterprise dedicated to helping international students, immigrants, and refugees achieve their educational and career goals in the United States and Canada. For more than 45 years, WES has set the standard of excellence in the field of international academic credential evaluation. Through WES Global Talent Bridge, the organization joins with institutional partners, community-based organizations, and policymakers to help immigrants and refugees who hold international credentials fully utilize their talents and education to achieve their academic and professional goals. Its philanthropic arm, the WES Mariam Assefa Fund, supports catalytic leaders and organizations working to build inclusive economies and to ensure that immigrants and refugees can achieve their aspirations and thrive.
Read MoreWorking with WES is simple and requires no contract or commitment. Academic institutions, employers and other organizations refer their candidates to WES for credential evaluation services just as they would for admissions testing or other external services. Candidates then work directly with us and designate your organization as the recipient of WES Evaluation Reports.
Read MoreSmith School of Business at Queen’s University
Read MoreWorking with WES is simple and requires no contract or commitment. Academic institutions, employers and other organizations refer their candidates to WES for credential evaluation services just as they would for admissions testing or other external services. Candidates then work directly with us and designate your organization as the recipient of WES Evaluation Reports.
Read MoreNew York, NY—(June 25, 2021) Today the Improving Opportunities for New Americans Act of 2021 was re-introduced in Congress by Reps. Jason Crow (D-CO), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), John Katko (R-NY), and Young Kim (R-CA). The bipartisan legislation would direct the United States Department of Labor to study the barriers that impact employment opportunities of immigrants and refugees who hold international credentials.
World Education Services (WES) strongly supports this landmark legislation.
The contributions of immigrants and refugees are vital to the prosperity of our communities and the nation’s economy, particularly during this critical period of recovery in the U.S. Yet, systemic barriers, including a lack of recognition of international credentials and needed investments in workforce development and adult education, result in the underemployment or unemployment of more than two million college-educated immigrants in the U.S.; 60 percent of these individuals hold international credentials, according to a report from the Migration Policy Institute (MPI). This underutilization of talent limits workforce diversity and denies communities the urgently needed social, cultural, and linguistic abilities of immigrant and refugee workers. According to MPI, it also results in more than $39 billion in forgone earnings and $10 billion in unrealized tax payments.
“WES applauds the reintroduction of the Improving Opportunities for New Americans Act, said WES CEO and Executive Director Esther Benjamin. “This legislation is critical to helping advance economic opportunity for all and redressing inequities that prevent immigrants and refugees from rejoining their fields in the U.S.”
About World Education Services (WES)
World Education Services (WES) is a non-profit social enterprise dedicated to helping international students, immigrants, and refugees achieve their educational and career goals in the United States and Canada. For more than 45 years, WES has set the standard of excellence in the field of international academic credential evaluation. Through WES Global Talent Bridge, the organization joins with institutional partners, community-based organizations, and policymakers to help immigrants and refugees who hold international credentials fully utilize their talents and education to achieve their academic and professional goals. Its philanthropic arm, the WES Mariam Assefa Fund, supports catalytic leaders and organizations working to build inclusive economies and to ensure that immigrants and refugees can achieve their aspirations and thrive.
Read MoreOur interactive U.S. Data Tool features national- and state-level data on the underemployment and skill underutilization of college-educated immigrants in the U.S. You can filter by state to compare the data.
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Read MoreWorld Education Services (WES) is committed to making its programs and resources accessible to individuals with disabilities. By making our website more widely usable, we’re providing greater access to our online content and services.
World Education Services (WES) is committed to making its programs and resources accessible to individuals with disabilities. By making our website more widely usable, we’re providing greater access to our online content and services.
The WES Global Talent Bridge U.S. Program Map features more than 100 programs and services that foster the economic and professional advancement of internationally trained immigrants and refugees in the United States. The programs focus on career preparation, contextualized English language learning, and licensing and credentialing guidance and are offered by a variety of service providers, including advocacy and public education institutions and technical assistance and resource providers. The map’s data tool displays demographic data on college-educated immigrants and refugees in the U.S.
The U.S. Program Map was designed to connect and inform service providers, technical assistance providers, researchers, policymakers, advocates, and funders. The map shows where there are efforts to open pathways to employment commensurate with the skills and experience of internationally educated immigrants and refugees. It also highlights opportunities for local engagement.
The U.S. Program Map showcases programs and services that meet the following criteria:
The programs on the map are self-reported and are not necessarily endorsed by WES.
If you would like your program or service to be featured on this map, please complete this 3 minute survey which will help us to determine your program’s eligibility. Kindly forward the survey link if you know of another organization that might qualify to be included.For more information, contact us here.
Read MoreThe Canadian Alliance of Dental Technology Regulators (CADTR)
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Read MoreSchulich School of Business, York University
Read MoreToronto, ON—(May 3, 2021) While the Ontario government seeks additional health care workers from across Canada and other countries amid the third wave of the pandemic, thousands of internationally educated health professionals (IEHPs) currently living in Ontario are ready and waiting to contribute their skills.
“Ontario is home to thousands of skilled internationally educated nurses, physicians, and other health care professionals, many of whom are currently not employed or are underemployed in health care, despite being licensed to practice in the countries where they were trained.” said World Education Services’ (WES) Canadian Managing Director, Shamira Madhany.
There are at least 13,000 internationally trained physicians and more than 6,000 internationally trained nurses, as well as medical lab technicians, respiratory therapists, and other health professionals in the provincial database of internationally educated health professionals (IEHPs) seeking licensure in Ontario.
Few IEHPs have been able to apply their skills as part of the pandemic response. Nida Fatima is an internationally trained medical doctor and researcher from Pakistan with more than four years of experience in both the public and private sectors. Despite passing her medical licensing exams recently she has not been able to secure her medical licence in Ontario. To maintain her recency of practice, Nida travels periodically back to Pakistan to work as an emergency room doctor. In Canada, she is working as a Program Assistant at a public health unit for the COVID-19 vaccination program and as a facilitator for the COVID-19 mental health community leadership program with the Canada International Scientific Exchange Program and Toronto Public Health.
Nida said, “We are living with the pandemic for more than a year now and Canada is in dire need of health care professionals. I believe that there is no better time to use the untapped pool of internationally trained medical doctors who already have the necessary skills and are ready to help in any capacity they can. If utilized properly, IEHPs can share the burden of those burned out and in need of support.”
Abhishek Saxena is an IEHP and a Pandemic Program Manager at the Regent Park Community Health Centre. In addition to holding a health care degree from India, he has an MBA in hospital management and a master’s in public health from the European Union. He said, “In the midst of uncertainties during the COVID-19 pandemic when the health system is under tremendous stress, optimal utilization of the knowledge, skills, and expertise of internationally trained medical doctors (ITMDs) could be a key strategy to effectively address human resource challenges in Canada.“
Nida and Abhishek are just a few internationally trained doctors helping with vaccinations, but many more are available and ready to put their training and skills to use.
We urge the Ontario government to tap into these skills to support our health care system and boost the province’s COVID-19 response.
By applying IEHPs’ knowledge and expertise to public health priorities such as vaccine administration, contact tracing, vaccine education, and infection prevention and control, Ontario can ease the current strain on the health care system. Additionally, internationally educated professionals are linguistically and culturally diverse and can respond to the unique health care concerns of multicultural communities across the province.
The 2021 federal budget has allocated a total of $1 billion to help provinces and territories administer vaccines as quickly as supplies arrive. Millions of vaccine doses are scheduled to arrive in the second quarter of this year just as eligibility opens for all adults in Ontario and Quebec. IEHPs can be an important part of Canada’s vaccination campaign.
Canada’s immigrant-serving sector and IEHP-led groups are ready to work with public health authorities, community agencies, and workplaces to help identify IEHPs who are ready, willing, and able to join a coordinated response to curb the further spread of COVID-19. Beyond the current crisis, policymakers must pursue measures that will better utilize the skills of Canada’s IEHPs to strengthen our health care system.
Endorsing Organizations:
World Education Services (WES) & Internationally Trained Physicians Access Coalition
Media contact: Anne Greenwood, Senior Manager, Marketing and Communications –[email protected] / 416.972.5045
Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants (OCASI) & Niagara Folk Arts Multicultural Centre (NFAMC)
Media contact: Emily Kovacs, Board Member, OCASI & Executive Director, NFAMC – [email protected] / 905.685.6589 ext: 222 / 905.685.8376
Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council (TRIEC)
Media contact: Daniel Kim, Communications Specialist, Media and Public Affairs – [email protected] / 416.931.5803
Read MoreToronto, ON—(April 1, 2021) WES monitored the release of the Ontario government’s 2021 budget with great interest. We were pleased to see strong investment in and focus on protecting people’s health and the economy.
The COVID-19 crisis has demonstrated that profound inequities persist in our labour market and social safety net. Newcomers, racially diverse and low-income communities, women, and youth have disproportionally felt the brunt of the pandemic.
WES is committed to the vision that everyone should be able to put their education, skills, and experience to work anywhere in the world. Now, as Ontario looks to rebuild, immigrants will be critical to the province’s short- and long-term recovery.
Health Care and Internationally Educated Health Professionals
The Ontario budget includes significant health care investments, including an ambitious plan to facilitate the hiring of more than 27,000 new positions in the long-term care (LTC) sector. Ontario’s internationally educated health professionals stand ready to make a lasting contribution to protecting our collective health.
WES is working with partners to tackle the underutilization of the skills and experience of Canada’s immigrant health professionals. This includes:
We look forward to supporting the government’s new Staffing Supply Accelerator Group in their efforts to implement this health care recruiting and training program. We will provide concrete ideas on how to support the Ontario LTC sector, specifically internationally educated nurses, through access to bridging programs and nursing registration in Ontario. This initiative will:
Immigrant Youth and International Students
The $117.3 million targeted for employment and training supports for residents facing the highest levels of unemployment is a welcome investment. WES is ready to lend its support, advice, and expertise toward ensuring that this investment includes immigrants, refugees, racialized women, and youth, who are key to Ontario’s recovery and prosperity.
To support workforce development among immigrant and refugee youth and international students, WES has co-convened a national roundtable on immigrant youth workforce development. This table has identified the lack of data, stakeholder silos, and lack of immigrant youth specific programming as barriers to labour market inclusion and success. The partners at this new national table would welcome the opportunity to provide support and advice to government and allies on this critical issue.
Approximately 34 percent of all newcomers to Canada are under age 25 and, according to Statistics Canada, immigrant youth (15-34) comprise 21 percent of the working youth population of Canada. This cohort has a higher unemployment rate than Canadian-born youth and is more likely to work in low-skilled, low-wage jobs. We are also concerned that unemployment levels, particularly for Black youth (31.6 percent), many of whom are newcomers, average twice the rate of white youth (15.4 percent).
We are concerned for students as well. There is evidence that recessions have long-term negative impacts on recent graduates, including international students, because periods of high unemployment interrupt early career trajectory. And we know that racially and ethnically biased streaming at the secondary school level is a barrier. Among other issues, we want to ensure that the financial impacts and remote learning changes to the education sector do not further harm newcomer youth or inequitably raise tuition costs for international students.
Racism and Xenophobia
Finally, WES condemns the rise of anti-Asian racism this past year. A recent report from the Chinese Canadian Council showed 40 percent of such incidents took place in Ontario. These xenophobic attacks must end, and we call on the government to re–examine the very limited allocation announced in the budget for anti-racism initiatives.
Ensuring a recovery that builds on the education, skills, and experiences of newcomers who are making Ontario their home is an essential element of protecting our collective health and rebuilding economic wellbeing.
Read MoreNova Scotia Provincial Government - Dept of Education & ECD, Child Care Classification
Read MoreNational Coalition Launches #WelcomingEconomy for Refugees Campaign to Connect Employers and Refugees in Canada
TORONTO, ON—(May 12, 2022) Today the Refugee Jobs Agenda Roundtable, jointly with other partners, is launching the #WelcomingEconomy for Refugees campaign, a coordinated and unified employer-led effort focused on highlighting the social and economic contributions and successes of refugees. The campaign will feature business leaders in a series of videos aimed at encouraging and supporting the recruitment and hiring of refugee talent across Canada.
Health Care Leaders Gather to Discuss Strategy to Integrate Internationally Educated Health Professionals to Help Meet Ontario’s Health Care Needs
TORONTO, ON—(April 11, 2022) Today, World Education Services (WES) is convening leaders from hospitals, long-term care, and home care alongside other key health care stakeholders to talk about the role of immigrant health professionals in their sectors. This is the first time these stakeholders will assemble to share their vision of how to rebuild Ontario’s health workforce with the deliberate inclusion of internationally educated health professionals (IEHPs).
World Education Services Announces New Leadership of its Board of Trustees
NEW YORK, NY—(Jan. 19, 2022) World Education Services (WES) today announced the appointment of Audrey Hendley as chair of the WES Board of Trustees. Hendley takes over the chairmanship from long-time trustee Hans de Wit.
WES Mariam Assefa Fund Announces $1.8 Million Commitment to Advance Inclusive Employer Practices for Immigrant and Refugee Job Seekers and Workers in the U.S. and Canada
NEW YORK, NY—(December 09, 2021) The WES Mariam Assefa Fund today announced the award of US$1.8 million in grants to 12 U.S. and Canadian organizations working to improve the economic mobility of immigrants and refugees. Each of these new grantee partners, selected through an open call for applications, works with employers and workers in a range of sectors such as health care, agriculture, “for hire” driving, and more. Each seeks to deliver relevant, worker-informed solutions that improve job quality and foster inclusive and equitable workplaces and economies.
South African Qualifications Authority and World Education Services Partner to Facilitate Qualifications Recognition for Refugees and Displaced People in South Africa
OTTAWA, ON—(Nov. 12, 2021) Last night, at the Groningen Declaration Network annual meeting, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) and World Education Services (WES) signed a partnership agreement that will ensure eligible refugees and displaced individuals can have their qualifications assessed and recognized in South Africa.
Internationally Educated Health Professionals an Untapped Resource in Ontario
TORONTO, ON—(May 3, 2021) While the Ontario government seeks additional health care workers from across Canada and other countries amid the third wave of the pandemic, thousands of internationally educated health professionals (IEHPs) currently living in Ontario are ready and waiting to contribute their skills.
WES Response to the 2021 Ontario Budget: Ensuring an Immigrant-Inclusive Recovery
TORONTO, ON—(April 1, 2021) WES monitored the release of the Ontario government’s 2021 budget with great interest. We were pleased to see strong investment in and focus on protecting people’s health and the economy.
World Education Services Releases Recommendations for Biden-Harris Administration to Ensure an Equitable and Inclusive Economy
NEW YORK, NY—(Jan 14, 2021)- On January 14, 2021, World Education Services (WES) released its recommendations for the Biden-Harris administration to advance the economic integration of internationally trained immigrants and refugees and international students in the United States. Titled Pathways for an Equitable and Inclusive Recovery for Immigrants, Refugees, and International Students, the road map for reform proposes strategies to ensure effective economic integration, outlining five key actions the Biden-Harris administration should prioritize within its first 100 days in office.
WES Mariam Assefa Fund Announces First Impact Investments Totaling $750,000 to Support the Success of Immigrant and Refugee Workers
NEW YORK, NY—(Dec. 15, 2020) The WES Mariam Assefa Fund today announced impact investments of $750,000 to ensure that immigrants and refugees in the United States have access to the tools and capital they need to acquire digital and other job-related skills, establish credit, increase their earning potential, and start businesses of their own.
Francisco Marmolejo Rejoins WES Board of Trustees, World Education Services (WES) Announces
NEW YORK, NY—(Dec. 02, 2020) World Education Services (WES) today announced that Francisco Marmolejo, a global leader in the field of international education administration, has rejoined its Board of Trustees. His first tenure on the WES Board lasted from 2011 to 2018.
WES Mariam Assefa Fund Awards First Grants in Canada, Committing C$1.9M to Create More Equitable Systems for Immigrant and Refugee Workers
TORONTO, ON—(Nov. 23, 2020) The WES Mariam Assefa Fund, the philanthropic arm of World Education Services (WES), today announced its first grants in Canada. The Fund is awarding C$1.9 million to six organizations that are building stronger career pathways for immigrants and refugees, supporting workers affected by COVID-19, investing in immigrant leaders, and nurturing the development of innovative solutions and greater capacity in the immigrant-serving sector.
World Education Services Submits Public Comment Opposing Proposed Rule Setting Time Limits on International Student Visas
NEW YORK, NY—(October 27, 2020) On October 26, World Education Services (WES) submitted a public comment in opposition to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) proposed regulation Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission and an Extension of Stay Procedure for Nonimmigrant Academic Students, Exchange Visitors, and Representatives of Foreign Information Media to set fixed periods on the length of time international students can remain in the United States, arguing that the proposed rule would place an unnecessary and harmful burden on international students, higher education institutions, and the U.S. economy.
Immigrant Community Organizations Receive $2 Million in Philanthropic Funds – Twice the Initial Pledge
NEW YORK, NY—(Sept. 24, 2020) The World Education Services (WES) Mariam Assefa Fund and the Tarsadia Foundation today announced 12 awardees of the Opportunity Challenge, a new grantmaking initiative to support the success of immigrants and refugees and the community-led organizations that serve them.
World Education Services Announces the Appointment of Cheryl Cramer Toto as COO
NEW YORK, NY—(Aug. 05, 2020) World Education Services (WES) today announced the appointment of Cheryl Cramer Toto as its new chief operations officer (COO). Toto will oversee WES’ world-leading credential evaluation processes, while identifying new opportunities for the growth and evolution of the organization.
World Education Services Submits Public Comment Opposing Proposed Rule Greatly Limiting Asylum Protections
New York, NY— (July 17, 2020)–On July 14, World Education Services (WES) submitted to the Executive Office for Immigration Review a public comment opposing a proposed asylum regulation that would dramatically curtail the criteria for asylum and put applicants at grave risk of harm, in contravention of long-standing domestic and international conventions.
ICE Decision Requiring International Students to Study In-Person or Be Deported Will Cause Long-Term Harm, Says World Education Services
New York, NY—(July 10, 2020) World Education Services (WES) is deeply concerned about the recent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) decision to revoke the visas of international students who do not take in-person classes this fall. The July 6 ICE action comes as COVID-19 cases continues to spike across the U.S, raising serious public health concerns and putting both students and universities at risk.
WES Mariam Assefa Fund Awards $1.35 Million in Grants to Support Career Pathways for Immigrants and Refugees Amid Pandemic
NEW YORK—(June 18, 2020) The WES Mariam Assefa Fund, the philanthropic arm of World Education Services (WES), today announced the award of $1.35 million in grants to enable immigrant and refugee workers to advance in the workforce of today and tomorrow and build strong careers that support their families and themselves. The three grant recipients are Building Skills Partnership (BSP), the EdTech Center @ World Education (EdTech Center), and the International Rescue Committee (IRC).
World Education Services Announces the Appointment of Four New Board Members
NEW YORK—(May 14, 2020) World Education Services (WES) today announced the appointment of four new members to its Board of Trustees. The new members are Dr. Feridun Hamdullahpur, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Waterloo; Helen Hayward, an Ontario-based independent board director and strategic advisor to organizations in the public and not-for-profit sector; Maryana Iskander, CEO of South Africa-based Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator; and Aaron Williams, who served as the 18th Director of the Peace Corps, from 2009 to 2012, and was most recently executive vice president of RTI’s international development group.
New Jersey’s Executive Order Allowing Immigrant Doctors to Join in the Fight Against COVID-19 Is ‘Critically Important,’ says World Education Services
New York, NY—(April 03, 2020) World Education Services (WES) applauds New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy’s Executive Order 112 as a positive step toward the goal of removing the barriers to employment for under- and unemployed immigrants and refugees who have healthcare degrees and experience.
WES Mariam Assefa Fund and the Tarsadia Foundation Announce the Opportunity Challenge: $1 Million to Uplift Immigrant Communities
NEW YORK—(March 10, 2020) The World Education Services (WES) Mariam Assefa Fund and the Tarsadia Foundation today announced a joint $1 million grantmaking initiative to support the success of immigrants, refugees, and their communities nationwide.
World Education Services Expands Immigrant Professional Integration Program to 24 Communities Nationwide
NEW YORK—(Jan. 29, 2020) World Education Services (WES) has announced the selection of eight state and local communities to join its three-year-old Skilled Immigrant Integration Program, bringing the total number of participating communities to 24.
World Education Services’ New Research Highlights International Students’ Daily Life Challenges on and off Campus
NEW YORK—(Nov. 20, 2019) New research from World Education Services (WES) finds that while international students are generally satisfied with the quality of academic programs and support available on U.S. campuses, they also continue to face mental health, adjustment, and other challenges.
WES Mariam Assefa Fund Announces First USD$1.2M in Grants to Support Immigrant and Refugee Employment Initiatives
NEW YORK—(Sept. 4, 2019) The WES Mariam Assefa Fund today announced the award of USD$1.2 million in grants toward its goal of catalyzing economic opportunities and advancement for immigrants and refugees in the U.S. and Canada. The grants have been awarded to five organizations in the U.S.: the Beeck Center for Social Impact and Innovation, Jobs for the Future (JFF), Mission Driven Finance, Upwardly Global, and the Welcoming Center for New Pennsylvanians.
World Education Services Launches the WES Mariam Assefa Fund to Provide Philanthropic Support to Organizations Striving to Help Immigrants and Refugees
NEW YORK—(June 4, 2019) World Education Services (WES) today announced the launch of the WES Mariam Assefa Fund. The USD $30 million philanthropic fund will support organizations that seek to bring down the barriers that keep immigrants and refugees from contributing their skills and joining the workforce in their new communities.
World Education Services Releases Its First Mobile Application
NEW YORK —(May 16, 2019)World Education Services (WES), the leading credential evaluation service in North America, has released its first-ever mobile application, the WES App.
World Education Services Appoints Esther Benjamin as CEO
NEW YORK—(April 22, 2019) Esther Benjamin will join World Education Services (WES) as Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director on June 17th. Benjamin comes to WES after a long career overseeing international organizations in the public, private, and civil society sectors, with a focus on global development and social impact. She will replace longtime WES Executive Director and CEO, Mariam Assefa, who announced her retirement in August 2018.
World Education Services Announces New Board Leadership
NEW YORK—(Jan. 15, 2019) World Education Services (WES), a non-profit organization dedicated to helping individuals achieve their higher education and professional goals in the United States and Canada, today announced the appointment of new board leadership.
Mariam Assefa Retiring as Executive Director of World Education Services
NEW YORK—(August 29, 2018) After 37 years as head of the leading international credential evaluation service in the United States and Canada, Mariam Assefa has announced her decision to retire from her role as Executive Director of World Education Services
World Education Services’ New Research Highlights Challenging Political Environment for International Student Recruitment
NEW YORK—(June 18, 2018) New research by World Education Services finds that the U.S. political environment is the biggest challenge to recruiting international students to college and university campuses. In response, most institutions have changed or are planning to change their international recruitment strategies.
World Education Services Pilots Blockchain-Based Digital Badges for Internationally Educated Students and Professionals
NEW YORK—(May 30, 2018) World Education Services (WES) has announced plans to offer blockchain-based digital badges to qualified WES clients. WES, which evaluates international education qualifications and advocates for their recognition in the U.S. and Canada, is offering the badges through Credly, a leading provider of online credentials.
Shamira Madhany Joins World Education Services as Managing Director of the Organization’s Operations in Canada
TORONTO—(April 18, 2018) Shamira Madhany will join World Education Services (WES) as Managing Director, Canada, and Deputy Executive Director, WES, beginning on July 9th.
Tim Owen Retiring as Deputy Executive Director of World Education Services, and Director of the Organization’s Operations in Canada
TORONTO—(Jan. 18, 2018) After almost 18 years as head of World Education Services’ Canadian Office, Tim Owen announced his retirement, effective in May of 2018. Owen will continue to serve as Director of WES Canada and Deputy Director of World Education Services (WES) until a successor is named and the transition is complete.
New Research From World Education Services Shows Career Outcomes for Current International Students and Alumni
NEW YORK—(October 17, 2017) New research from World Education Services (WES) finds that 89 percent of international alumni and 92 percent of current international students believe their U.S. education is a good investment. However, many face difficulties navigating visa authorization, gaining work experience, and finding jobs in their home countries or the U.S. after graduation.
World Education Services Releases New Research into International Students’ Experiences Working with Education Agents
NEW YORK—(June 6, 2017) New research from World Education Service (WES) indicates that two-thirds of U.S.-bound international students who work with education agents use independent rather than institution-sponsored agents. The remaining third—those who work with sponsored agents—often pay agent fees of more than USD $1,000 on top of commissions paid by institutions. This type of double payment is at the heart of the ongoing debate about practices among international education agents that many in U.S. higher education…
WES Provides Support for International Students and Skilled Immigrants in New York City
NEW YORK—(November 11, 2016) How do I find a job in the U.S. when I earned my degree in another country? How do I adjust to the American education system? Millions of international students and skilled immigrants grapple with these questions and more as they navigate life in a new country…
World Education Services: Helping International Students Thrive on Campus
NEW YORK—(Oct. 4, 2016) International students often face unique challenges to success while studying in the United States. Understanding those challenges and helping international students overcome them is key for higher education institutions that want to recruit and retain top international students…
WES Spearheads Efforts to Help Refugees Have their Educational Credentials Recognized
TORONTO—(May 18, 2016) After years of enduring civil war, more than 25,000 Syrian refugees recently arrived in Canada and are dreaming about a successful life in their new home….
World Education Services Celebrates 15 Years in Canada
TORONTO—(October 22, 2015) World Education Services (WES) is celebrating 15 years serving skilled immigrants and international students in Canada.
International Students Assess Reputation, Cost, and Career Opportunities for Master’s Programs
NEW YORK—(October 5, 2015) International students have become an essential student body across many U.S. campuses How Master’s Students Choose Institutions: Research on International Student Segmentation is a new report ….
Citizen and Immigration Canada Designates World Education Services to Provide Educational Credential Assessments Under Federal Skilled Worker Program
NEW YORK—(April 18, 2013) Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) has designated World Education Services Canada (WES Canada) as a provider of educational credential assessments for applicants applying under the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) for immigration.
New Academic Credential Package Speeds Up International Admissions
NEW YORK—(January 26, 2010) Universities can save time and reduce errors when reviewing international applications for admission when prospective students use the World Education Services International Credential Advantage Package.
You can now share the results of your credential evaluation report with anyone in the world, instantly. The WES Digital Badge can be displayed online for maximum visibility and recognition. This means that employers can access your report anytime, online, with just one click!
Plus, it’s free—thanks to our partnership with Credly’s Acclaim, a leading digital credential service provider.
Note: Digital badges are available only to applicants who order the International Credential Advantage Package (ICAP) from WES. Learn more about the benefits of ICAP.
Watch the videos below to learn how you can make the most of your WES Digital Badge.
Read MoreThe WES Gateway Program assesses the educational credentials of individuals who, as a result of adverse circumstances in their country of education, have limited proof of their academic achievements. The program was launched in Canada in 2018; it is now being piloted in the U.S. through a limited number of designated partner organizations.
WES works with these partners to identify qualified individuals educated in Afghanistan, Eritrea, Iraq, Syria, Turkey, Ukraine, and Venezuela as participants in the Gateway Program. To learn more about the program’s impact, read stories from individuals who have used a WES Gateway Program credential evaluation report to pursue their academic and professional goals.
Colorado State University Pueblo
Read MoreAn inclusive recovery must address racial inequities and promote the upward economic mobility of immigrant and refugee professionals, building on the talents and skills of immigrants and refugees and recognizing the critical contributions of international students. In January 2021, WES presented the Biden-Harris administration with a roadmap for reform. This roadmap proposes five strategies to ensure effective economic integration, outlining key actions the Biden-Harris administration should prioritize within its first 100 days in office.
Read MoreTo be eligible for the WES Gateway Program, you must be:
WES corroborates these claims using the best information and resources available. If only a partial transcript is available, WES may be able to reconstruct the degree profile and courses likely taken to attain that credential.
If you have your academic documents in a sealed envelope, you are not eligible for the WES Gateway Program. You can apply for a standard WES credential evaluation.
Note regarding education obtained in Ukraine: Please visit the Important WES Notices page for updates on our evaluation policy.
Note regarding education obtained in Afghanistan: WES evaluates education from 31 universities if it was completed before August 15, 2021. Study completed between 1996 and 2001 cannot be evaluated at this time.
An evaluation through the WES Gateway Programs takes about 15 business days after we receive, review, and accept all your documents.
If you cannot find a referral partner near you, please contact us.
For WES to process your WES Gateway Program application, you must have originals or copies of at least one of the following documents issued by an institution:
Documents that are not in English must be translated.
The WES Gateway Program currently focuses on Afghanistan, Eritrea, Iraq, Syria, Turkey, Ukraine, and Venezuela. Our research team will continue to review all factors and whenever possible expand this list. A public announcement will be made if countries are added.
Depending on your goals in the U.S., you may be able to use another credential evaluation service provider to help you meet admission, licensing, or employment requirements. Before requesting a credential evaluation from any agency, contact the institution that needs the evaluation. The institution may require that you use a specific provider. These institutions are responsible for the final recognition decision. You may also use the free WES degree equivalency tool to preview the U.S. equivalency of your international credentials. This preview does not replace a formal credential evaluation that may be needed for official purposes.
Your WES credential evaluation highlights your academic achievements and serves as proof of your qualifications. Your credential evaluation report may help you meet the requirements for:
Please note that each receiving organization has a different recognition process for credential evaluations and may have its own set of requirements.
A report issued through the WES Gateway Program validates and assesses the education of individuals who cannot obtain verifiable academic documentation. The documents used for this evaluation come from the applicant and are not authenticated as in a standard WES evaluation.
Because academic institutions and licensing bodies value authenticated documents, we recommend that you attempt to obtain your official documents for a standard WES evaluation before applying through the WES Gateway Program.
Please contact us to request an upgrade to a Course-by-Course report. Your request must include the name of the organization that will receive the upgraded report.
Until December 31, 2022 all WES Gateway evaluation reports in the U.S. will be provided free of charge, through a voucher provided to referral partners. The vouchers will cover the cost of the evaluation.
You will receive:
Standard fees apply for additional copies and delivery.
If you were educated in more than one of the eligible countries, you will have an opportunity to add that information later in the application. If you have additional education in a country that is not eligible for the WES Gateway Program, you must submit a separate application for that credential and meet the WES standard document requirements.
The IMPRINT coalition’s policy tracker monitors state and federal policies aimed at reducing barriers to employment for immigrants and refugees with international credentials. The policy tracker supports the efforts of advocates, policymakers, and practitioners working to promote the economic integration of internationally trained immigrants and refugees.
You can filter the policies on the map by state and industry by using the drop down menus above the map, or by clicking on the desired year. Results appear in the table below the map, where you can hover over the descriptions to read more about legislation and access corresponding links. If you’d like access to this data, please contact Fatima Sanz at [email protected].
New York, NY—(Jan 14, 2021)- On January 14, 2021, World Education Services (WES) released its recommendations for the Biden-Harris administration to advance the economic integration of internationally trained immigrants and refugees and international students in the United States. Titled Pathways for an Equitable and Inclusive Recovery for Immigrants, Refugees, and International Students, the road map for reform proposes strategies to ensure effective economic integration, outlining five key actions the Biden-Harris administration should prioritize within its first 100 days in office.
At this pivotal moment in the U.S., an inclusive recovery must address racial inequities and promote the upward economic mobility of immigrant and refugee professionals, building on the talents and skills of immigrants and refugees and recognizing the critical contributions of international students. According to the Migration Policy Institute (MPI), an estimated two million immigrants and refugees who hold bachelor’s degrees or higher are either underemployed or unemployed. Of these individuals, 263,000 have health degrees earned outside the U.S. At the same time, the number of new international students in the U.S. declined for the fourth consecutive year.
The Biden-Harris administration should take the following bold actions to address this significant underutilization of immigrant and refugee talent in the U.S. and to create pathways for international students to study and work in the U.S.:
WES looks forward to working with the Biden-Harris administration to ensure an equitable and inclusive economy.
Read the policy recommendations here.
Read MoreWe are a non-profit organization dedicated to helping international students and professionals achieve their educational and professional goals in the United States and Canada. Founded in 1974, we evaluate and advocate for the recognition of international education qualifications.
Read MoreThe WES Gateway Program assesses the educational credentials of individuals who, as a result of adverse circumstances in their country of education, have limited proof of their academic achievements. The program was launched in Canada in 2018; it is now being piloted in the U.S. through a limited number of designated partner organizations.
WES works with these partners to identify qualified individuals educated in Afghanistan, Eritrea, Iraq, Syria, Turkey, Ukraine, and Venezuela as participants in the Gateway Program. To learn more about the program’s impact, read stories from individuals who have used a WES Gateway Program credential evaluation report to pursue their academic and professional goals.
The WES Gateway Program assesses the educational credentials of individuals who have been displaced as a result of adverse circumstances in their country and have limited proof of their academic achievements.
A WES Gateway Program credential evaluation report can help eligible individuals continue their education, become licensed in their field, or take the next step on their career pathway in the United States. The report can be accepted by higher education institutions, regulatory bodies, and employers.
WES works with designated partners to identify individuals who are eligible for the Gateway Program. The program is available to individuals educated in Afghanistan, Eritrea, Iraq, Syria, Turkey, Ukraine, and Venezuela who meet program requirements.
The WES Gateway Program was launched in Canada in 2018; it is now available in the U.S. through a limited number of partner organizations.
For more information, refer to our FAQ page. To learn more about the program’s impact, read stories from individuals who have used a WES Gateway Program credential evaluation report to pursue their academic and professional goals.
Read MoreNew York, NY—(October 27, 2020)- On October 26, World Education Services (WES) submitted a public comment in opposition to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) proposed regulation Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission and an Extension of Stay Procedure for Nonimmigrant Academic Students, Exchange Visitors, and Representatives of Foreign Information Media to set fixed periods on the length of time international students can remain in the United States, arguing that the proposed rule would place an unnecessary and harmful burden on international students, higher education institutions, and the U.S. economy.
The proposed policy would impose a considerable financial burden on international students and make their course of study in the U.S. unpredictable. This proposal provides no guarantee that international students would be able to remain in the U.S. for the duration of their academic program, fails to provide international students sufficient time to complete degrees in many academic programs, and usurps the role of academic institutions to provide their students with academic oversight. In addition, the two-year time limit on visas for students from countries DHS has designated as having more than a 10 percent visa overstay rate would disproportionately impact students from Africa.
In its public comment, WES states that DHS has not provided a compelling reason for setting fixed time periods for student visas. WES makes the case that such a rule would have a devastating impact on the ability of the U.S. to attract talent from around the world, a ramification of which includes the loss of billions of dollars that international students contribute to the U.S. economy each year.
Read the full comment below.
October 26, 2020
Sharon Hageman
Acting Regulatory Unit Chief, Office of Policy and Planning
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
500 12th Street SW
Washington, D.C. 20536
–
Re: DHS Docket No. ICEB-2019-0006-0001
World Education Services (WES) submits this comment in response to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission and an Extension of Stay Procedure for Nonimmigrant Academic Students, Exchange Visitors, and Representatives of Foreign Information Media, published in the Federal Register on September 25, 2020.
WES is a 501(c)3 non-profit social enterprise dedicated to helping international students, immigrants, and refugees achieve their educational and workplace goals in the United States and Canada. Founded in 1974, WES evaluates and advocates for the recognition of international education qualifications, supports the integration of immigrants and refugees into the workforce, and provides philanthropic funding to immigrant- and refugee-serving organizations. Over more than 45 years, WES has provided credential evaluations to nearly three million individuals from around the globe.
WES urges DHS to withdraw the above-referenced proposed regulation, which would unduly burden higher education institutions and international students across the U.S. The COVID-19 pandemic has strained international students and academic institutions to an unprecedented degree. Establishing new regulations while students and educational institutions are already under such tremendous pressure is unnecessary and misguided.
Background
DHS’ proposed rule seeks to limit the length of time that international students and other temporary visa holders can remain in the U.S. The rule would change existing admission periods for international students and certain other non-immigrant visa holders from “duration of status” to fixed time periods. For international students, the rule proposes setting the authorized admission and extension periods as the length of the student’s specific educational program, not to exceed a two- or four-year period plus a period of 30 days following their program end date.
Although the proposed rule would permit certain students to seek an extension of status (EOS) beyond a two- or four-year admission period, it is unclear when or how such extensions would be granted. According to the proposal, students seeking a program extension must first request the extension from a designated school official (DSO). If the DSO recommends the extension, the student must then apply for an EOS from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Overall, the proposal would create a lengthy and opaque adjudication process for students and academic institutions.
In addition, the proposed rule subjects some students to a limited two-year visa. To remain in the U.S. beyond the two-year period, students would be required to submit applications to USCIS for an extension of their stay. Those subject to the two-year limit include students born in or citizens of countries designated by the U.S. as state sponsors of terrorism or countries with a visa overstay rate of greater than 10 percent. The list of affected countries disproportionately impacts African nations and students. Others affected by the proposed rule’s two-year limitation include international students attending unaccredited schools or schools that do not participate in the E-Verify program. Students participating in English language programs would also be limited to one lifetime two-year admission period.
DHS also proposes to limit a student’s period of stay to a maximum of two years based on certain other factors determined by DHS to be in the national interest. For example, the proposed rule, citing national security concerns, states that DHS could limit the length of admission of students enrolled in specific coursework, such as nuclear science. In addition to the maximum stay requirements proposed under the rule, DHS proposes to limit the number of times a student can change programs within an educational level.
With respect to work authorization, the proposed rule does not provide an automatic extension of employment authorization while an application for an extension of stay is pending for students interning for an international organization, engaging in curricular practical training (CPT), or engaging in pre- or post-completion optional practical training (OPT). Under the proposed rule, CPT may not be granted for a period exceeding a student’s fixed date of admission; a student cannot engage in CPT until USCIS approves a timely filed EOS request.
I. The proposed rule would harm international students, academic institutions, and the economy.
The proposed rule would have a devastating impact on the ability of the U.S. to attract talent from around the world, and would undoubtedly exacerbate the current decreases in international student enrollment across the country.[1] Such steep declines would lead to significant financial ramifications for higher education institutions and the U.S. economy. The Bipartisan Policy Center estimates that international students contribute approximately $20 billion in tuition and fees to U.S. academic institutions each year.[2] According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, international students contributed $44.7 billion to the U.S. economy in 2018.[3]
The proposed policy would also impose considerable financial burdens on international students and make their course of study in the U.S. unpredictable. According to DHS estimates, the additional costs of each extension of stay application could total more than $1,000. Furthermore, U.S. higher education institutions would be unable to provide incoming or prospective international students with assurances that they would be able to remain in the U.S. for the duration of their academic program. As a result, the U.S. could lose a critical pipeline of talented students.
The proposed regulation would have a negative economic impact on academic institutions and would divert needed institutional resources to comply with a rule that offers no demonstrable benefits. DHS estimates that training and implementation of the proposed rule would cost higher education institutions hundreds of millions of dollars over the next decade. However, these estimates significantly undervalue the actual costs of the proposed regulation. For example, DHS’ cost estimates do not account for the staffing required to advise students and update internal systems and processes, nor do they account for the anticipated loss in tuition revenue from projected declines in international student enrollments. At a time when academic institutions already face significant revenue losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic, these additional compliance costs coupled with a projected decrease in international student enrollment would have devastating financial consequences for the U.S. higher education system.
II.DHS has not demonstrated a compelling need for the proposed rule, nor that it is necessary to ensure compliance with visa regulations.
Through the existing Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), which tracks higher education institutions and international students, DHS can monitor detailed information on students during their time in the U.S. However, the proposed rule would require students to provide USCIS information that higher education institutions already provide through SEVIS. In addition, DHS presently has the authority under current regulations to request additional information from higher education institutions to ensure compliance with visa requirements. Accordingly, the extension of stay process proposed under this rule is an unnecessary and inefficient use of government resources.
DHS has not demonstrated a legitimate need for the proposed two-year admission limits for international students from nations that DHS has designated as having more than 10 percent visa overstay rates—the vast majority of which are African nations. DHS relies on flawed data to justify the proposed two-year maximum stay. Specifically, the data include not only estimates of visa overstay rates, but also estimates of individuals whom DHS could not identify as having departed the U.S.,[4] thus skewing the visa overstay rate.
Lastly, the proposed rule seeks to limit the amount of time international students who attend institutions that do not participate in the E-Verify program can remain in the U.S. The E-Verify program, which has been widely criticized for its error rates and for misidentifying eligible workers as ineligible to work in the U.S., should not form the basis for limiting international students to two-year visas.[5]
III. The proposed rule usurps the role of educational institutions in academic decision-making.
DHS proposes to eliminate the “normal progress” standard with respect to seeking a program extension. The proposed new standard for requesting an extension of status for additional time to complete a program would require: (1) compelling academic reasons; (2) a documented illness or medical condition; or (3) exceptional circumstances. This proposal would encroach on the autonomy of higher education institutions to determine whether and when to grant students additional time to complete a degree. Immigration officers are not qualified to make assessments of students’ academic progress. Furthermore, the “compelling academic reasons” standard is not clearly defined by the proposed rule, giving the federal government unfettered discretion to determine whether a student has made adequate academic progress, which could lead to inconsistent and unfair outcomes for students across the U.S.
IV. The proposed fixed periods for student admissions do not conform to academic programs and fail to address students’ reliance interests on current policy.
The proposed rule fundamentally alters the agreement between students and institutions midway through the program and fails to provide international students sufficient time to complete degrees in many academic programs, including doctoral programs, surgery residencies, neuroscience postdoctoral programs, joint degree programs, bachelor’s/master’s programs. According to data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), bachelor’s students needed more than four years to complete their degrees in the 2015/16 academic year.[6] Similarly, many students interested in acquiring practical experience through the OPT or CPT programs would be unable to do so without approved extensions from USCIS.
V. The proposed rule would exacerbate existing processing delays at USCIS.
The proposed regulation is unworkable because of the uncertainty it creates and the lengthy processing times for extension of stay applications. Currently, extension requests for international student visas can take more than seven months to process. According to DHS estimates the proposed rule would require USCIS to process hundreds of thousands of extension of stay requests for international students each year. This volume of work would dramatically increase waiting times worsening existing backlogs at USCIS, and resulting in uncertainty, disruption, and harm to students and their academic institutions Increasing the number of applications USCIS must adjudicate when the agency is already facing massive backlogs and a severe budget crisis would further undermine the agency’s mission.
Conclusion
WES urges DHS to withdraw the proposed regulation which would have a detrimental effect on students, academic institutions, and communities. Instead, WES recommends that current regulations relating to duration of status for international students remain in effect. Thank you for the opportunity to submit comments on the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission and an Extension of Stay Procedure for Nonimmigrant Academic Students, Exchange Visitors, and Representatives of Foreign Information Media.
Sincerely,
World Education Services
[1] See National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, National Student Clearinghouse Research Center’s Monthly Update on Higher Education Enrollment (October 2020), available at: https://nscresearchcenter.org/stay-informed/.
[2] See Bipartisan Policy Center, Barring International Students Could Cost Universities Billions (June 2020), available at: https://bipartisanpolicy.org/blog/barring-international-students-could-cost-universities-billions/.
[3] See Institute of International Education, Number of International Students in the United States Hits All-Time High (November 2019), available at: https://www.iie.org/Why-IIE/Announcements/2019/11/Number-of-International-Students-in-the-United-States-Hits-All-Time-High.
[4] See National Foundation for American Policy, Policy Brief: International Students and DHS Data (September 2020), available at: https://nfap.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Analysis-of-DHS-Data-on-International-Students.NFAP-Policy-Brief.September-2020-1.pdf.
[5] See American Immigration Council, Government Agencies and E-Verify: Erroneous Results and Misuse Cost Workers Their Jobs(2012), available at: https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/research/government-agencies-and-e-verify-erroneous-results-and-misuse-cost-workers-their-jobs; Cato Institute, E‐Verify Has Delayed or Cost Half a Million Jobs for Legal Workers (2017), available at: https://www.cato.org/blog/e-verify-has-held-or-cost-jobs-half-million-legal-workers.
[6] See National Center for Education Statistics, Median and percentage distribution of number of months from first enrollment to bachelor’s degree completion among 2015–16 first-time bachelor’s degree recipients, by demographic and enrollment characteristics: 2017, available at: https://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=569.
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Read MoreNew York, NY— (July 14, 2020)–On July 14, World Education Services (WES) submitted to the Executive Office for Immigration Review a public comment opposing a proposed asylum regulation that would dramatically curtail the criteria for asylum and put applicants at grave risk of ...
Read MoreNew York, NY—(July 10, 2020) World Education Services (WES) is deeply concerned about the recent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) decision to revoke the visas of international students who do not take in-person classes this fall. The July 6 ICE action comes as COVID-19 cases continue to spike across the U.S, raising serious public health concerns and putting both students and universities at risk.
“As an organization dedicated to upholding the global mobility of people into academic and professional settings, WES stands with international students and universities,” said WES CEO and Executive Director Esther T. Benjamin. “Institutions should not be forced to open classrooms if they determine that the risks to faculty, students, and staff are too great. International students should not be penalized for the actions their colleges and universities take in the best interest of public health.”
If fully enforced, the decision will come at a cost to the United States. International students are key contributors to higher education, the economy, and civic life. According to data from the Department of Commerce, international students contributed $44.7 billion to the U.S. economy in 2018.
“We believe that the stakes are high now and into the future. International students make innumerable contributions to our campuses, communities, and workplaces. The U.S. is at risk of losing its place as a destination of choice for the world’s most talented students. Today and in the long term, the U.S. will pay a steep price for this policy as these students look to pursue their studies in other countries,” said Benjamin.
WES calls on ICE to reconsider this decision.
WES is a 501(c)3 non-profit social enterprise dedicated to helping international students and professionals achieve their educational and workplace goals in the United States and Canada. Over the course of more than 45 years, WES has provided credential evaluations to nearly three million individuals from around the globe.
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Read MoreFor more than a week we have witnessed and joined in the worldwide outpouring of grief and anger in the wake of George Floyd’s murder at the hands of Minneapolis Police. WES is very clear in its response to these protests: We stand ...
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Read MoreApril 30, 2020 The goals, dreams, and ambitions of international students, immigrants, and refugees are not easily put aside. Nor are ours. Throughout the pandemic, WES has completed thousands of digital credential evaluations and documents. As of today, we’ve resumed processing hard copy ...
Read MoreThis is a sample of the redirect for the required documents.
Read MoreThe WES Global Talent Bridge COVID-19 Resource List covers a range of pertinent resources in the field of skilled immigrant integration, including funding resources for immigrant service providers, Adult Education/Workforce resources, updates on immigrant and healthcare research, and government actions/policy updates. We will keep this list current, so be sure to check back often for the latest information.
If you have questions, comments, or suggestions for additional resources, we would love to hear from you!
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations Refugee agency (UNHCR) have temporarily suspended refugee resettlement travel
International Rescue Committee (IRC) discourages blanket policies preventing people from seeking asylum and urges resettlement countries to ensure measures restricting entrance are temporary, proportional to public health needs, and not otherwise different than restrictions for people who are not refugees
On April 3, 2020 Representatives Tony Cárdenas (CA-29) and Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (FL-26) introduced H.R. 6432, legislation to address the physician shortage in the United States by taking the first step in removing unnecessary barriers for doctors trained abroad who now reside in the U.S.
CO – Executive order No. 2020 038, April 15, 2020, in which Colorado Gov. Polis authorized creating pathways for internationally trained nurses and doctors to provide healthcare services in response to the pandemic
MA – The Baker administration announced several executive orders to support the health care workforce and expand its capacity, including easing licensing restrictions for internationally educated doctors
MI – On April 26, 2020, Gov. Whitmer issued an emergency order that provides for temporary licensing of individuals with international healthcare experience and education in a variety of health care professions. Executive Order 2020-61 permits the licensure of physicians, physician assistants, RNs, LPNs, and respiratory therapists licensed in another country who have at least five years of practice experience and who have practiced for at least one year in the last five years
NJ – Executive order No. 112, April 1, 2020, in which New Jersey Gov. Murphy authorized immigrant doctors licensed in another country to practice medicine in the state, allowing state officials to grant temporary licenses to doctors who have a medical license in another country. New Jersey also passed legislation, S-2333/AA-3910, on April 13, 2020, which was signed by Gov. Murphy on April 14, 2020. The new law delegates to the director of the state licensing department the ability to temporarily suspend licensing requirements in all licensed health professions during the pendency of the emergency
NY – Executive order, No. 202.10, March 23, 2020, in which Gov. Cuomo temporarily modified requirements for graduates of foreign medical schools to practice medicine in NY state
NV – Nevada Gov. Sisolak issued an executive order authorizing the waiver of licensing requirements for a wide range of medical services providers with training from another country, including doctors, nurses, and behavioral health professionals
IMPRINT’s Policy Map now features “COVID-19 Emergency Response” as a searchable issue area highlighting executive orders authorizing internationally trained healthcare workers who are not yet licensed in the U.S. to join the fight against COVID-19 in certain states
We Speak, We LEAD is a free online learning program from New Women New Yorkers for immigrant women, focusing on workforce development and professional English skills aquisition through interactive workshops and personalized support
As demand for contact tracers increases throughout the U.S., Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health offers a free online course to train individuals on the fundamentals of contact tracing
The Emergency Fund for Story County is a collaborative fund created for immigrant residents who require assistance with rent, utilities, and other basic needs
Immigrant Connections provides resources for English Learner (EL) and immigrant parents to support them as they help their children complete school assignments and online learning. The resources include videos, clips, articles, toolkits
Switchboard has released multiple blog posts on topics related to the COVID-19 crisis, including making remote work successful, helping refugee clients navigate economic hardship; using virtual job readiness resources; helping clients cope; and getting started with video remote interpretation
Upwardly Global has a list of national and state-level programs to connect and support immigrant and refugee professionals with government, nonprofit, and other services that can supplement family income, nutrition, healthcare, and other needs
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is seeking responses from immigrants and refugees who have an international degree or certification in the healthcare field and are now interested in assisting in the COVID-19 emergency response
The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) has print resources free for download to support COVID-19 recommendations in 21 languages
The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Office of Refugee Resettlement “COVID-19 Resources” includes a link to Multilingual Resources from Switchboard
The U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division’s COVID-19 and the American Workplace resource page has employee rights fact sheets in 10 languages
The COVID-19 Health Literacy Project created in collaboration with Harvard Health Publishing provides fact sheets in 30+ languages
Local non-profits such as the Massachusetts Immigrant & Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA) are compiling web-based resource toolkits with a range of information for constituents. Check to see if there is an NPNA member organization in your area with similar resources
The World Health Organization (WHO) provides an introductory video course, available in multiple languages, with an overview of emerging respiratory viruses, including novel coronaviruses, and strategies to communicate risk and engage communities to detect, prevent and respond to the emergence of a novel respiratory virus
Whitetulip Health Foundation (WHF) is asking internationally trained healthcare professionals who are not yet licensed in the U.S. to fill out a questionnaire if they would like to assist in the COVID-19 emergency response. Their Emergency Financial Assistance Program for Internationally Trained Healthcare Professionals during COVID-19 Outbreak is accepting applications until April 30, 2020. It is not necessary to be a member of the foundation to apply for the funding: rather, applicants need to elect to be mentees on their application
Betancourt Macias Family Scholarship Foundation offers COVID-19 emergency funding for undocumented and mixed-status families
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, searchable by state
One Fair Wage offers temporary cash gifts for service workers as funding becomes available
Refugee and Immigrant Fund (RIF) has emergency cash assistance grants for asylum seekers. Due to the number of responses, new applications are currently not being accepted. Check back for updates
The Resilient Rapid Response Initiative through Welcoming America will assist local government and nonprofit members with immediate needs in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. This will include grants, resources, trainings, and a community of practice for members to exchange knowledge and collaborate. Grant applications are due May 15th and notifications of decisions will be announced by May 22nd
NonProfit Quarterly provides an analysis of how nonprofits can utilize the funding available through the CARES Act
The Council of Non Profits provides a list of loans available for nonprofits in the CARES Act, including links to applications
Economic Injury Disaster Loans by the Federal government through the U.S. Small Business Administration provide resources for small business relief through $10,000 grants and/or low-interest loans available to small businesses. Loans may become eligible for forgiveness if small businesses are able to bring back their workforce following the COVID-19 pandemic and meet additional requirements outlined by the Small Business Administration
The CDP COVID-19 Response Fund (Disaster Philanthropy) will focus on supporting nonprofit organizations working directly to respond to the pandemic among the most vulnerable populations to help build their capacity for response. These will include social service organizations focused on supporting hourly wage earners, workers in the gig economy, immigrant/New American populations, older adults, people with disabilities and other communities vulnerable to the physical health, and the mental health and economic impacts of the pandemic
Mother Cabrini Health Foundation is dedicating $50 million to respond to COVID-19 through their Coronavirus Emergency Support Grants. Organizations in NY state may submit proposals for projects related to the COVID-19 pandemic via the online portal, open through June 3, 2020
The Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program is designed to help small businesses, including nonprofits keep their workers on the payroll during the COVID-19 crisis. Open April 3, 2020-June 30, 2020, first-come-first-served. The SBA is currently unable to accept new applications for the Paycheck Protection Program based on available appropriations funding but has links to other resources.
Economic Opportunity Finders (EOF) created a list of resources on philanthropic response efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic
World Education has launched the webinar series “Distance Learning Strategy Sessions” to address different aspects of distance learning and share resources, promising practices, and examples with educators across the country
Upwardly Global is now offering free, self-paced job search and skill-building digital tools to help all jobseekers — regardless of immigration status — to navigate the job search process. Jobseekers who would benefit best from these free digital learning tools should have an intermediate to advanced level of English, and have some vocational training, technical certification, or a Bachelor’s degree or higher
National Skills Coalition’s (NSC) COVID-19 page includes latest podcast episodes, op-eds, press releases, blogs, toolkits, virtual events, and action alerts based on resources shared by hundreds of NSC’s member organizations
World Education has launched the webinar series “Distance Learning Strategy Sessions” to address different aspects of distance learning and share resources, promising practices and examples with educators across the country
NYATEP provides a searchable database with useful resources for workforce professionals during COVID-19 including federal and state policy, funding opportunities for nonprofits, and other resources for small businesses
Welcoming America has compiled COVID-19 resources for the public and members
The Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education (OCTAE) Guidance for Adult Education and Family Literacy Programs Dealing with the Challenges of COVID-19 – This memorandum provides clarification and supports to State Adult Education Offices as States seek to provide continuity of operations for adult learners in the current COVID-19 environment
In response to COVID-19, The Literacy Information and Communication System (LINCS) has created a page with useful resources and trainings to help adult education programs
The Employment and Training Administration (ETA) announced the availability of up to $100 million in National Health Emergency Dislocated Worker Grants to help states, territories, and tribal governments respond to the workforce-related impacts of COVID-19
The Employment and Training Administration (ETA) has developed a series of technical assistance resources, trainings and frequently asked questions (FAQs) to address grants management questions related to Coronavirus (COVID-19) to help state and local workforce leaders, and other stakeholders and partners to assist the public workforce system during this crisis
This Cato Institute articles identifies the crucial role immigrant health care workers provide to the health care system
The Migration Policy Insitute’s (MPI) recent brief highlights the high percentage of U.S. workers represented by immigrants in numerous essential occupations, including health professions
This opinion piece from the Sun Sentinel discusses the need for further integration of internationally educated healthcare professionals to fill current healthcare shortages, specifically referencing brain waste
Open Society Foundations, with More in Common and YouGov, conducted a survey asking Americans if they would approve of foreign doctors working on the front lines of the pandemic. By a 6/1 margin, Americans support overseas-trained doctors and nurses being able to temporarily practice medicine in America to help care for COVID-19 patients
This New Yorker article highlights the actions taken by some states to help integrate foreign educated medical graduates into the fight against COVID-19
New data from Center for Migration Studies (CMS) estimates that 19.8 million immigrants work in “essential critical infrastructure” categories. The report goes into detail about the amounts of immigrants working across specific industries
Brooking’s Institute, “Don’t Forget to Thank the Immigrants Too” discusses the contributions of immigrants across sectors and industries, highlighting the role immigrants are playing in helping humanity during the COVID-19 crisis and advocating for an ease in regulations preventing immigrants from utilizing their skills
Center for Global Development (CGD), “Migrant Health Workers Are on the COVID-19 Frontline. We Need More of Them” advocates for reducing barriers to help immigrant healthcare professionals practice in the U.S. and other countries, including data on the number of healthcare professionals in the U.S., shortages in healthcare workers prior to COVID-19, and the historical resistance to migration of healthcare professions
Immigration Impacts, “Immigrant Health Care Workers Play a Vital Role in the United States’ COVID-19 Response” gives current data on immigrants in the healthcare profession/industry during COVID-19 crisis
Migration Policy Institute’s (MPI) fact sheet “Immigrant Workers: Vital to the U.S. COVID-19 Response, Disproportionately Vulnerable” shows that immigrants account for larger shares in coronavirus-response frontline occupations, and discussing opportunities for practitioners to address the additional challenges faced by immigrants during the COVID-19 pandemic
Migration Policy Institute (MPI), “As U.S. Health-Care System Buckles under Pandemic, Immigrant & Refugee Professionals Could Represent a Critical Resource” gives commentary on the role of immigrant healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 crisis including some valuable data about the underutilization rates of their skills and talents
New American Economy (NAE), “Immigration and Covid-19” contains useful data pertaining to immigrants and the COVID-19 pandemic
Center for American Progress (CAP), “Removing Barriers for Immigrant Medical Professionals Is Critical To Help Fight Coronavirus” highlights unique ways that state and federal stakeholders can lift barriers and enable immigrant and internationally trained healthcare professionals to work in their field in the COVID-19 crisis. It encourages USCIS and the U.S. Dept. of State to remove roadblocks, such as visa and interview requirements, and ease residency requirements to allow more immigrant doctors to practice
To date, six states have issued executive orders to address health care shortages arising from the COVID-19 crisis by adjusting licensing requirements to allow internationally trained health care professionals to practice on a temporary basis.
The application process guides below provide context and guidance navigating state portals and offer additional state-specific information:
For more information, check out IMPRINT’s policy page Opening Pathways for Immigrant and Refugee Health Professionals
New York, NY—(April 03, 2020) World Education Services (WES) applauds New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy’s Executive Order 112 as a positive step toward the goal of removing the barriers to employment for under- and unemployed immigrants and refugees who have healthcare degrees and experience.
The order, issued on April 1, authorizes the Division of Consumer Affairs to grant temporary licenses to doctors licensed outside the U.S. to allow them to join the frontline fight against COVID-19. These doctors will join the nearly 30% of licensed physicians nationwide who are immigrants, refugees, and asylees.
“Governor Murphy has taken a critically important step by creating emergency pathways for qualified doctors with international credentials to contribute their immense skills and talents to New Jersey’s healthcare workforce,” said WES CEO and Executive Director Esther Benjamin. “At a time when we must all unite to find practical solutions to the pandemic, New Jersey has created a model that other states can emulate.”
For more than a decade, WES, together with its partners, has advocated for policies to remove barriers to employment for the more than 2 million under- and unemployed immigrants and refugees in the United States. This total includes more than 120,000 with healthcare degrees and experience.
“New Jersey’s decision to temporarily issue licenses to foreign-trained physicians will no doubt save lives,” said Benjamin. “WES looks forward to working with Governor Murphy and his staff to implement the policy, and will work to ensure that this temporary measure ultimately opens permanent pathways for the tens of thousands of immigrant and refugee health professionals — including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and many others — who stand ready and willing to put their live-saving skills to use in communities across the United States.”
WES is a 501(c)3 non-profit social enterprise dedicated to helping international students and professionals achieve their educational and workplace goals in the United States and Canada. Over the course of more than 45 years, WES has provided credential evaluations to nearly three million individuals from around the globe.
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Read MoreYou can now share the results of your credential evaluation report with anyone in the world, instantly. The WES Digital Badge can be displayed online for maximum visibility and recognition. This means that employers can access your report anytime, online, with just one click!
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Read MoreWES Living the Mission is a staff-led volunteer program which provides all WES staff with an opportunity to find new ways to empower internationally educated individuals and bring the WES mission to life. Staff from across the organization propose, design, and execute all WES Living the Mission projects.
The first two projects were a mentorship program that paired WES volunteers with skilled immigrants seeking to obtain professional employment in the U.S., and a video project, Stories of Immigrants, featuring immigrants’ speaking about their experiences of coming to the U.S., the journeys they took once here, and the struggles they encountered along the way.
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An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) takes about thirty-five (35) business days after we receive, review, and accept all required documents and fees. A Document-by-Document or Course-by-Course Evaluation takes about seven (7) business days after we receive, review, and accept all your required documents and fees. NOTE: A credential evaluation may take longer if additional verification or information is required.
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Carleton University – Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Affairs (FGPA)
Read MoreWorld Education Services (WES) has long pursued the mission of enabling individuals to fully utilize their education and talent. The WES Mariam Assefa Fund offers a new way for the organization to achieve this mission. The fund will be used to support select organizations that are working to accelerate progress in immigrant economic integration, spur innovation in the delivery of workforce development interventions, and permanently dismantle the barriers that hinder economic advancement among immigrants and refugees.
The WES Mariam Assefa Fund has identified several priorities to guide its efforts in 2019 and 2020. In the near-term, the fund is focused on supporting organizations and solutions working to address issues in five areas of immigrant integration and workforce development:
The fund is initially focused on grantmaking. In the future, we may make program-related investments as well.
The Fund is focused on advancing the economic and workforce integration of immigrants and refugees. As such, we do not offer scholarships or other resources to support international students.
We identify potential grantees who can contribute expertise, learnings, and impact on the five core areas of exploration outlined above. All final-stage applicants must undergo financial, organizational, and programmatic due diligence.
The fund primarily supports entities classed by the Internal Revenue Service as tax-exempt, non-profit organizations. For-profit social enterprises may be eligible for a grant if the nature of their work clearly contributes to the charitable goals of the Fund. The geographic focus of the fund’s grantmaking is currently the United States. We are exploring opportunities for grantmaking in Canada at a later date.
Grantees were selected based on several factors including organizational track record, ability to generate learnings and new ideas to inform the field, and the potential impact of the proposed project.
The WES Mariam Assefa awarded its first round of grants to the five following organizations:
Click on the links above to read more about each grantee and their projects.
For its first grants grantmaking, the fund focused on organizations working in these three core areas:
The fund does not currently accept unsolicited proposals. However, we deeply value innovative ideas generated by organizations and practitioners in the field and will periodically issue calls for projects aligned with our areas of focus. Any future open calls for proposals will be shared through our distribution list, so please sign up to stay updated.
Please join our distribution list! We will share updates on funding priorities, partnership opportunities, learnings from our work, and more.
A WES credential evaluation is a key step in understanding the educational backgrounds of candidates educated abroad. WES helps academic institutions, professional licensing bodies and employers by evaluating degrees and diplomas earned abroad to determine their Canadian equivalencies.
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Read MoreSince 1974, WES has been committed to the success of the international students, immigrants and refugees who look to the United States as a place to fulfill their dreams. With a staff that represents 37 nations and speaks more than 40 languages, WES ...
Read MoreA WES credential evaluation is a key step in understanding the educational backgrounds of candidates educated abroad. WES helps academic institutions, professional licensing bodies and employers by evaluating degrees and diplomas earned abroad to determine their U.S. equivalencies.
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We are a non-profit organization dedicated to helping international students and professionals achieve their educational and professional goals in the United States and Canada. Founded in 1974, we evaluate and advocate for the recognition of international education qualifications.
Read MoreCollege of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario (TCM)
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WES corroborates these claims using the best information and resources available. If only a partial transcript is available, WES may be able to reconstruct the degree profile and courses likely taken to achieve that credential.
If you have your academic documents in a sealed envelope, you are not eligible for the WES Gateway Program. You can apply through the standard process. Learn about the standard process.
Note regarding education obtained in Ukraine: Please visit the Important WES Notices page for updates on our evaluation policy.
Note regarding education obtained in Afghanistan: WES evaluates education from 31 universities if it was completed before August 15, 2021. Study completed between 1996 and 2001 cannot be evaluated at this time.
A report issued through the WES Gateway Program validates and assesses the education of individuals who cannot get verifiable academic documentation. The documents used for this evaluation come from the applicant and are not authenticated as in a standard WES evaluation.
Because academic institutions and licensing bodies value authenticated documents, we recommend you attempt to obtain your official documents for a standard WES evaluation before applying through the WES Gateway Program.
There are two types of credential evaluation reports through the WES Gateway Program:
This fee includes:
For applicants that demonstrate a financial need, the partner organizations may be able to access funds to cover the cost of the evaluation. Eligibility criteria for financial aid differ from organization to organization.
Once your report is complete, standard fees apply for additional copies, delivery, and upgrades. To order upgrades, Contact Us and select WES Gateway Program as the Question Category.
The WES Gateway Program will initially focus on Afghanistan, Eritrea, Iraq, Syria, Turkey, Ukraine, and Venezuela. Our research team will continue to review all factors and, whenever possible, expand the country list. A public announcement will be made if countries are added to the list.
Depending on your goals in Canada, you may be able to use another credential evaluation service provider to help you meet admission or licensing requirements. Additionally, you may also try our free degree equivalency tool when pursuing employment pathways or upgrading your education through bridge training programs.
If you cannot find an organization in your region, please contact us (select “WES Gateway Program” as the question category).
For WES to process your WES Gateway Program application, you must have originals or copies of at least one of the following documents issued by an institution:
Documents that are not in English or French must be translated.
Your WES credential evaluation highlights your academic achievements and serves as proof of your qualifications. Your credential evaluation report may help you meet the requirements for:
Please note each organization has a different recognition process and may have its own internal requirements.
Contact us to request an upgrade to a Course-by-Course report. Please select “WES Gateway Program” as the question category. The upgrade fee is $100 CAD (plus HST). You will receive the payment notification through My Account.
An evaluation through the WES Gateway Program takes about 15 business days after we receive, review, and accept all your documents and we receive payment in full.
If you were educated in more than one of the eligible countries, you will have an opportunity to add that information later in the application. If you have additional education in a country that is not eligible for the WES Gateway Program, you must submit a separate application for that credential and meet the WES standard document requirements. Fees apply to only one application.
View the PDFs below to learn more about the evaluation report you’ve received and the education systems that are currently accepted for evaluation by the WES Gateway Program.
View the PDFs below to learn more about your evaluation report and the Canadian education system.
Read MoreAbout WES Reports A credential evaluation report is provided through the WES Gateway Program to support the recognition of an applicant’s academic qualifications. Based on the documents presented to us, this credential evaluation assesses how an applicant’s international education compares to a similar ...
Read MoreProgram Resources About WES Gateway Program Program FAQS – Canada Program FAQs – U.S. Referral Quick Guide – Canada Referral Quick Guide – U.S. Afghanistan – Eligible Universities Program flyers Flyer for clients – Canada Flyer for clients – Canada (multilocation) Flyer for ...
Read MoreWES Gateway Program Support If you have questions about the WES Gateway program, please email: Canada: [email protected] U.S.: [email protected]
Read MoreThe WES Gateway Program assesses the educational credentials of individuals who have been displaced as a result of adverse circumstances in their country and have limited proof of academic achievements.
A WES Gateway Program credential evaluation report can help eligible individuals continue their education, become licensed in their field, or take the next step on their career pathway in Canada. The report can be accepted by higher education institutions, regulatory bodies, and employers.
WES works with designated partners to identify individuals who are eligible for the Gateway Program. The program is available to individuals educated in Afghanistan, Eritrea, Iraq, Syria, Turkey, Ukraine, and Venezuela, who meet program requirements.
To learn more about the program’s impact, read stories from individuals who have used a WES Gateway Program credential evaluation report to pursue their academic and professional goals. For more information, read our frequently asked questions.
Read MoreOrdre des ingénieurs du Québec
Read MoreNEW YORK, June 18, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — New research by World Education Services finds that the U.S. political environment is the biggest challenge to recruiting international students to college and university campuses. In response, most institutions have changed or are planning to ...
Read MoreOntario College of Trades
Read MoreIn 2020, WES responded rapidly to the pandemic through our programs, products, advocacy, and philanthropy. In our 2020 annual report, read about WES’ work as a business and social impact organization in navigating the unprecedented global circumstances and launching an ambitious five-year strategic plan that will see WES deepening its support and advocacy for international students, immigrants, and refugees.
Read MoreEngineers Nova Scotia
Read MoreWES Global Talent Bridge is dedicated to helping skilled immigrants fully utilize their talents and education in Canada and the United States. We join local and national partners including academic institutions, professional licensing bodies, employers, and community organizations to help skilled immigrants use their skills, leverage their training, and achieve their academic and professional goals.
Read MoreWES Global Talent Bridge is dedicated to helping skilled immigrants fully utilize their talents and education in Canada and the United States. We join with institutional partners, community-based organizations, and policymakers to help skilled immigrants use their skills, leverage their training, and achieve their academic and professional goals. The results of our work in communities throughout the United States are best illustrated by the Skilled Immigrant Integration Program.
Read MoreNEW YORK, NY (GLOBE NEWSWIRE – May 30, 2018) — World Education Services (WES) has announced plans to offer blockchain-based digital badges to qualified WES clients. WES, which evaluates international education qualifications and advocates for their recognition in the U.S. and Canada, is offering the badges through Credly, a leading provider of online credentials.
“WES has provided internationally educated individuals with high-quality credential evaluation reports for 44 years,” said Mariam Assefa, executive director of WES. “Digital badges are a natural extension of that work. They allow holders to make their international educational qualifications both visible and verifiable online, and to share them when and how they want. Blockchain is an added value. It allows us to ensure the integrity of WES-issued educational verifications even online.”
The blockchain that backs WES digital badges is similar to the technology behind Bitcoin. It records and encrypts “blocks” of information on a digital timeline—“the chain” in blockchain.
Multiple security mechanisms protect these blockchain-based digital badges. For instance, one block of information cannot be altered without altering the rest of the chain; the use of cryptographic hashes means no personally identifiable information is recorded to the blockchain; and distributed storage on a decentralized network minimizes hacking threats.
WES digital badges, which can be displayed on social media platforms such as LinkedIn, will enable holders to provide secure, one-click verification of their internationally earned educational credentials to employers and others.
“As individuals and organizations leverage digital credentials to unlock opportunities, blockchain brings another, important layer of validation and trust that is especially relevant to international audiences,” said Jonathan Finkelstein, Founder & CEO of Credly.
WES is issuing the first set of digital badges to a limited number of clients as part of a small pilot program. The goal of the pilot is to better understand the needs of badge holders, employers, admissions personnel, and others. WES will make badges available to a broader set of clients after completion of the pilot.
About WES
World Education Services (WES) is a non-profit organization, founded in 1974. WES evaluates and advocates for the recognition of international education qualifications in the U.S. and Canada, and has provided evaluations to almost two million individuals worldwide. WES credential evaluations are recognized by 2,500 academic, business, and governmental institutions around the globe.
Read MoreWorld Education Services (WES) collects information required to evaluate educational credentials. WES recognizes the importance of protecting the privacy of the persons who submit their credentials for evaluation. Any information shared between applicants and WES is protected in accordance with applicable laws and the policies stated below.
Read MoreWorld Education Services (WES) collects information required to evaluate educational credentials. WES recognizes the importance of protecting the privacy of the persons who submit their credentials for evaluation. Any information shared between applicants and WES is protected in accordance with applicable laws and the policies stated below.
Read MoreUniversity of Chicago Booth School of Business
Read MoreTORONTO – (April 18, 2018) Shamira Madhany will join World Education Services (WES) as Managing Director, Canada, and Deputy Executive Director, WES, beginning on July 9th. Madhany comes to WES after more than two decades of government service in Ontario, most recently as ...
Read MoreTORONTO, April 18, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Shamira Madhany will join World Education Services (WES) as Managing Director, Canada, and Deputy Executive Director, WES, beginning on July 9th. Madhany comes to WES after more than two decades of government service in Ontario, most ...
Read MoreAccessWES® is the secure online delivery system we use to send WES Evaluation Reports to academic institutions and other recognized organizations.
Read MoreTORONTO, Jan. 18, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — After almost 18 years as head of World Education Services’ Canadian Office, Tim Owen announced his retirement, effective in May of 2018. Owen will continue to serve as Director of WES Canada and Deputy Director of ...
Read MoreCollege of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO)
Read MoreHarvard Business School (HBS)
Read MoreNEW YORK, NY (GLOBE NEWSWIRE – Oct. 17, 2017) New research from World Education Services (WES) finds that 89 percent of international alumni and 92 percent of current international students believe their U.S. education is a good investment. However, many face difficulties navigating visa authorization, gaining work experience, and finding jobs in their home countries or the U.S. after graduation.
Read MoreCPA Western School of Business (Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia)
Read MoreCarnegie Mellon University - Heinz College
Read MoreUniversity of Regina – Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research (FGSR)
Read MoreThe following is preferred WES style.
Read MoreUse this checklist to keep track of each stage of production of your publication project. Project Title: ____________________________________ Primary Author(s): _______________________________
Read MoreThe proofreading stage constitutes a final two-step review of two sets of page proofs of the manuscript. By this stage, all copyediting tasks should be completed, although the proofreader may catch overlooked problems.
Read MoreInitiative Addresses the Concern That a Lack of Educational Credential Recognition Is a Major Barrier to Employment and Income Stability Among Refugees TORONTO, ON–(May 18, 2016) – After years of enduring civil war, more than 25,000 Syrian refugees recently arrived in Canada and are dreaming about a successful life in their new home. Like thousands of refugees before them, they will struggle to reach their full potential if their educational credentials are not recognized. Without appropriate credential recognition, these individuals can find themselves underemployed, underpaid, and unable to achieve their aspirations or meet their potential in society.
Read MoreWES uses the following editorial resources.
Read MoreBrowse research reports and other research-based documents from the WES Research team and WES Global Talent Bridge.
Read MoreThe WES color palette and fonts are critical components to the foundation of new branding. The resources below, along with the information in the main brand guidelines, illustrate the proper use for color and typography throughout the system. Consistency throughout applications is key.
Read MoreWe want to help you cover the latest issues in higher education. Our experts can speak with you on topics of international student mobility, trends in higher education, skilled immigration in the U.S. and Canada, and credential evaluation and verification to avoid fraud.
Send us an email at [email protected]
Read MoreWelcome to the WES Content Style Guide! This guide has been developed to provide a standard editorial style for the organization and to guide WES staff and consultants during the writing process. It sets a clear and consistent style for word usage, punctuation, ...
Read MoreTrusted Advice for Academic and Professional Success
Read MoreNeed to publish a blog post? Want to create a new web page? Need to update or translate content that already exists? This section explains how you can work with the content team to manage your content.
Read MoreWES logos include core and programs including WES Global Talent Bridge and the WES Mariam Assefa Fund, in addition to the WES sub-brand logos for WENR. Download the main brand guidelines here for more information.
Read MoreToreprem adis cum amet lab in nonecep eruptas re volorum a eruptas re volorum a solor maximil ent quiant solor maximil ent quiant quas ma natenihite cones.
Read MorePrincipal applicants intending to apply as a Physician/Specialist Physician (NOC 3111 or 3112) must be assessed by the Medical Council of Canada. Individuals intending to apply as a Pharmacist (NOC 3131) must have an assessment from the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada. For more Information for Physicians and Pharmacists, please visit Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
Read MoreNEW YORK, NY—(Marketwired – Jun 6, 2017) New research from World Education Service (WES) indicates that two thirds of U.S.-bound international students who work with education agents use independent rather than institution-sponsored agents. The remaining third—those who work with sponsored agents—often pay agent ...
Read MoreToronto Montessori Institute (TMI)
Read MoreUniversity of British Columbia Internationally Educated Midwives Bridging Program (UBCIEMBP)
Read MoreSaskatchewan Professional Teachers Regulatory Board (SPTRB)
Read MoreSaskatchewan Institute of Agrologists (SIA)
Read MoreProfessional Certification Unit (PCU) of Manitoba Education and Training
Read MoreFederation of Optometric Regulatory Authorities of Canada (FORAC)
Read MoreEngineers Prince Edward Island (EPEI)
Read MoreChartered Professional Accountants Atlantic School of Business (CPA ASB)
Read MoreRead More
Institutional Client Relations staff are the liaisons between WES and our partners. We serve in an advisory capacity when questions arise about international academic institutions and credentials, provide best practices in admissions, licensure and hiring policies, and offer solutions to your unique challenges. We also promote the recognition of international academic credentials via meetings and presentations.
Please contact your Institutional Client Relations contact at WES for any assistance.
Read MoreAdding a direct link to WES from your own website is fast, easy and lets internationally educated candidates know they need to have their academic credentials evaluated in a fair and accurate way. To do so, simply copy the HTML code provided below (for either a text link or a WES logo) and then insert it into the appropriate page on your website.
Contact us if you need help.
How to insert a text link into your website:
Example: World Education Services
Copy the code below:
<a href="https://www.wes.org/ca">World Education Services</a>
How to insert the WES logo into your website:
Example: 
Copy the code below:
<a href="https://www.wes.org"><img src="https://www.wes.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/link-to-WES_logo-e1492612295951.jpg" alt="World Education Services" /></a>
WES is committed to the success of both its partners and the internationally educated candidates they serve. We offer the following free tools to streamline the international admissions process, helping partners achieve their goals.
Read MoreUniversity of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC)
Read MoreSUNY Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT)
Read MoreThe WES iGPA Calculator converts grades from a non-US grading scale into US equivalents and calculates GPAs on a 4.0 grading scale.
Anyone considering the qualifications of internationally-educated candidates, including: Undergraduate Admissions, Graduate Admissions, Scholarship Committees, Financial Aid Offices, Athletic Departments, Study Abroad Offices, Transfer Credit Analysts, Human Resources Offices.
Yes. All completed GPA calculations are archived in the history tab for retrieval or further reference. The archived calculations are also printable.
The course worksheet will reopen by clicking on the edit button. This enables the user to make any necessary changes. Click the ‘Get GPA Button” to get the revised calculation. (Note: once a new calculation is started the previous record is archived and not editable.)
Yes. You can print a GPA at the time of completion as well as from the archives in the history tab. A print icon is visible for a quick print.
The WES iGPA Calculator allows you to quickly convert grades from education systems in over 135 countries. The scales available in the tool represent the most commonly used for each available country. If you have a credential with a different grading scale and need assistance, please contact us.
Very secure. The WES iGPA is on a secure server using VeriSign 128 bit encryption security features. Users with login and password have access to only the files they work on. Only an administrator on the account can view all files.
Since the WES iGPA Calculator works via the internet (and not by downloaded software) there should be no instability to your computer. Most issues can be resolved by refreshing your browser. If you have any technical questions, please contact us.
Colleges and universities will be billed an annual subscription fee based on the number of users licenses.
Since 1974, WES has been committed to the success of the international students and skilled immigrants who look to North America as a place to achieve their dreams. Academic institutions, employers, licensing bodies and government agencies rely on WES to evaluate the credentials of candidates for education and employment. WES also provides research, training and additional resources that advance the recognition of qualifications, helping credential holders gain the full benefit of their academic achievements.
Read MoreSince 1974, WES has been committed to the success of the international students, immigrants and refugees who look to the United States as a place to fulfill their dreams. With a staff that represents 37 nations and speaks more than 40 languages, WES ...
Read MoreCanada’s federal and provincial governments welcome skilled immigrants who will contribute to the country’s fast-growing economy. WES is proud to be recognized as an Education Credential Assessment (ECA) agency by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, which requires skilled immigrants to submit assessments of their academic credentials as part of the immigration process. This designation means our credential evaluation services are widely accepted by Canada’s government agencies, employers, universities and regulatory bodies.
Read MoreAcsenda School of Management (ASM)
Read MoreU.S. employers seeking to hire the best available talent must often screen internationally educated candidates for positions that are unregulated by national or regional licensing boards. More than 2,500 employers in the U.S. and Canada rely on WES credential evaluation reports for help. WES verifies candidates’ credentials, provides U.S. equivalencies for all academic credentials, and supports partners with the training and resources they need to ensure best practices.
WES draws on a deep well of knowledge and experience to provide credential evaluation services that streamline the hiring process and mitigate risk. We employ more than 200 credential evaluators from over 30 countries, and our evaluation database comprises more than 49,000 academic institutions, 23,000 academic credentials, and over 4,000 grading scales from around the world.
Employers who hire individuals in regulated occupations can learn about our partnerships with professional licensing and certification boards here.
Read MoreCanadian employers that screen internationally educated candidates for positions unregulated by national or provincial licensing bodies refer these individuals to WES. Our credential evaluation services mitigate risk and simplify and streamline the hiring process. We verify candidate credentials, provide Canadian equivalencies for all academic credentials, and support partners with the training and resources they need in order to ensure best practices.
WES draws on a deep well of knowledge and experience. Our evaluations database includes samples of ~28,000 credentials and 5,600 grading scales from 203 countries and territories.
Companies that employ individuals in regulated occupations can learn about our partnerships with professional licensing and certification bodies here.
Read MoreOccupational regulatory bodies refer internationally educated candidates to WES for our document authentication and evaluation services to mitigate risk and to simplify and streamline the screening process. We verify candidate credentials as authentic and provide Canadian equivalencies for all coursework and grades.
WES draws on a deep well of knowledge and experience to help our partners. We employ more than 200 credential evaluators from more than 30 nations, and our evaluation database includes more than 45,000 academic institutions, one million courses and 1,600 grading scales from around the world.
Read MoreQatar University (QU)
Read MoreAdventist University of Health Sciences (AUHS)
Read MoreRead More
We are a non-profit organization dedicated to helping international students and professionals achieve their educational and professional goals in the United States and Canada. Founded in 1974, we evaluate and advocate for the recognition of international education qualifications.
Read MoreOccupational regulatory boards refer foreign-educated candidates to WES for our document authentication and evaluation services to mitigate risk and to simplify and streamline the screening process. We verify candidate credentials as authentic, provide U.S. equivalencies for all coursework and grades and supply licensing boards with support, training and resources they need in order to ensure best practices.
Read MoreAdding a direct link to WES from your own website is fast, easy and lets internationally educated candidates know they need to have their academic credentials evaluated in a fair and accurate way. To do so, simply copy the HTML code provided below (for either a text link or a WES logo) and then insert it into the appropriate page on your website.
Read MoreWES is committed to the success of both its partners and the internationally educated candidates they serve. We offer the following free tools to streamline the international admissions process, helping partners achieve their goals.
Read MoreBrowse research reports and other research-based documents from the WES Research team and WES Global Talent Bridge.
Read MoreOntario Rehabilitation Sciences Programs (ORPAS)
Read MoreOntario Medical Schools Application System (OMSAS)
Read MoreOntario Law Schools Application Service (OLSAS)
Read MoreOntario Institute of Agrologists (OIA)
Read MoreOntario College Application Service (OCAS)
Read MoreCollege of Registered Nurses of Nova Scotia (CRNNS)
Read MoreCollege of Licensed Practical Nurses of Nova Scotia (CLPNNS)
Read MoreCanadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS)
Read MoreProfessional Geoscientists of Ontario (PGO)
Read MoreAssociation of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Saskatchewan (APEGS)
Read MoreAssociation of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia (APEGBC)
Read MoreAssociation of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA)
Read MoreAssociation of Canadian Occupational Therapy Regulatory Organizations (ACOTRO)
Read MoreSouthern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT)
Read MoreManitoba Institute of Agrologists (MIA)
Read MoreEngineers Geoscientists Manitoba
Read MoreChartered Professional Accountants of Ontario (CPAO)
Read More
Read MoreRegional directors are the liaisons between WES and its partners. They promote the recognition of international academic credentials via webinars, on-site meetings, and national, regional and state conferences.
Read MoreHarvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE)
Read MoreNova Southeastern University (NSU)
Read MoreSUNY Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT)
Read MoreUniversity of Central Florida (UCF)
Read MoreUniversity of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC)
Read MoreUniversity of Michigan's Ross School of Business (UM-Ann Arbor)
Read MoreUniversity of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC)
Read MoreKuwait Scholarship Students
Read MoreWorld Education Services (WES) is happy to provide accessibility to individuals with disabilities. By making our website more inclusive for all users, everyone can easily access our web content and services. Read more to learn how we are complying with the standards set under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).
Read MoreNEW YORK, NY–(October 5, 2015) – International students have become an essential student body across many U.S. campuses. How Master’s Students Choose Institutions: Research on International Student Segmentation is a new report from the non-profit World Education Services. It provides a lens into the institutional preferences of nearly 2,400 U.S.-bound international students seeking master’s degrees.
Read MoreNews on practice and policy affecting internationally trained immigrants and refugees
Read MoreWe want to help you achieve your goals. That’s why we offer free tools to help you succeed. These tools are resources to guide and empower you on your journey. Use them as often as you like to make the college application and immigration process easier.
Read MoreWe strive to provide the best service to international students, skilled immigrants, and our institutional clients. Read what they’re saying.
Read MoreSUNY Empire State College (ESC)
Read MoreWorking with WES is simple and requires no contract or commitment. Academic institutions, employers and other organizations refer their candidates to WES for credential evaluation services just as they would for admissions testing or other external services. Candidates then work directly with us and designate your organization as the recipient of WES Evaluation Reports.
Read MoreUnder the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), the regulation establishes accessibility standards for customer service, information and communications, employment, transportation and physical environments. World Education Services (WES) is committed to working towards being compliant with all the standards that apply to WES under the AODA.
Read MoreWorld Education Services (WES) is committed to providing accessible customer service to people who access our services. The intent of this policy is to ensure accessibility for persons with disabilities by identifying, removing and preventing barriers that might interfere with the ability to obtain the goods and services provided by the organization.
Read MoreWES Global Talent Bridge® is dedicated to helping skilled immigrants fully utilize their talents and education in Canada. We join with the following academic institutions, professional licensing bodies, employers and community organizations to help skilled immigrants leverage their training, achieve their professional goals and contribute their talents to their full potential.
Read MoreEvery day, more than 30,000 people from around the globe are forcibly displaced as a result of persecution or war. Many who look to North America as a place to rebuild their lives have difficulty securing new employment, professional licensing, or continued education because they have lost access to their academic documents.
To help these individuals resume their education or find employment, WES has partnered with immigrant-service organizations in Toronto, Ottawa, and Calgary to develop and test a Refugee Pilot Project. The project is designed to assess the credentials of Syrian refugees in Canada who do not have adequate academic documentation.
Read MoreThrough its Global Talent Bridge® program, WES engages with educational institutions, community organizations and other groups to develop strategies and resources that help immigrants and refugees achieve personal and professional success. WES Global Talent Bridge works in concert with several coalitions to put research into action and advocate for public policies that promote skilled immigration in smart ways. The program’s partnerships often involve a joint effort to develop and present seminars and other educational events, with both immigrants and the organizations that serve them in mind.
Read MoreWorld Education Services (WES) is designated by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to provide Educational Credential Assessments (ECA) for degrees and diplomas earned outside of Canada. An ECA is required to apply for certain IRCC immigration programs.
Read MoreFounded in 1974, World Education Services (WES) is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping international students and professionals achieve their goals in the United States and Canada. We evaluate and advocate for the recognition of international education qualifications.
Read MoreA credential evaluation is a comparison of your academic accomplishments to standards in the U.S. or Canada. This report helps institutions like schools, employers, licensing boards, or immigration authorities better understand your educational background.
Read MoreWorld Education Services, Inc. (“WES”, “us” or “we”) is committed to protecting your Personal Information (as defined below) through ensuring that all Personal Information provided to us is treated with care and, subject to this Privacy Policy (“Policy”), is not used or disclosed in ways to which you have not consented. This Policy governs the collection, use and disclosure of your Personal Information in any communication or interaction you may have with us, whether it be in person, through an authorized agent, over the telephone, in writing, or electronically.
Read MoreWorld Education Services (WES) collects information required to evaluate educational credentials. WES recognizes the importance of protecting the privacy of the persons who submit their credentials for evaluation. Any information shared between applicants and WES is protected in accordance with applicable laws and the policies stated below.
Read MoreAccessWES® is the secure online delivery system we use to send WES Evaluation Reports to academic institutions and other recognized organizations.
Read MoreAccessWES® is the secure online delivery system we use to send WES Evaluation Reports to academic institutions and other recognized organizations.
Returning users can login here.
Read MoreNo, WES does not provide language translations. WES requires official word-for-word translations of documents in other languages, which WES evaluators verify in the course of credential evaluations.
An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) takes about thirty-five (35) business days after we receive, review, and accept all required documents and fees. A Document-by-Document or Course-by-Course Evaluation takes about seven (7) business days after we receive, review, and accept all your required documents and fees. NOTE: A credential evaluation may take longer if additional verification or information is required.
In most cases, the candidate pays WES directly. Academic institutions and other organizations may also pay for WES evaluation reports.
Our Institutional Relations Department is on call to answer questions and provide information and assistance about WES evaluation reports. Please Contact Us and someone will be in touch.
Each WES evaluation report contains information that candidates can use to contact WES. We review and provide written responses to all questions from candidates.
Completed WES evaluation reports are sent to the candidate, as well as any institution or organization the candidate has designated as a recipient.
If any document submitted for credential evaluation is confirmed to be inauthentic, WES cancels the application and notifies the candidate, as well as any institution or organization the candidate has designated as a WES evaluation report recipient.
Government agencies, academic institutions, professional licensing bodies and employers partner with WES to evaluate the credentials of candidates educated abroad. WES provides candidates with a convenient online application where they can obtain detailed instructions regarding required documents and track the status of their evaluations anytime. Completed WES Evaluation Reports can be accessed through AccessWES®, our secure online delivery system, or they can be mailed to you.
Read MoreAcademic institutions, professional licensing bodies and employers partner with WES to evaluate the credentials of candidates educated abroad. WES provides candidates with a convenient online application where they can obtain detailed instructions regarding required documents and track the status of their evaluations anytime. Completed WES Evaluation Reports can be accessed through AccessWES®, our secure online delivery system, or they can be mailed to you.
Read MoreWorking with WES is simple and requires no contract or commitment. Academic institutions, employers and other organizations refer their candidates to WES for credential evaluation services just as they would for admissions testing or other external services. Candidates then work directly with us and designate your organization as the recipient of WES Evaluation Reports.
Read MoreA WES credential evaluation is a key step in understanding the educational backgrounds of candidates educated abroad. WES helps academic institutions, professional licensing bodies and employers by evaluating degrees and diplomas earned abroad to determine their Canadian equivalencies.
Read MoreA WES credential evaluation is a key step in understanding the educational backgrounds of candidates educated abroad. WES helps academic institutions, professional licensing bodies and employers by evaluating degrees and diplomas earned abroad to determine their U.S. equivalencies.
Read MoreSpecial Terms for ECA Applicants WES will provide Immigration., Refugees, and Citizenship Canada(IRCC) with electronic access to your assessment report and other information. At the request of IRCC, your records will be purged after 10 years. However, WES can store your records indefinitely if you provide written or electronic authorization.
Read MoreThe typical processing time for World Education Services (WES) evaluations is approximately seven (7) business days from the day that a completed application (including all required documents, information and full payment of fees) is received by WES and compiled for internal review and processing. Processing times may vary depending on a number of factors, including the volume of applications that WES has received, the complexity of the application and other factors.
Read MoreThe typical processing time for World Education Services (WES) evaluations is approximately seven (7) business days from the day that a completed application (including all required documents, information and full payment of fees) is received by WES and compiled for internal review and processing. Processing times may vary depending on a number of factors, including the volume of applications that WES has received, the complexity of the application, and other factors.
Read MoreNEW YORK, NY–(Nov 11, 2016) – How do I find a job in the U.S. when I earned my degree in another country? How do I adjust to the American education system? Millions of international students and skilled immigrants grapple with these questions and more as they navigate life in a new country.
Read MoreWES’ New Report Helps Academic Institutions Understand the Needs of International Students NEW YORK, NY–(Marketwired – Oct 4, 2016) – International students often face unique challenges to success while studying in the United States. Understanding those challenges and helping international students overcome them is key for higher education institutions that want to recruit and retain top international students.
Read MoreInitiative Addresses the Concern That a Lack of Educational Credential Recognition Is a Major Barrier to Employment and Income Stability Among Refugees TORONTO, ON–(May 18, 2016) – After years of enduring civil war, more than 25,000 Syrian refugees recently arrived in Canada and are dreaming about a successful life in their new home. Like thousands of refugees before them, they will struggle to reach their full potential if their educational credentials are not recognized. Without appropriate credential recognition, these individuals can find themselves underemployed, underpaid, and unable to achieve their aspirations or meet their potential in society.
Read MoreTORONTO, ON–(Oct 22, 2015) – World Education Services (WES) is celebrating 15 years serving skilled immigrants and international students in Canada. As immigration to Canada and international enrollment at Canadian colleges and universities has grown, there is an increased need to help individuals who studied outside of Canada gain recognition for their international education — to help reduce ‘brain waste’ and help them achieve their goals.
Read MoreNEW YORK, NY–(Nov 12, 2015) – During International Education Week (IEW), November 16-20, WES Advisor will provide free events and programming that will guide current and prospective international students on their journey to study in the U.S.
Read MoreNEW YORK, NY–(Apr 18, 2013) – Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) has designated World Education Services Canada (WES Canada) as a provider of educational credential assessments (ECA) for applicants applying under the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) for immigration.
Read MoreElectronically Delivered Verified International Transcripts Streamlines the Admissions Process and Reduces Errors NEW YORK, NY–(January 26, 2010) – Universities can save time and reduce errors when reviewing international applications for admission when prospective students use the World Education Services International Credential Advantage Package (WES ICAP™).
Read MoreWe strive to provide the best service to international students, skilled immigrants, and our institutional clients. Read what they’re saying.
Read MoreWES employees are passionate about our mission to ensure people educated in any country have the opportunity to succeed in Canada and the U.S. – we strive to remove barriers to their success. For over 40 years, we have set the standard of excellence in credential evaluations, research, and ongoing support for international students and skilled immigrants.
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Read MoreOur e-guides provide free tips and advice for international students and skilled immigrants in the U.S. and Canada.
Read MoreWe want to help you achieve your goals. That’s why we offer free tools to help you succeed. These tools are resources to guide and empower you on your journey. Use them as often as you like to make the college application and immigration process easier.
Read MoreWES Applauds Passage of Bridging the Gap for New Americans Act in U.S. Senate, Calls on House to Pass Critical Workforce Legislation
NEW YORK, NY—(June 24, 2022) Yesterday the U.S. Senate passed the Bridging the Gap for New Americans Act, S.3157, bipartisan legislation that calls on the U.S. Department of Labor to study the systemic barriers that impact internationally trained immigrants’ and refugees’ employment opportunities and issue recommendations for reform. The measure received strong bipartisan support as an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act of 2022 (NDAA) in September 2021, but after a compromise was reached that removed many amendments from the NDAA Congress passed a revised version of the defense spending bill that did not include the study. The bill now moves to the U.S. House of Representatives.
National Coalition Launches #WelcomingEconomy for Refugees Campaign to Connect Employers and Refugees in Canada
TORONTO, ON—(May 12, 2022) Today, the Refugee Jobs Agenda Roundtable, jointly with other partners, is launching the #WelcomingEconomy for Refugees campaign, a coordinated and unified employer-led effort focused on highlighting the social and economic contributions and successes of refugees. The campaign will feature business leaders in a series of videos aimed at encouraging and supporting the recruitment and hiring of refugee talent across Canada.
Health Care Leaders Gather to Discuss Strategy to Integrate Internationally Educated Health Professionals to Help Meet Ontario’s Health Care Needs
TORONTO, ON—(April 11, 2022) Today, World Education Services (WES) is convening leaders from hospitals, long-term care, and home care alongside other key health care stakeholders to talk about the role of immigrant health professionals in their sectors. This is the first time these stakeholders will assemble to share their vision of how to rebuild Ontario’s health workforce with the deliberate inclusion of internationally educated health professionals (IEHPs).
World Education Services Applauds Biden-Harris Administration Efforts to Attract and Support International Students
NEW YORK, NY—(January 26, 2022) Last week, the Biden-Harris administration announced efforts to expand opportunities for international students to gain practical experience and contribute their education and skills to the U.S. workforce. Building on the Joint Statement of Principles in Support of International Education issued by the U.S. Department of State and Department of Education in July 2021, these reforms include a new program to facilitate the research, training, and education of early-career exchange visitors; the addition of 22 new fields of study to the STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) program; and the removal of barriers for eligible international STEM students to remain in the U.S. post-graduation.
World Education Services Announces New Leadership of its Board of Trustees
NEW YORK, NY—(January 19, 2022) World Education Services (WES) today announced the appointment of Audrey Hendley as chair of the WES Board of Trustees. Hendley takes over the chairmanship from long-time trustee Hans de Wit.
WES Mariam Assefa Fund Announces $1.8 Million Commitment to Advance Inclusive Employer Practices for Immigrant and Refugee Job Seekers and Workers in the U.S. and Canada
NEW YORK, NY—(December 09, 2021) The WES Mariam Assefa Fund today announced the award of US$1.8 million in grants to 12 U.S. and Canadian organizations working to improve the economic mobility of immigrants and refugees. Each of these new grantee partners, selected through an open call for applications, works with employers and workers in a range of sectors such as health care, agriculture, “for hire” driving, and more. Each seeks to deliver relevant, worker-informed solutions that improve job quality and foster inclusive and equitable workplaces and economies.
South African Qualifications Authority and World Education Services Partner to Facilitate Qualifications Recognition for Refugees and Displaced People in South Africa
OTTAWA, ON—(Nov. 12, 2021) Last night, at the Groningen Declaration Network annual meeting, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) and World Education Services (WES) signed a partnership agreement that will ensure eligible refugees and displaced individuals can have their qualifications assessed and recognized in South Africa.
Five Sites Selected Across U.S. for World Education Services’ Inaugural Workforce Inclusion Demonstration Program
NEW YORK, NY—(November 10, 2021) Today, World Education Services (WES) announced the selection of five sites for its inaugural Skilled Immigrant Integration Program (SIIP) Demonstration Opportunity. These organizations will receive financial and technical assistance from WES Global Talent Bridge to develop promising workforce inclusion initiatives.
World Education Services Applauds Introduction of Bridging the Gap for New Americans Act in the U.S. Senate
NEW YORK, NY—(November 4, 2021) Yesterday the Bridging the Gap for New Americans Act was introduced in the U.S. Senate, following its passage out of the U.S. House of Representatives with strong bipartisan support in September. As the U.S. welcomes Afghan evacuees, this legislation takes a critical step toward addressing the systemic barriers that limit the employment opportunities of immigrants and refugees with international education and experience, filling worker gaps in essential industries, and ensuring an inclusive economic recovery.
Legislation Promoting Economic Inclusion Passes U.S. House of Representatives, World Education Services Praises Bipartisan Effort
NEW YORK, NY—(September 29, 2021) Last week, bipartisan legislation directing the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) to conduct an interagency study of the barriers that limit employment opportunities for immigrants and refugees with international credentials passed the U.S. House of Representatives as an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
WES Donates to Organizations Supporting Displaced Afghans and Haitians
NEW YORK, NY—(September 20, 2021) World Education Services (WES) is dedicated to creating a world in which everyone is able to put their education, experience, and skills to work anywhere in the world. The humanitarian crises now unfolding in Afghanistan and Haiti have spurred the organization to act in line with this vision by donating to five organizations that work directly with Haitians and Afghans.
WES Launches #UntappedTalent Campaign to Raise Awareness of the Underemployment and Unemployment of Immigrants and Refugees
NEW YORK, NY—(Sept. 14, 2021) As the United States responds to the COVID-19 pandemic and works toward achieving full economic recovery, World Education Services (WES) today announced the launch of the #UntappedTalent public awareness campaign, an initiative developed to spotlight the need for policy reforms that increase the economic mobility of immigrants and refugees in the U.S.
WES Statement on Crisis in Afghanistan
NEW YORK, NY—(August 19, 2021) WES is deeply concerned by the deteriorating situation in Afghanistan. Thousands of Afghans have been forced to flee their homes, and the fate of many who remain is uncertain. Given our mission to support the global mobility of all people, including those forcibly displaced, WES has an obligation to act.
World Education Services and More Than 120 Other Organizations Call on Congress to Support the Improving Opportunities for New Americans Act
NEW YORK, NY—(August 3, 2021) World Education Services (WES) joins Church World Service, International Rescue Committee, National Immigration Forum, National Skills Coalition, New American Economy, and Upwardly Global, together with more than 120 national, state, and local organizations, in urging Congress to co-sponsor the Improving Opportunities for New Americans Act. This bipartisan legislation would direct the United States Department of Labor to conduct an interagency study of the barriers that impact employment opportunities of immigrants and refugees who hold international credentials.
World Education Services Applauds Biden-Harris Administration’s Commitment to Welcoming International Students
NEW YORK, NY—(July 27, 2021) Yesterday, the United States Departments of Education and State issued a Joint Statement of Principles in Support of International Education outlining the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to restoring the role of the U.S. as a global leader in international education. The following is a statement by Esther Benjamin, Executive Director and CEO of World Education Services (WES).
World Education Services Announces Support for Improving Opportunities for New Americans Act, Bipartisan Legislation Promoting Economic Inclusion of Immigrants and Refugees
NEW YORK, NY—(June 25, 2021) Today the Improving Opportunities for New Americans Act of 2021 was re-introduced in Congress by Reps. Jason Crow (D-CO), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), John Katko (R-NY), and Young Kim (R-CA). The bipartisan legislation would direct the United States Department of Labor to study the barriers that impact employment opportunities of immigrants and refugees who hold international credentials.
World Education Services Announces Eight U.S. Communities to Join the Skilled Immigrant Integration Program
NEW YORK, NY—(Jun 16, 2021) World Education Services (WES) today announced the expansion of its Skilled Immigrant Integration Program (SIIP) to include eight new member communities working to ensure immigrant- and refugee-inclusive economies.
Internationally Educated Health Professionals an Untapped Resource in Ontario
Toronto, ON—(May 3, 2021) While the Ontario government seeks additional health care workers from across Canada and other countries amid the third wave of the pandemic, thousands of internationally educated health professionals (IEHPs) currently living in Ontario are ready and waiting to contribute their skills.
WES Response to the 2021 Ontario Budget: Ensuring an Immigrant-Inclusive Recovery
Toronto, ON—(April 1, 2021) WES monitored the release of the Ontario government’s 2021 budget with great interest. We were pleased to see strong investment in and focus on protecting people’s health and the economy.
World Education Services Releases Recommendations for Biden-Harris Administration to Ensure an Equitable and Inclusive Economy
NEW YORK, NY—(Jan 14, 2021)- On January 14, 2021, World Education Services (WES) released its recommendations for the Biden-Harris administration to advance the economic integration of internationally trained immigrants and refugees and international students in the United States. Titled Pathways for an Equitable and Inclusive Recovery for Immigrants, Refugees, and International Students, the road map for reform proposes strategies to ensure effective economic integration, outlining five key actions the Biden-Harris administration should prioritize within its first 100 days in office.
WES Mariam Assefa Fund Announces First Impact Investments Totaling $750,000 to Support the Success of Immigrant and Refugee Workers
NEW YORK, NY—(Dec. 15, 2020) The WES Mariam Assefa Fund today announced impact investments of $750,000 to ensure that immigrants and refugees in the United States have access to the tools and capital they need to acquire digital and other job-related skills, establish credit, increase their earning potential, and start businesses of their own.
Francisco Marmolejo Rejoins WES Board of Trustees, World Education Services (WES) Announces
NEW YORK, NY—(Dec. 02, 2020) World Education Services (WES) today announced that Francisco Marmolejo, a global leader in the field of international education administration, has rejoined its Board of Trustees. His first tenure on the WES Board lasted from 2011 to 2018.
WES Mariam Assefa Fund Awards First Grants in Canada, Committing C$1.9M to Create More Equitable Systems for Immigrant and Refugee Workers
Toronto, CA—(Nov. 23, 2020) The WES Mariam Assefa Fund, the philanthropic arm of World Education Services (WES), today announced its first grants in Canada. The Fund is awarding C$1.9 million to six organizations that are building stronger career pathways for immigrants and refugees, supporting workers affected by COVID-19, investing in immigrant leaders, and nurturing the development of innovative solutions and greater capacity in the immigrant-serving sector.
World Education Services Submits Public Comment Opposing Proposed Rule Setting Time Limits on International Student Visas
New York, NY—(October 27, 2020) On October 26, World Education Services (WES) submitted a public comment in opposition to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) proposed regulation Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission and an Extension of Stay Procedure for Nonimmigrant Academic Students, Exchange Visitors, and Representatives of Foreign Information Media to set fixed periods on the length of time international students can remain in the United States, arguing that the proposed rule would place an unnecessary and harmful burden on international students, higher education institutions, and the U.S. economy.
Immigrant Community Organizations Receive $2 Million in Philanthropic Funds – Twice the Initial Pledge
NEW YORK—(Sept. 24, 2020) The World Education Services (WES) Mariam Assefa Fund and the Tarsadia Foundation today announced 12 awardees of the Opportunity Challenge, a new grantmaking initiative to support the success of immigrants and refugees and the community-led organizations that serve them.
World Education Services Announces the Appointment of Cheryl Cramer Toto as COO
NEW YORK, NY—(Aug. 05, 2020) World Education Services (WES) today announced the appointment of Cheryl Cramer Toto as its new chief operations officer (COO). Toto will oversee WES’ world-leading credential evaluation processes, while identifying new opportunities for the growth and evolution of the organization.
World Education Services Submits Public Comment Opposing Proposed Rule Greatly Limiting Asylum Protections
New York, NY— (July 17, 2020)–On July 14, World Education Services (WES) submitted to the Executive Office for Immigration Review a public comment opposing a proposed asylum regulation that would dramatically curtail the criteria for asylum and put applicants at grave risk of harm, in contravention of long-standing domestic and international conventions.
ICE Decision Requiring International Students to Study In-Person or Be Deported Will Cause Long-Term Harm, Says World Education Services
New York, NY—(July 10, 2020) World Education Services (WES) is deeply concerned about the recent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) decision to revoke the visas of international students who do not take in-person classes this fall. The July 6 ICE action comes as COVID-19 cases continues to spike across the U.S, raising serious public health concerns and putting both students and universities at risk.
WES Mariam Assefa Fund Awards $1.35 Million in Grants to Support Career Pathways for Immigrants and Refugees Amid Pandemic
NEW YORK—(June 18, 2020) The WES Mariam Assefa Fund, the philanthropic arm of World Education Services (WES), today announced the award of $1.35 million in grants to enable immigrant and refugee workers to advance in the workforce of today and tomorrow and build strong careers that support their families and themselves. The three grant recipients are Building Skills Partnership (BSP), the EdTech Center @ World Education (EdTech Center), and the International Rescue Committee (IRC).
World Education Services Announces the Appointment of Four New Board Members
NEW YORK—(May 14, 2020) World Education Services (WES) today announced the appointment of four new members to its Board of Trustees. The new members are Dr. Feridun Hamdullahpur, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Waterloo; Helen Hayward, an Ontario-based independent board director and strategic advisor to organizations in the public and not-for-profit sector; Maryana Iskander, CEO of South Africa-based Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator; and Aaron Williams, who served as the 18th Director of the Peace Corps, from 2009 to 2012, and was most recently executive vice president of RTI’s international development group.
New Jersey’s Executive Order Allowing Immigrant Doctors to Join in the Fight Against COVID-19 Is ‘Critically Important,’ says World Education Services
New York, NY—(April 03, 2020) World Education Services (WES) applauds New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy’s Executive Order 112 as a positive step toward the goal of removing the barriers to employment for under- and unemployed immigrants and refugees who have healthcare degrees and experience.
WES Mariam Assefa Fund and the Tarsadia Foundation Announce the Opportunity Challenge: $1 Million to Uplift Immigrant Communities
NEW YORK—(March 10, 2020) The World Education Services (WES) Mariam Assefa Fund and the Tarsadia Foundation today announced a joint $1 million grantmaking initiative to support the success of immigrants, refugees, and their communities nationwide.
World Education Services Expands Immigrant Professional Integration Program to 24 Communities Nationwide
NEW YORK—(Jan. 29, 2020) World Education Services (WES) has announced the selection of eight state and local communities to join its three-year-old Skilled Immigrant Integration Program, bringing the total number of participating communities to 24.
World Education Services’ New Research Highlights International Students’ Daily Life Challenges on and off Campus
NEW YORK—(Nov. 20, 2019) New research from World Education Services (WES) finds that while international students are generally satisfied with the quality of academic programs and support available on U.S. campuses, they also continue to face mental health, adjustment, and other challenges.
WES Mariam Assefa Fund Announces First USD$1.2M in Grants to Support Immigrant and Refugee Employment Initiatives
NEW YORK—(Sept. 4, 2019) The WES Mariam Assefa Fund today announced the award of USD$1.2 million in grants toward its goal of catalyzing economic opportunities and advancement for immigrants and refugees in the U.S. and Canada. The grants have been awarded to five organizations in the U.S.: the Beeck Center for Social Impact and Innovation, Jobs for the Future (JFF), Mission Driven Finance, Upwardly Global, and the Welcoming Center for New Pennsylvanians.
World Education Services Launches the WES Mariam Assefa Fund to Provide Philanthropic Support to Organizations Striving to Help Immigrants and Refugees
NEW YORK—(June 4, 2019) World Education Services (WES) today announced the launch of the WES Mariam Assefa Fund. The USD $30 million philanthropic fund will support organizations that seek to bring down the barriers that keep immigrants and refugees from contributing their skills and joining the workforce in their new communities.
World Education Services Releases Its First Mobile Application
NEW YORK —(May 16, 2019)World Education Services (WES), the leading credential evaluation service in North America, has released its first-ever mobile application, the WES App.
World Education Services Appoints Esther Benjamin as CEO
NEW YORK—(April 22, 2019) Esther Benjamin will join World Education Services (WES) as Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director on June 17th. Benjamin comes to WES after a long career overseeing international organizations in the public, private, and civil society sectors, with a focus on global development and social impact. She will replace longtime WES Executive Director and CEO, Mariam Assefa, who announced her retirement in August 2018.
World Education Services Announces New Board Leadership
NEW YORK—(Jan. 15, 2019) World Education Services (WES), a non-profit organization dedicated to helping individuals achieve their higher education and professional goals in the United States and Canada, today announced the appointment of new board leadership.
Mariam Assefa Retiring as Executive Director of World Education Services
NEW YORK—(August 29, 2018) After 37 years as head of the leading international credential evaluation service in the United States and Canada, Mariam Assefa has announced her decision to retire from her role as Executive Director of World Education Services
World Education Services’ New Research Highlights Challenging Political Environment for International Student Recruitment
NEW YORK—(June 18, 2018) New research by World Education Services finds that the U.S. political environment is the biggest challenge to recruiting international students to college and university campuses. In response, most institutions have changed or are planning to change their international recruitment strategies.
World Education Services Pilots Blockchain-Based Digital Badges for Internationally Educated Students and Professionals
NEW YORK—(May 30, 2018) World Education Services (WES) has announced plans to offer blockchain-based digital badges to qualified WES clients. WES, which evaluates international education qualifications and advocates for their recognition in the U.S. and Canada, is offering the badges through Credly, a leading provider of online credentials.
Shamira Madhany Joins World Education Services as Managing Director of the Organization’s Operations in Canada
TORONTO—(April 18, 2018) Shamira Madhany will join World Education Services (WES) as Managing Director, Canada, and Deputy Executive Director, WES, beginning on July 9th.
Tim Owen Retiring as Deputy Executive Director of World Education Services, and Director of the Organization’s Operations in Canada
TORONTO—(Jan. 18, 2018) After almost 18 years as head of World Education Services’ Canadian Office, Tim Owen announced his retirement, effective in May of 2018. Owen will continue to serve as Director of WES Canada and Deputy Director of World Education Services (WES) until a successor is named and the transition is complete.
New Research From World Education Services Shows Career Outcomes for Current International Students and Alumni
NEW YORK—(October 17, 2017) New research from World Education Services (WES) finds that 89 percent of international alumni and 92 percent of current international students believe their U.S. education is a good investment. However, many face difficulties navigating visa authorization, gaining work experience, and finding jobs in their home countries or the U.S. after graduation.
World Education Services Releases New Research into International Students’ Experiences Working with Education Agents
NEW YORK—(June 6, 2017) New research from World Education Service (WES) indicates that two-thirds of U.S.-bound international students who work with education agents use independent rather than institution-sponsored agents. The remaining third—those who work with sponsored agents—often pay agent fees of more than USD $1,000 on top of commissions paid by institutions. This type of double payment is at the heart of the ongoing debate about practices among international education agents that many in U.S. higher education…
WES Provides Support for International Students and Skilled Immigrants in New York City
NEW YORK—(November 11, 2016) How do I find a job in the U.S. when I earned my degree in another country? How do I adjust to the American education system? Millions of international students and skilled immigrants grapple with these questions and more as they navigate life in a new country…
World Education Services: Helping International Students Thrive on Campus
NEW YORK—(Oct. 4, 2016) International students often face unique challenges to success while studying in the United States. Understanding those challenges and helping international students overcome them is key for higher education institutions that want to recruit and retain top international students…
WES Spearheads Efforts to Help Refugees Have their Educational Credentials Recognized
TORONTO—(May 18, 2016) After years of enduring civil war, more than 25,000 Syrian refugees recently arrived in Canada and are dreaming about a successful life in their new home….
World Education Services Celebrates 15 Years in Canada
TORONTO—(October 22, 2015) World Education Services (WES) is celebrating 15 years serving skilled immigrants and international students in Canada.
International Students Assess Reputation, Cost, and Career Opportunities for Master’s Programs
NEW YORK—(October 5, 2015) International students have become an essential student body across many U.S. campuses How Master’s Students Choose Institutions: Research on International Student Segmentation is a new report ….
Citizen and Immigration Canada Designates World Education Services to Provide Educational Credential Assessments Under Federal Skilled Worker Program
NEW YORK—(April 18, 2013) Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) has designated World Education Services Canada (WES Canada) as a provider of educational credential assessments for applicants applying under the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) for immigration.
New Academic Credential Package Speeds Up International Admissions
NEW YORK—(January 26, 2010) Universities can save time and reduce errors when reviewing international applications for admission when prospective students use the World Education Services International Credential Advantage Package.
Founded in 1974, World Education Services (WES) is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the global mobility of international students and professionals. We evaluate and advocate for the recognition of international education qualifications in the United States and Canada. For over 40 years, ...
Read MoreWe want to help you cover the latest issues in higher education. Our experts can speak with you on topics of international student mobility, trends in higher education, skilled immigration in the U.S. and Canada, and credential evaluation and verification to avoid fraud.
Read MoreWES employees are passionate about our mission to ensure people educated in any country have the opportunity to succeed in the U.S. and Canada—we strive to remove barriers to their success. For over 40 years, we have set the standard of excellence in credential evaluations, research, and ongoing support for international students and skilled immigrants.
Read MoreA credential evaluation is a comparison of your academic accomplishments to standards in the U.S. or Canada. This report helps institutions like schools, employers, licensing boards, or immigration authorities better understand your educational background.
Read MoreFounded in 1974, World Education Services (WES) is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping international students and professionals achieve their goals in the United States and Canada. We evaluate and advocate for the recognition of international education qualifications.
Read MoreAre you interested in becoming a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) in Canada? If you’ve recently relocated to Canada, or if you’re planning to relocate soon, you’ll likely want to start learning about the most recent guidelines and fastest pathways to achieve your goals. ...
Read MoreCanada is a popular place for international students to pursue higher education, whether they’re studying abroad to gain experience and credentials or completing an entire degree program. In this post, we go into detail and discuss the many reasons why Canada is popular ...
Read MoreEach year, individuals from all over the world travel to the United States to earn academic credentials, attain degrees, and graduate from renowned universities. Some people are attracted to the campus culture of American schools, while others are interested in the cachet of ...
Read MoreWorld Education Services (WES) believes in the power of storytelling and shared resources. In 2019, we reached out to immigrants across North America. We asked about their reasons for leaving home, their challenges along the way, and the advice they would like to ...
Read MoreYou’re probably aware that there are several evaluation types that you can choose from at WES. But did you know that people often order more than one type? Sometimes, people start by ordering a Document-by-Document (DxD) report and then they add a Course-by-Course ...
Read MorePrior to 2021, if you studied in Pakistan and wanted to pursue immigration, career, or higher education goals in the United States or Canada, then you might have encountered difficulties with credential recognition. WES wanted to help more Pakistan-educated individuals achieve success in ...
Read MoreThere are some common mistakes that applicants make when they are getting a credential evaluation from World Education Services (WES). This can introduce delays in the process (and in some cases, even lead to additional fees). In most cases, delays can be avoided ...
Read MoreWhen Ali Khalaf left Iraq in 2018, he had been using his master’s degree in international business to teach management, e-commerce, industrial organization, and commercial law at the University of Basrah. When he arrived in Canada, he was eager to continue doing what ...
Read MoreWorld Education Services (WES) believes in the power of storytelling and shared resources. In 2019, we reached out to immigrants across North America. We asked about their reasons for leaving home, their challenges along the way, and the advice they would like to ...
Read MoreAnas Farhoud remains optimistic in the face of adversity. He and his wife, Razan, left Syria and moved from one country to another for a full decade before finally settling with their two daughters in Canada in 2020. But he never lost faith ...
Read MoreWorld Education Services (WES) believes in the power of storytelling and shared resources. In 2019, we reached out to immigrants across North America. We asked about their reasons for leaving home, their challenges along the way, and the advice they would like to ...
Read MoreThis week, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced a policy update that is intended to lessen the burden on those hoping to complete a change of status (COS) and enroll as international students. The new policy states that nonimmigrants do ...
Read MoreIn honor of World Refugee Day on June 20, learn about one of our grantee partners with the WES Mariam Assefa Fund. Nada El Masry’s family fled Palestine during its vicious ethnic cleansing effort in the 1960s. Displaced to Libya, they were denied ...
Read MoreFor over a decade, World Education Services (WES) maintained an “apostille” requirement for several countries. Applicants who studied in those countries needed to mail their original documents, with apostille authentication, to WES. Once their report was complete, their original documents would be returned. ...
Read MoreNinos Ishaia and his wife Nancy are just two of the 6.6 million Syrians that left their country to escape its civil war. Before coming to Ontario, Canada, the couple had lived for more than two years in Lebanon. Five years have passed since Ninos joined more than 70,000 Syrian refugees who settled in Canada, but he vividly remembers the fears that came with ...
Read MoreWorld Education Services (WES) believes in the power of storytelling and shared resources. In 2019, we reached out to immigrants across North America. We asked about their reasons for leaving home, their challenges along the way, and the advice they would like to ...
Read MoreWorld Education Services (WES) believes in the power of storytelling and shared resources. In 2019, we reached out to immigrants across North America. We asked about their reasons for leaving home, their challenges along the way, and the advice they would like to ...
Read MoreAs we enter a new year, many international students and immigrants are eager to move forward with their plans to study, work, and live in the United States and Canada. World Education Services (WES) would like to help you achieve those goals. We’ve ...
Read MoreThe Stories of Immigrants Project began as a way for employees at World Education Services (WES) to become more involved with the company’s mission and learn more about the immigrants and refugees who we work to support every day. Over the course of ...
Read MoreThe Stories of Immigrants Project began as a way for employees at World Education Services (WES) to become more involved with the company’s mission and learn more about the immigrants and refugees who we work to support every day. Over the course of ...
Read MoreWorld Education Services (WES) has good news for applicants who are pursuing immigration to Canada: Our new guidelines can expedite your Educational Credential Assessment (ECA). WES is designated by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to provide ECAs. An ECA is necessary for ...
Read MoreThe Stories of Immigrants Project began as a way for employees at World Education Services (WES) to become more involved with the company’s mission and learn more about the immigrants and refugees who we work to support every day. Over the course of ...
Read MoreHave you been thinking about going back to school in Canada? If you recently settled into your new life in Canada, but you’re having trouble taking your career to the next level, then you might need to acquire new skills or earn additional ...
Read MoreThe Stories of Immigrants Project began as a way for employees at World Education Services (WES) to become more involved with the company’s mission and learn more about the immigrants and refugees who we work to support every day. Over the course of ...
Read MoreThe Stories of Immigrants Project began as a way for employees at World Education Services (WES) to become more involved with the company’s mission and learn more about the immigrants and refugees who we work to support every day. Over the course of ...
Read MoreThe Stories of Immigrants Project began as a way for employees at World Education Services (WES) to become more involved with the company’s mission and learn more about the immigrants and refugees who we work to support every day. Over the course of ...
Read MoreThe Stories of Immigrants Project began as a way for employees at World Education Services (WES) to become more involved with the company’s mission and learn more about the immigrants and refugees who we work to support every day. Over the course of ...
Read MoreFor the coming academic year, many colleges and universities are hosting their classes online in Canada and the U.S. This is particularly unfortunate for many international students who were planning to travel to North America this fall and experience the joy of studying ...
Read MoreMany people have had to put their education and plans on hold, due to the global pandemic and government restrictions. For example, you might have postponed your English proficiency test. That’s because many English tests, like the IELTS, are traditionally completed in person, ...
Read MoreWe know that applicants have a lot of questions about how the pandemic has affected business operations at WES. In this blog post, we have compiled some of your most frequently asked questions about our credential evaluation process and provided the latest answers. ...
Read MoreZiad Ajweh is a Building Safety Code Officer at the City of Edmonton. He moved to Canada as an international student nearly a decade ago, and obtained a Master of Science in construction engineering and management here. Ziad recently received the title of Professional Engineer (P.Eng.). This blog post traces Ziad’s immigration story and the challenges he overcame as ...
Read MoreThe Stories of Immigrants Project began as a way for employees at World Education Services (WES) to become more involved with the company’s mission and learn more about the immigrants and refugees who we work to support every day. Over the course of ...
Read MoreEven though you may not be able to go on in-person college visits now, there are many things you can do at home to determine if a prospective school is a good fit for you. For example, you can interact with the school ...
Read MoreOne essential piece of advice for immigrants is to build a network in their new home countries. When you develop professional contacts, socialize with neighbors, and make friends, you begin to absorb cultural information and mutually exchange ideas. Establishing a network will help ...
Read MoreMany applicants can now upload copies of degree certificates and translations in My Account. This is not a requirement for all applications, so you can disregard this post if you have already submitted your degree certificates and translations or if they are not ...
Read MoreThe Stories of Immigrants Project began as a way for employees at World Education Services (WES) to become more involved with the company’s mission and learn more about the immigrants and refugees who we work to support every day. Over the course of ...
Read MoreWES Ambassador Maddy Lavoie is an international student at Delta State University. In this blog post, she shares her tips for students who may be struggling and want to manage their stress in healthful ways. Everyone is under greater stress now because of ...
Read MoreWelcome back to our three-part series on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). In part one, we gave you an overview of the IELTS and answered some popular questions. In part two, we answer more questions and dive into the steps that ...
Read MoreElena Krechko is a certified life coach and psychologist from Russia. She is also an Expert Ambassador for WES. Below, she provides tips to help you overcome stress and anxiety during your job search. Major life transitions are always stressful, and that is ...
Read MoreAre you searching for free online courses and training you can take from the comfort of your home? Look no further than the online resources offered by immigrant-serving organizations, which are working tirelessly on behalf of their clients to provide a range of ...
Read MoreIn response to the COVID-19 pandemic, universities and colleges across Canada have closed their doors to all non-essential staff and students, disrupting the study plans of 642,480 international students in the country. According to an Eduvation blog post, 85 percent of the institutions ...
Read MoreMany employers are shifting to virtual hiring experiences, conducting video and phone interviews with job candidates. In fact, according to HireVue, as of March 2020, 89% of employers had begun to use virtual interviews during the hiring process. Here are ten tips that ...
Read MoreYou’ve received an email from your manager that says she’s WFH today. Does that mean she’s in a bad mood? Fortunately, no—it simply means your manager is “working from home.” In fact, office closures during these unprecedented times have many people working from ...
Read MoreEnglish testing options are changing. In the past, you had to take your exam in-person, at an official test center. Today, you can take your English proficiency test online. The Duolingo English Test is one popular way to certify your English skills without ...
Read MoreAs the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact the United States, travel restrictions and processing delays have put many travelers, international students, and long-term residents at risk of overstaying their visas. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has drafted several recommendations to guide those ...
Read MoreIf you are planning to immigrate to Canada through Express Entry, you will need to prove that you can communicate in at least one of the nation’s official languages: English or French. The Canadian government has set a goal to increase its French-speaking immigrant ...
Read MoreWorking in a new environment, outside of the structure and familiarity of the office, can be a challenge. You may need to adopt new routines or come up with different ways of achieving work-life balance when working remotely. We asked our team at ...
Read MoreLearning new skills is one of the best ways to become more successful in your career. Whether you are looking for a new career opportunity or would like to move into a more senior role, upgrading your skills can increase your chances of ...
Read MoreAs an international student or immigrant professional, it can be very easy to succumb to daily stressors. These might include professional or academic stressors, such as a challenging project or a looming deadline; or personal stressors, such as an argument with a loved ...
Read MoreWES is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our employees, applicants, and partners. We take this commitment very seriously, especially during these challenging and uncertain times. The governments of both the U.S. and Canada have taken numerous steps to contain the ...
Read MoreIf you studied in the Philippines and would like a WES evaluation for immigration, professional, or academic purposes, you will have to submit an application, make a payment, and send WES your documents. In order for WES to evaluate your high school or ...
Read MoreIf you are about to graduate from a college or university in the United States, congratulations! Your future looks bright. All you need now is a little work experience. For many international students, this means obtaining Optional Practical Training (OPT). But are you ...
Read MoreMany international students seek to extend their stay in the U.S. following graduation. In this blog post, WES Ambassador Maddy Lavoie describes the work options available to international students, including Optional Practical Training (OPT) and employer sponsorship. Keep reading to see her advice ...
Read MoreImmigrant Serving Organizations (ISO), commonly known as settlement or employment agencies, offer a wide range of support services. Their goal is to help newcomers integrate and find suitable jobs in Canada. Why Does Canada Offer ISOs? Canada is suffering from a labour shortage. ...
Read MoreThis year, the H-1B visa lottery will take place earlier than usual. Are you prepared? Typically, the lottery opens in April. However, this year you can begin applying on March 1, 2020. Below, find out what’s changed. Plus, learn to register online for ...
Read MoreThe IELTS Academic Reading test can be challenging, so it is important to make sure you are well prepared. Never take any IELTS test for granted. Prepare, prepare, and then prepare some more—the six tips below will help you. Make sure to put ...
Read MoreIs something in your résumé keeping you from finding a job in the United States? While you might have a great education and plenty of experience, the way that you present this information is what matters most. If you aren’t formatting your résumé ...
Read MoreWES Ambassador Tunde Omotoye started his career as a Human Resources Associate in Nigeria. He certainly understood how the hiring process worked! However, he needed to learn an entirely new process when he immigrated to Canada. (You can read his success story here.) ...
Read MoreIn the United States, a good credit score can help you achieve your personal and professional goals. However, newcomers do not have a credit score when they arrive in the U.S. This can make it difficult to settle into your new life. For ...
Read MoreWhen you think about “success,” one thing you probably think about is financial security. If you have recently moved to the United States, you might pursue success by continuing your education or starting a new career. However, getting a great job and saving ...
Read MoreWhy do skilled immigrants have a hard time finding jobs in Canada? Some newcomers struggle to understand and navigate the labour market. Other people might be doing everything right, but employers simply won’t recognize their international experience. Then, there is a group of ...
Read MoreFor many students, the writing section of the IELTS test can be one of the most challenging. The good news is that careful preparation will go a long way in helping to get the band score you need. Use the six tips below ...
Read MoreA growing number of institutions worldwide are making their academic records available in a digital or electronic format. World Education Services (WES) now partners with institutions to accept electronic documents from official, verified, and secure sources. Sending documents electronically can expedite the completion ...
Read MoreCanada’s job market offers many opportunities to skilled immigrants who have a background in science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM). The Canadian government is providing exceptional support to STEM-related research, training, and development, and has introduced multiple plans over the past few years ...
Read MoreLast year, readers and viewers from around the world discovered helpful content on WES.org. From blog posts and e-guides to webinars and FAQs, we published more content than ever before—and you couldn’t get enough! That was especially true when it came to content ...
Read MoreLaunched by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in June 2018, the Student Direct Stream (SDS) is an expedited study permit application stream for international students who want to pursue higher education in Canada. IRCC developed this program to support the rapid growth ...
Read MorePeople from all over the world move to Canada to fulfill their dreams. From 2018 to 2019, the country welcomed more than 300,000 immigrants. In 2020, there might be even more opportunities available, thanks to the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP). One ...
Read MoreIvy Anigbogu is a successful accountant in Canada. In this blog post, she recounts how she immigrated with her family from Nigeria to Canada. She also provides pre-arrival advice for other immigrants looking to make a similar journey. In 2017, my husband, Henry, ...
Read More“Networking” is the first suggestion most immigrants hear when they start looking for a job in the United States. But how do you network successfully when you are still learning about your new country and its culture? When you don’t know many people ...
Read MoreIncome share agreements (ISAs) are gaining traction among students as a means of funding higher education. In this blog post, Carolyn Ford explores the pros and cons of ISAs. She also describes how to compare an ISA to a traditional loan. As students ...
Read MoreThe United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees—the UN Refugee Agency—estimates that there are currently 70.8 million forcibly displaced people worldwide. UNHCR has data on 3.9 million stateless people but believes that millions more exist around the globe. Forced displacement has become a key ...
Read MoreWhen you purchase the WES International Credential Advantage Package (ICAP) in connection with your credential evaluation, you qualify for a WES Digital Badge. WES has partnered with Credly’s Acclaim, a leading digital credential service provider, to offer digital badges free of charge to ...
Read MoreTunde Omotoye is a Senior Business Operations Analyst at BMO Financial Group. He worked in Lagos, Nigeria, for nearly two years as a Human Resources Associate. He then travelled to Toronto to study human resources management, hoping to find a job after graduation and ...
Read MoreAre you a graduate student or early-career professional who is focusing on the internationalization of higher education? Here is your chance to present your original research to meaningful change-makers. World Education Services (WES) and the Boston College Center for International Higher Education (CIHE) ...
Read MoreOne of the most important steps when you are planning to immigrate to Canada is learning about job opportunities for newcomers. Of course, you will also want to stay informed about Canada’s job market once you arrive. World Education Services (WES) wants to ...
Read MoreYou might already know that Canada has two official languages: English and French. Therefore, it makes sense to wonder if there are any benefits to learning French if you want to immigrate to Canada. In short, the answer is: yes. Canada offers many ...
Read MoreNadine C. Atkinson-Flowers is an attorney in Jamaica and an immigration attorney in the United States. She is also an Expert Ambassador for WES. Below, she explains how to preserve your lawful status as an international student in the U.S. If you are ...
Read MoreMaddy Lavoie is a student and swimmer at Delta State University in Mississippi. She is also a WES Ambassador. In the blog post below, she discusses what it’s like to be a student-athlete in the United States. If you are an international student, ...
Read MoreWe want to send a big thank you to everyone who participated in our first WES photo contest and helped make it a success in honor of International Education Week (IEW)! To participate, we asked international students to post photos on Facebook with ...
Read MoreStudying abroad is an exciting adventure—but it can also be an expensive one. In addition to your regular schoolwork, you are probably going to get a crash course in budgeting. (That’s especially true if your trip abroad is also your first time leaving ...
Read MoreWhat is the value of completing your education in the United States? Is it worth the investment? Will you gain valuable career advantages? These are just some of the questions you have to consider before spending thousands of dollars to earn a degree ...
Read MoreWorld Education Services (WES) is best known for providing individuals from around the world with verified credential evaluations. However, WES also connects people with information and resources to help them achieve their education, immigration, and career goals in the United States and Canada. ...
Read MoreThe WES credential evaluation process involves four basic steps. Here’s a brief overview, and you can read a more in-depth explanation of each step below: In the first step, evaluators ensure that WES has received all required documents in the manner specified for ...
Read MoreIf you have just moved to a new country and found a job—congratulations! Now, you are probably concerned with making a good impression. This is where your presentation skills will become important. Good presentation skills can work like camouflage, making it seem like ...
Read MoreThe mining industry has historically provided a wealth of jobs across Canada. You might think that working in this industry involves heaving a pickaxe in a dark mineshaft, but fortunately, this is an outdated stereotype. The sector is rich with a diverse range ...
Read MoreDr. Trishnee Bhurosy is originally from Mauritius, but completed her PhD in Health Behavior at Indiana University-Bloomington. After earning her doctorate as an international student, she needed to find sponsored work to stay in the U.S. Now, she is a postdoctoral fellow at ...
Read MoreAre you dreaming of a life in the United States? You can make your dreams come true by entering the Green Card Lottery. Keep reading to learn: What countries are eligible? How do you successfully apply? What is the deadline for this year’s ...
Read MoreExtracurricular activities are available to all college students. They typically take place on campus, but they are optional and do not interfere with your required courses. Extracurricular activities can include social clubs, sports teams, student government, volunteering, or even an internship. Below, learn ...
Read MoreNote: This article relates to the 2019 IEW Photo Contest, which has ended. Check back for more information about IEW 2020! Enter our new photo contest, opening on October 11, 2019, for a chance to win an Amazon gift card worth $75, $50, ...
Read MoreWe love to hear from real people about their immigration journeys—and we know you do, too. This summer, we interviewed dozens of immigrants and international students to learn about their unique paths to North America. One of the questions we asked was: “What ...
Read MoreRecommendation letters play an essential role during the graduate school application process. Most institutions require you to include at least three letters with your application. Test scores, official transcripts, professional work experience, and extracurricular activities will also affect your outcome. But your letters ...
Read MoreAre you an international student interested in applying to a university or college in the United States? Do you feel limited by your TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test scores? Do not let your low test scores stop you from applying! There are ...
Read MoreCanada is a top study abroad destination for international students. The North American country is recognized for its top-notch quality of education. It is home to internationally acclaimed universities, including the University of Toronto, University of Alberta, and University of British Columbia. Although ...
Read MoreVolunteering is an attractive idea for immigrants who have just arrived in a new country. There are many benefits for you to enjoy—but in most cases, there are also real responsibilities involved. So before you begin looking for volunteer opportunities, you should consider ...
Read MoreYetunde Oshinkale is a WES Ambassador who immigrated to the United States from Nigeria. She is now a teaching assistant at Capella University. She received her current position thanks to guidance from a professional mentor who understood her goals. In this blog, she ...
Read MoreMany Indian students have questions about how U.S. universities assess their education. As a follow-up to our popular How U.S. Universities Evaluate Your 3-Year Indian Bachelor’s Degree post, we created this article to answer commonly asked questions from our readers. Below, find the ...
Read MoreHave you ever wondered what your international credentials are worth? Are you curious about their U.S. or Canadian degree equivalency? We have the perfect solution for you! Check out our free WES Degree Equivalency Tool for a U.S. or Canadian equivalency preview. Why ...
Read MoreAntonnet Botha is a Senior Training & Events Development Coordinator at WES. In part, she owes her success to the guidance from her college career adviser. Now, she has reached out to the same woman who helped her succeed: Leigh Nicholas, the Career ...
Read MoreAntonnet Botha is a Senior Training & Events Development Coordinator at WES. She traveled from South Africa to the United States to pursue a master’s degree in international business. Upon graduation, she completed Curricular Practical Training (CPT). However, with both a graduate degree ...
Read MoreAre you looking for a job in the United States or Canada? Find all of the job search tips you need to succeed, all in one post. Below, we collected the best advice from our experts and the WES Advisor archives. Whether you ...
Read MoreTo work in Canada as a licensed health provider, individuals are required to pass a licensing exam. Unfortunately, even if you have already worked as a physician or health care provider in another country, you will still need a new licence to practise ...
Read MoreAre you thinking about continuing your education in the United States or Canada? You probably have a lot of questions! Well, we have a lot of answers for you—and they are all one click away. We collected the best advice from our experts ...
Read MoreDespite the effort you have put into earning your three-year Indian bachelor’s degree, you might find it difficult to receive recognition in the United States. That’s because most bachelor’s degree programs take four years to complete in the U.S. Therefore, many some schools ...
Read MoreWES’ Academic Records Request Form can be used to request your academic documents from the institution where you were educated. It can be filled out online or by hand; you can send it electronically or by mail. Just be sure to find out ...
Read MoreMajd Sekkar was a Syrian refugee when he arrived in Canada. Today, he’s hitting high notes as he develops a music career in Toronto. Keep reading to learn about his journey. In the Beginning: Aleppo and Damascus Majd holds a bachelor’s degree in ...
Read MoreMany people who are hoping to move to Canada begin by improving their English-language skills. That is because you have to pass an English exam to immigrate via Express Entry. But did you know that mastering French can also help you qualify for ...
Read MoreIt’s here: the ultimate list of tips for immigrants from WES Advisor! We have combed our archives—including blogs, e-guides, and webinars—to locate the 100 best tips for your journey. There is something for everyone in this essential immigration tips list. Browse by category: ...
Read MoreExpert Ambassador Kasie Reyes is the associate director of the International Student and Scholar Office at Old Dominion University in Virginia. In recent years, her school—like most others in the United States—has seen an increase in the number of visa denials being issued ...
Read MoreLoae Al Mously is a computer network engineer from Syria. He now works as a network administrator in Canada. But at one point, he was a refugee without a home or country. He has had to work hard to achieve success and build ...
Read MoreWhat you study in school will have a huge influence over the next chapter of your life. Your academic background will guide your career goals and salary potential. After graduation, it might even become a factor of your eligibility to work or reside ...
Read MoreMekonnen Tesfaye came to the United States in 2014. After receiving a credential evaluation from WES, he is now a PhD candidate at University of the Cumberlands in Kentucky. But his journey was not easy. When he first arrived, he struggled to find ...
Read MoreBelow are the latest immigration updates from the United States and Canada. Topics include: Ontario invites tech-savvy immigrants to apply for residency. Canada also seeks migrant workers with experience in “agri-food.” College tuition costs have reached an all-time high in the U.S. The ...
Read MorePursuing a degree in the United States is expensive. That is well known if you already live in the country—but the steep costs of higher education can be especially prohibitive for international students. WES Advisor spoke with Maureen Klovers, Director of Social Impact ...
Read MoreStarting July 16, it will be harder than ever for refugees to seek asylum in the United States. On Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he would be changing the Immigration and Nationality Act. He planned to do this by filing an ...
Read MoreQuebec has just announced a new process to help immigrants achieve permanent residency. It’s free to start your application, and you can complete the process in three steps. When the government adopted the new system (by passing a proposal known as “Bill 9”), ...
Read MoreBelow are the latest immigration updates from the United States and Canada. Topics include: ICE raids fail to meet expectations in the U.S. Trump: Chinese students are welcome in the U.S. Canadian recruiters scam students out of thousands of dollars. Quebec introduces new, ...
Read MoreAntonnet Botha is a Senior Training & Events Development Coordinator at WES. Part of her immigration journey involved coping with depression. When she first came to the United States, Antonnet found herself feeling lonely and homesick. While pursuing her master’s degree, she had ...
Read MoreIn 2016, thousands of Syrian refugees entered Canada, hoping to find safety and stability in a new country. Nearly all had been forced to leave Syria with few, if any, personal belongings. Many had lost their homes, their possessions, and, in some cases, ...
Read MoreDeborah Deperio is a WES Ambassador who faced a difficult decision when she immigrated to the United States: Which type of school should she attend, a community college or a university? In this blog post, she describes the process of making this important ...
Read MoreThe United States offers a serious advantage over other study abroad destinations: It offers Optional Practical Training (OPT) to international students who have completed one full year of academic study in the U.S. OPT means that new graduates may begin to accumulate paid ...
Read MoreBelow are the latest immigration updates from the United States and Canada. Topics include: The U.S. is denying H-1B visas to top international employers. Chaos at the U.S.-Mexico border leads to leadership change. U.S. loses competitive edge among the world’s best colleges and ...
Read MoreBelow are the latest immigration updates from the United States and Canada. Topics include: President Trump orders, then delays, ICE raids (Immigration and Customs Enforcement). Trump cuts aid funding to Central American countries over border crisis. China extradition bill may send many Hong ...
Read MoreIf you are planning to study abroad, your success can be greatly affected by your choice of college roommate. This person can become a friend, study partner, and away-from-home support system. They can also become a distraction, a nuisance, or a daily source ...
Read MoreSulaf Al-Shaikhly has a unique immigration story. She was born in New York, then moved to Iraq at age 6. Sulaf earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in computer science. She went on to give lectures and train students. But Sulaf’s career came ...
Read MoreBelow are the latest immigration updates from the United States and Canada. Topics include: Canadian immigration employment rates reach new high in 2018. Canada’s Global Skills Strategy program recruits workers from the U.S. Report proves it is still smart to go to college ...
Read MoreAre you planning to further your education or seek employment in the United States? It is possible to make your dreams come true—but there are also a lot of people who might try to take advantage of you along the way. Criminals have ...
Read MoreThe U.S. has finalized a rule to increase application fees for F, M, and J visas. However, don’t let this news discourage you! Instead, learn the key facts regarding this rule from Expert Ambassador Melissa Mace. Keep reading so you will be prepared ...
Read MoreBelow are the latest immigration updates from the United States and Canada. Topics include: H-1B visa approvals in decline. Can social media affect your visa status? China warns students against the U.S. New loan program for credential evaluations. Canada sponsoring more LGBTQ2 refugees ...
Read MoreCanada is a popular choice for students who are interested in studying abroad. The country is home to many excellent universities and provides job opportunities for new graduates. Plus, Canada is known for its friendly international relations and is very welcoming toward visitors ...
Read MoreMicroloans are small, short-term loans with low interest rates that can serve as a lifeline for immigrants and refugees who are just starting out in a new country. In this blog post, Shawn McCarty, an Expert Ambassador and manager at Windmill Microlending, describes ...
Read MoreEyeing a second term as president of the United States, Donald Trump has just revealed sweeping immigration reforms. On May 16, 2019, the president unveiled a new plan to reshape the country’s immigration system. It is one that he reportedly hopes to put ...
Read MoreFor many students, the prospect of spending summer break inside a classroom might seem like a waste of good weather and free time. But what if it is also an opportunity to travel the world? Summer study abroad programs provide students with several ...
Read MoreDoes your credential evaluation application need to be translated before you can send it to WES? Most applications do not need to be translated before you send them. But if someone has asked you for translated documents, you might be among the exceptions. ...
Read MoreCareer Pathways in Accounting is a comprehensive, step-by-step e-guide explaining how to become an accountant in the U.S. It includes state-specific requirements and resources for licensing and certification. You can download it directly from this post, completely free! Then you will be able ...
Read MoreMoving to a new country presents allows you to pursue new personal and professional opportunities. By taking time to understand the financial system, immigrants can create a solid foundation for their new life. This could mean the difference between surviving and thriving during ...
Read MoreConsulting with an experienced immigration attorney is important if you are hoping to permanently live in the U.S. Christina Elhaddad is an immigration attorney in New Jersey. In this guest blog post, she explains how to find a qualified lawyer to handle your ...
Read MoreStudying abroad gives you the chance to experience a different culture, make new friends, receive a unique education, and improve your résumé. If you would like to study abroad in the United States, you might be wondering what to expect and how to ...
Read MoreWES Ambassador Yetunde Oshinkale is a doctorate student in educational psychology in the U.S. In this blog post, she shares six social media strategies that will help you build your network and develop your own personal brand. You can improve how you represent ...
Read MoreWES Ambassador Flavia Torres was born in Venezuela but found career success as an immigrant in Canada. Now, she wants to share her story with other skilled immigrants. Her journey did not end when her family settled in Toronto, however; that was just ...
Read MorePlease enjoy this guest blog post from WES Expert Ambassador Tony Rusinak, a Canadian immigration consultant and specialist on the IELTS. In this article, you will find information on the following topics: What Is Express Entry? How Do You Apply for Express Entry ...
Read MoreIf you are an internationally trained professional interested in working in Ontario in a regulated profession—keep reading. Key takeaways from our recent live webinar, “Licensed Professions in Ontario: Pathways to Licensure and Employment,” are summarized below. Our panelist, Client and Business Services Advisor ...
Read MoreA 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 ...
Read MoreIf you plan to study abroad in the United States, you will likely need to enroll in a student health insurance plan. Unlike in many other countries, it does not offer universal health care. Private companies provide most health insurance plans. Health care ...
Read MoreKen Boyd is an Expert Ambassador and former Certified Public Accountant (CPA) who brings a wealth of business experience to the world of education. In this blog post, he tackles the subject of the CPA exam, one of the most difficult professional exams ...
Read MoreJenny Okonkwo, an accountant by profession, settled in Toronto in 2006. In this guest blog post, she shares her arrival story and expert tips for networking in Canada. Continue reading for useful tips about overcoming challenges in a new country, building a professional network, ...
Read MoreIf you are looking for the newest information, find updates for the 2021 H-1B lottery here. Are you ready for the 2020 H-1B lottery? Last year, the H-1B visa filing period began April 1, and it was no joke: The maximum limit of ...
Read MoreMariel S. Tavakoli is a WES Expert Ambassador who recently graduated from the University of Oxford. Her studies focused on helping international students prepare personal statements in English. Below, she provides essential insights about how to prepare a personal essay that will improve ...
Read MoreAccording to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 8.6 million STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) jobs available in the United States as of 2015. With such a high demand for qualified employees, STEM students should feel confident in their prospects ...
Read MoreWES recently updated its document requirements for all West African Examination Council (WAEC) and National Examination Council (NECO) results coming from Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and The Gambia. Now, the appropriate examining body (WAEC or NECO) must send applicants’ official examination results ...
Read MoreOn March 12, United States President Donald Trump announced that he was planning to close all international immigration offices. This closure, which would potentially impact 21 immigration offices around the world, would take place in the coming months—barring any unlikely pushback from the ...
Read MoreIt takes a lot of courage to start over in a new country. But you might not always feel brave. Processing your emotions is a normal part of the immigration journey, and you are not alone. Please enjoy the following guest blog post ...
Read MoreSo, you have arrived in the United States and now need employment. But you feel intimidated because you do not have work experience in the U.S. Remember that your international professional experience is valuable in your new home country—you just need to think ...
Read MoreHow can newcomers move forward with their careers once they arrive in the United States or Canada? There isn’t just one secret to success that fits every immigrant. Professional success is achieved through a series of strategies, actions, and tools. As an experienced ...
Read MoreWhat does it mean when someone says to “leave your comfort zone”? When someone is in their “comfort zone,” it means that their conditions that are familiar, their challenges are not too difficult, or their experiences are always within their control. When you ...
Read MoreGetting your credentials evaluated is an important part of migrating from India to the United States or Canada. To complete the process as easily as possible with World Education Services (WES), you must carefully follow all of the instructions during the application process. ...
Read MoreFor any variety of reasons, sometimes the person requesting a credential evaluation will need to modify the order after the process has already started. Should you find yourself in that situation, here are the steps to follow if you need to add or ...
Read MoreOn December 22, 2018, the United States federal government went into a partial shutdown. It lasted 35 days. This was because President Donald Trump and Congress could not agree on border security funding. The president’s insistence on $5.7 billion in funding to build ...
Read MoreThe F-1 student visa interview can be an intimidating experience. Not only do you have to be prepared with the required documentation and receipts, you also need to be ready to answer questions regarding your future plans and motivation behind studying in the ...
Read MoreIf you are planning to go to graduate school in the U.S., you may be required to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). The GRE is an exam that evaluates your ability to succeed at graduate school. Although not all graduate schools and programs ...
Read MoreMore students than ever are leaving their home countries to pursue or continue their higher education. According to data from UNESCO, in 2016 more than 4.8 million students crossed an international border to pursue their study goals. Yet many who go to North ...
Read MoreMost people who move to a new country have an immigration goal in mind. Often, they are pursuing one of the following: Better job opportunities A higher standard of living More individual freedom or a more open-minded society However, once you have a ...
Read MoreInternational students might want to learn about their academic options in Ontario, Canada. That’s because the province has the largest population in the country. It’s also the most multicultural province, offering a variety of opportunities in business, science, and the arts. But most ...
Read MoreThe United States is one of the most desirable destinations for international students. Many of its higher education institutions are considered the best in the world. According to the Institute of International Education, despite the more recent dip in international student numbers, the recorded number ...
Read MoreGetting a credential evaluation is an important step toward furthering your education and career. But once you get started, you are likely to have some questions about the credential evaluation process. You might also wonder how you can fully use your report to ...
Read MoreDid you know that you can upgrade your completed credential evaluation online through My Account? You can think of an upgrade as an update. It means that you are purchasing a new service or adding a new educational credential to your equivalency report for ...
Read MoreA move to a new home is typically disruptive and stressful, so imagine all that is involved in relocating to another country! For professionals moving to the United States, planning, organizing, and making checklists are all in order. Invariably, however, a successful transnational ...
Read MoreMany students and parents in China have heard that U.S. higher education institutions (HEIs) are “easy to get into, hard to graduate from.” The U.S. college admissions process is relatively easy, compared to China’s National College Entrance Examination. Therefore, Chinese students feel like ...
Read MoreAre you a Nigerian student who is hoping to continue your education in the United States? Studying abroad is expensive, especially in the U.S. The total cost of attending a school includes accommodation, food expenses, travel costs, health insurance, textbooks, and tuition fees. ...
Read MoreAre you a professional considering migrating to the United States? Before you emigrate, several issues will need your thoughtful attention. Did you know that credential evaluation is one of them? Thankfully, the credential evaluation process can be relatively pain-free, depending on how you ...
Read MoreAs we flip the calendar to a new year, we take a look back at some of the key takeaways from our webinars in 2018. There are ten big lessons that you can take into the coming year that will serve you well ...
Read MoreOne challenge for expats, recent immigrants, and international students is that being included in the financial sector in the U.S. is incredibly difficult. Often, if you want to get a credit card, be approved for a loan, or make other financial transactions, you ...
Read MoreWith the cost of tuition on the rise in the United States, most students look for scholarships to fund their education. But finding scholarships for international students can be time-consuming. While the scholarship application process can be tedious and competitive, there are several ...
Read MoreSometimes, individuals applying to World Education Services (WES) from China are concerned that China Higher Education Student Information and Career Center (CHESICC) will not verify their credentials in time for them to complete their applications. They often reach out to us, asking: Is ...
Read MoreAfter sending your documents to WES, you can check your status in My Account to learn when we have processed them in our system. Once your documents have been processed, our evaluators carefully review them to produce your credential evaluation report. While you ...
Read MoreIn Canada, dentistry is a regulated profession that requires its professionals to obtain certification and licensure before they can become eligible for employment. The National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB) oversees the general dentist certification process of both Canadian graduates and those ...
Read MoreA credential evaluation can help you gain access to educational and employment opportunities in the United States and Canada. The benefits of a credential evaluation report include: Receive recognition for your previous studies. Meet requirements for university admissions. Transfer earned credits from your ...
Read MoreOne of the functions of information technology (IT) professionals is to manage the network servers of a company. Because nearly all businesses have network servers, the IT field touches on virtually every part of today’s economy. With their specialized education, skills, and training, ...
Read MoreFor international students and exchange visitors in the United States, things changed dramatically, if quietly, on August 9, 2018. On that date, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) published guidance that swiftly altered how “unlawful presence”—being in the country without legal status—can now ...
Read MoreTo celebrate International Education Week 2018, WES Advisor asked readers to send submissions to our annual essay contest. International Education Week essay contest participants were instructed to write about their best piece of advice for prospective international students considering studying abroad in the ...
Read MoreTo celebrate International Education Week 2018, WES Advisor asked readers to send submissions to our annual essay contest. Essay contest participants were instructed to write about their best piece of advice for prospective international students. We received many excellent submissions, and we would ...
Read MoreTo celebrate International Education Week (IEW) 2018, WES Advisor asked readers to send submissions to our annual essay contest. IEW essay contest participants were instructed to write about their best piece of advice for prospective international students considering studying abroad in the U.S. ...
Read MoreTo celebrate International Education Week (IEW) 2018, WES Advisor asked readers to send submissions to our annual essay contest. Essay contest participants were instructed to write about their best piece of advice for prospective international students considering studying abroad in the U.S. We received ...
Read MoreThe 20th century saw the splitting of the atom, the decoding of the cell, and the accelerated development of the computer. The scientific innovations of the 21st century will be equally dynamic, as experts harness our capacities in the combined fields of science, ...
Read MoreMany international students and scholars in the U.S. hope to find employment in the U.S. that will allow them to gain the skills needed to secure permanent work (in the U.S. or abroad). For most graduates, the H-1B non-immigrant category is a natural ...
Read MoreTo be effective in finding employment, you first need to understand how the hiring process works. In a recent webinar, we spoke with two hiring professionals about the process. They shared their insights so job seekers can set clear expectations and meet the ...
Read MoreImmigrant professionals—as well as those born in the United States—often struggle with job interviews. Certain questions that are standard in U.S. interviews can be especially tricky, such as, “What are your salary requirements?” or “What is your weakness?” Preparing to answer such questions ...
Read MoreIf you are an international student in the United States, you have the opportunity of working either full time or part time. It is important to remember, however, that you must follow the rules pertaining to your visa status. You must remain aware ...
Read MoreWriting a cover letter is a daunting task. For immigrant professionals, this process can be even more confusing. As an immigrant myself, I remember spending so much time online researching questions such as: “What should you write in a cover letter?” “How do ...
Read MoreWe are excited to announce the 2018 International Education Week (IEW) essay contest, which is now accepting submissions! IEW, which takes place November 12 – 16, 2018, is a U.S. Department of State and U.S. Department of Education initiative that promotes international education, study abroad, ...
Read MoreYou have filled out your forms and sent in all the appropriate documents. You are eager to receive word that your credential evaluation is in process. But instead, you get a status update that your report is on hold. What does that mean? ...
Read MoreTime management is an important skill for college students to master. You are most likely navigating a full class schedule—along with your other responsibilities. So how can you better manage your time? Here are four great tips: 1. Hang Up Your Cell Phone ...
Read MoreMoving to a new country can be challenging for many different reasons. Beyond language differences, cultural differences can be a source of confusion or mistakes—and this is especially true in the professional world, which has its own set of cultural norms. Whether you ...
Read MoreImmigrants to the U.S. often face challenges rewriting their résumés in accordance with U.S. standards. When I was advising hardworking immigrant professionals on job search strategies, I often received questions such as: How can I fit all my experience into just one or ...
Read MoreThe Duolingo English Test is an English proficiency test that fulfills admissions requirements for international applicants at many universities in the United States and Canada. Unlike the TOEFL and IELTS, the Duolingo English Test is taken on demand, from your computer. Related Reading ...
Read MoreImmigrating to Canada is a dream for many who want to live in a land of equality, opportunity, and safety. Hundreds of possible routes and programs can get you here, and given their sheer number, it is no wonder that prospective immigrants are ...
Read MoreIf you have decided to pursue a WES credential evaluation, you will need to fill out an online application, pay all necessary fees, and send WES your documents in the required format as specified on our website. After completing these steps, you must ...
Read MoreIn a recent webinar, we discussed job search strategies with ACCES Employment and Seneca College to explore the approaches job seekers should use to successfully connect with prospective employers. We addressed such issues as penetrating the hidden job market, and establishing relationships with ...
Read MoreMany immigrants and refugees arrive in the U.S. with a degree and professional work experience, yet remain unemployed or in jobs beneath their skill level. Upwardly Global, a national non-profit organization, envisions a United States where skilled immigrants are recognized for the value ...
Read MoreIn the United States, many students begin their postsecondary education at a community college, and then transfer to a university. Typically, they earn an associate degree in two years and then change schools in order to earn their bachelor’s degree. This allows students ...
Read MoreIf you are applying to a university in the United States or Canada, you will likely be required to take a test that assesses your English ability. You may be familiar with common tests of English skill, like the TOEFL and IELTS. The ...
Read MoreFor international students, it can be intimidating to choose a post-secondary institution in Canada. One way to make the process easier is to do your research. Thankfully, this doesn’t have to be a big ordeal. You can simply attend a post-secondary education fair. ...
Read MoreFall is upon us. If you recently started a new semester, welcome back to school! Or, if you are gearing up for the admissions cycle, it’s time to start focusing on your priorities. September should be the month when you lay the groundwork ...
Read MoreStaying organized throughout college is essential to successfully passing your classes. Below are a few important tips to keep in mind to ensure high achievement in the classroom. Being organized in your classes will help you complete your assignments on time and study ...
Read MoreWES teamed up with the Newcomer Centre of Peel and its Rural Employment Initiative program to showcase in a recent webinar the opportunities and lifestyles in small to medium-sized towns and villages in Canada. According to Statistics Canada, 70 percent of immigrants settle ...
Read MoreTo begin the process of having your international credentials evaluated, first fill out the WES application, and then send your documents to WES. These two actions represent the first steps in obtaining a credential evaluation of your internationally earned degree or course work. ...
Read MoreEach year, over a million international students start or continue their studies in the United States. However, the F-1 visa policies that impact these students change frequently. If you are an international student, it is important to understand the policies and procedures that ...
Read MoreIf you are planning to move to Canada, Isha Zade’s journey may provide some insight into what your own will be like. We asked Isha about her experiences before and after she arrived in her new home country. Isha, who was born in ...
Read MoreThere are hundreds of colleges and universities in the United States. It can be exciting, but also challenging, to determine which one is the best match for your academic and career goals. For international students, the cost of tuition is likely to play ...
Read MoreHave you considered vocational training in Canada? Many newcomers don’t know what vocational education is or they aren’t aware of how it can help them achieve their career goals. Vocational training refers to job-specific technical training. It prepares students for working in the ...
Read MoreWhen initially thinking of starting college, many students feel a rush of excitement. College is an opportunity for students to pursue their dreams, try new things, and become independent. As excited as some students get when they think of college, there is usually ...
Read MoreBeing a new student on campus can be challenging. As an international student, finding your way around campus and trying to acclimate to new customs and norms can be especially difficult. The good news is that your college or university likely has an ...
Read MoreRaman Solanki is a WES Ambassador who is now pursuing his master’s degree at Harvard Extension School. WES provided an equivalency report for his Indian degree, which helped him pursue his academic goals in the U.S. Below, he shares his experience of applying ...
Read MoreOne of the most important job search skills is understanding the perspective of an employer. Most employers use job postings to describe the specific skills and attributes they seek. However, if you want to stand out from other applicants, you should think past ...
Read MoreWES research shows that 88 percent of international students check, read, or send emails at least once a day. In fact, during their college search, 62 percent of international students used mobile devices to communicate with admissions staff in the United States. Therefore, ...
Read MoreWhen you order a credential evaluation from World Education Services (WES), you have the option of choosing between two packages: basic or ICAP. Ready to get started? Create an account now and select the WES ICAP package. What Is ICAP? ICAP stands for “international credential ...
Read MoreBecause of recent changes in the higher education academic credential verification process in China, WES has modified the document requirements for applicants seeking to have their Chinese academic credentials evaluated. To help you understand the new document requirements, we have compiled a list ...
Read MoreAs an international student, you have numerous highly valuable soft skills and abilities. You may focus only on the technical skills you have acquired from your international and current education in the U.S. or Canada. However, to effectively present your strengths to prospective ...
Read MoreWarda Bhatti is an internationally trained doctor and WES Ambassador. She migrated from Pakistan to Canada, where her medical licence was not recognized. In Ontario, Warda pursued continuing education in order to get certified and continue her career as a physician. Below, she ...
Read MoreThe “On Hold: We are waiting for your institution(s) to verify your documents.” status will appear in your My Account when WES sends photocopies of your documents for verification to the institution that issued them. WES is committed to maintaining the integrity of ...
Read MoreMost of Canada’s provinces and territories have what are known as Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). Immigrants can apply for permanent residence through these PNPs. Then, each year, the government will nominate a number of applicants for residency. Candidates qualify through a system called ...
Read MoreAlthough WES standard reports do not have an expiry date, Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) reports for Canadian immigration purposes expire five years from the date of issue. The first ECA reports expired in April 2018 after having been issued in April 2013. Immigration, Refugees, and ...
Read MoreAs a newcomer to Canada, you may face several challenges during your job search. For example, many people arrive with no professional network, no local work experience, and no way to establish their reputation. Thankfully, there are a multitude of useful resources available. ...
Read MoreMany international students apply to public health programs in the U.S. because they want to pursue a career in the rapidly growing health care industry and make an impact by helping others. WES Advisor sat down with Megan Garber, the Associate Director of ...
Read MoreThe Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) assessment is a test designed to measure the English language proficiency of students planning to study in Canadian post-secondary institutions. The exam is an important part of your journey to study in Canada because it measures your ...
Read MoreCollege is one of the most important experiences in any individual’s life. During your college years, you discover your passions and interests. You start trying to answer one important question: “What is my purpose in life?” Getting involved in the activities and clubs ...
Read MoreLooking for a job in Canada? First, it’s important to understand the Canadian labour market and your role in it. Preliminary research will help you identify the best job opportunities based on your skills. In a recent webinar, we discussed the importance of ...
Read MoreAre you shocked when you see the cost of studying abroad in the U.S.? At first, the costs may seem impossibly high, but there are many scholarships available to international students. We want you to pursue your dreams of furthering your education and ...
Read MoreAs you immigrate to a new country, you bring a wealth of international experience and a global perspective with you. At most companies, your diversity will be embraced and valued. However, you may face some barriers to entering the job market because employers ...
Read MoreWhy did I come to the U.S. for graduate school? Although I have always been passionate about schooling abroad, gaining global exposure, and experiencing new things, I was not well informed about how to study abroad and the prerequisites for doing so. In ...
Read MoreJoseph Akhras is an Academic Records Specialist at WES in Toronto. He came to Canada in 2016 as a Syrian refugee. We recently spoke to him about his path to Canada, his future plans, and his hopes for other refugees and immigrants coming ...
Read MoreWriting a research grant application, as with most things, is an acquired skill. But, with practice and by applying a few successful techniques, you can increase your odds of receiving a research grant. As an academic and behavioral scientist, I have realized the ...
Read MoreComputers are an integral part of most of our lives. Almost everyone accesses the internet through a computer, laptop, or smartphone for personal use, while companies require computers for increasingly complex functions, such as engineering designs and data analysis. A computer in and ...
Read MoreThere is a lot of information available to internationally educated professionals about how to find meaningful employment in Canada. A quick web search or a conversation with a friend or family member will provide a good deal of information and perhaps varying perspectives ...
Read MoreFor many international students, attending university overseas is the first time that they will be away from home on their own. One of the most difficult parts of adjusting to life in a new country is often becoming familiar with a new culture ...
Read MoreOver the years, as an international student, I have realized that it takes a village to secure an on-campus job. It can take months and sometimes years of preparation. Before working on my PhD in the U.S., I knew little about the strategies ...
Read MoreMaking the decision to immigrate to Canada is exciting and courageous. The months leading up to your arrival will be an emotional time as you prepare for life in your new home country. The anticipation of your move can be overwhelming. However, there ...
Read MoreA credential evaluation report is an important part of your immigration process. It helps institutions understand the value of your academic achievements. Our goal is to help you complete the credential evaluation process with ease. Applying for a credential evaluation from World Education ...
Read MoreWhat do organizations like the Arab Canadian Lawyers Association, Indo-Canadian Community of Professionals, and the Chinese Workers Support Network have in common? They are all examples of professional immigrant associations. Volunteer-led and run by skilled immigrants, each association is organized based on a ...
Read MoreNow that I work a full-time job and my school days are behind me, I have been doing some retrospective thinking. What were the surprises, issues, and experiences that shaped my journey? Among the many things that come to mind, one that stands ...
Read MoreAccording to the Project Management Institute (PMI), project management is defined as “the application of knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to project activities to meet the project requirements.” It is essentially managing a project through to completion through careful coordination with your team. ...
Read MoreRecruitment companies can be an accessible avenue for job leads in Canada. Skilled immigrants are seen as highly attractive and eligible candidates, particularly for recruiters working with companies that value diversity. With a better understanding of the process and how to stand out, ...
Read MoreCanadian universities and colleges provide high-quality post-secondary education, and they are accepting more and more applications from international students. However, there are some unique characteristics of post-secondary education in Canada to keep in mind. One important distinction is that, in Canada, universities refer ...
Read MoreRoughly 53 percent of Canadians over the age of 15 have completed some level of postsecondary education, attending either a university, college, vocational school, or collège d’enseignement général et professionnel (CÉGEP). In Canada, each province or territory is responsible for designating schools at ...
Read MorePursuing higher education abroad, especially in the U.S. and Canada, is a cherished dream for many Indian students. Yet many highly qualified students are unable to study abroad merely because they do not have the financial means to do so. Recognizing this situation ...
Read MoreRamanuj Basu is an internationally educated lawyer from India who immigrated to Canada in pursuit of a fulfilling life and career. Ramanuj’s career pathway in Canada is a reflection of the drive, sacrifices, and energy it takes to be successful as an internationally ...
Read MoreIf you were on an admissions committee, what do you think your expectation would be of a student who majored in a different field than the one they are applying for? What would be your concerns? Sometimes it can be a good thing ...
Read MoreThere are over 5,000 colleges and universities in the U.S. Big, small, urban, rural—name what you are looking for, and you are bound to find it. As a consequence, it can be easy for international students to become overwhelmed with choices or to ...
Read MoreWhen you sign up to participate in career fairs, networking events, or professional development conferences, it is beneficial for you to ensure you make the most out of your attendance. Events like these are a great way to connect with other professionals who ...
Read MoreAre you a master’s or doctoral student with an interest in innovative and inclusive internationalization in higher education? World Education Services (WES) and the Boston College Center for International Higher Education (CIHE) invite you to submit a paper to share and present your ...
Read MoreCanadian universities are seeing ever-increasing numbers of international students, but these students often face challenges, such as high tuition and fees. Most of the universities in Canada are publicly funded, which helps to keep tuition fees lower than in some other countries, while ...
Read MoreJust what is the college admission sweet spot? In other words, what is that magic combination of grades, test scores, activities, and essays that will wow a U.S. admissions officer and get an international applicant admitted? Truth be told, it is hard to ...
Read MoreHarvard. Yale. Stanford. MIT. These are all universities you have probably heard of, and for good reason: They are among the most highly ranked, prestigious universities in the U.S. That also means they are very, very hard to get into. With schools this ...
Read MoreGauthami Vijayakumar is an instructional designer from India working in New York City. After receiving a WES Course-by-Course credential evaluation, she left India to pursue a master’s degree in instructional design at New York University (NYU). WES Advisor recently caught up with Gauthami ...
Read MoreYou finally did it. You booked your IELTS test. You spent countless hours learning English. Vocabulary worksheets, essay homework, oral presentations, grammar correction—the list goes on and on. And now it is time for the big test. It is the test for immigration, ...
Read MoreThe great thing about the modern age is that we understand that everybody deserves a chance despite physical challenges. And, with people like Ludwig van Beethoven, Franklin Roosevelt, Helen Keller, and Frida Kahlo, who broke barriers and showed the world they were more ...
Read MoreAre you struggling to stay focused this semester? There is always something going on for college students, including school projects, time spent with friends, and extracurricular activities. I live and study in New York City as an international student, and I exercise five ...
Read MoreInternational students often wonder what the differences are between liberal arts colleges (LACs) and national universities in the U.S., and which is a better option. The answers to these questions depend on your personal preferences, interests, educational needs, and career prospects. Before applying ...
Read MoreThe process of applying to college can be overwhelming, especially when applying to more than one university. As one anonymous author noted, “The best way to get something done is to begin,” but oftentimes different programs have different application forms, different requirements, and ...
Read MoreNorth America is often seen as the epicenter of education, research, and innovation. This lures many prospective PhD students from all around the world. In fact, international student enrollment in Canada increased 11 percent in the last year, mainly as a result of ...
Read MoreIf you are interested in building your career, making connections in your field, or even gaining work experience, taking advantage of the many free employment services available in Canada is a great way to start your journey. Employment services are offered by non-profit ...
Read MoreThe Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) is a multi-purpose English test that allows test takers to demonstrate their ability to function in English. The CELPIP has two versions: the CELPIP-General Test that measures four skills areas—listening, speaking, reading, and writing—and the ...
Read MoreSweaty palms. Jittery limbs. Bouts of insomnia. Pangs of doubt. These come, literally, with the territory. The decision to study abroad, regardless of the destination, comes with some anxiety. You may have been dreaming about studying in the U.S. your whole life. Or ...
Read MoreAs an internationally educated professional in the field of nursing, it can be difficult to make sense of all the tools and resources that have been designed to help you make informed decisions about your career in Canada. With this in mind, World ...
Read MoreHave you started writing your first proper résumé but are already stuck? You probably assumed there is one official, proper résumé format, but it turns out there are three. It can be difficult to decide which résumé format makes the most sense for you. In this ...
Read MoreLeaving Brazil to do a PhD abroad was not a goal I had established, but rather something that started to make more and more sense until it became the logical next step in my life. Approximately 10 years ago, I left an industry ...
Read MoreIf you are seeking education or employment opportunities in the United States or Canada, then you will want an accurate record of your existing academic credentials. (Academic credentials are qualifications or titles that you earned at an educational institution. Examples include: a bachelor’s ...
Read MoreSo, you know that you plan to go to graduate school and that you want to attend a program in North America, preferably Canada. What next? High-quality graduate programs are offered at nearly every university in Canada, and they are very competitive, especially ...
Read MoreWhether you are a new immigrant, a student, or changing careers, you are not alone: We have all started out having little to no work experience. You may have asked yourself, “How do I gain experience when experience is a requirement for most ...
Read MoreWe are excited to announce the launch of our updated email newsletter! Our goal with this dynamic newsletter, which will combine the Global Talent Bridge and WES Advisor newsletters, is to better serve our readers’ needs. We want to ensure that the content ...
Read MoreA lot of people may have said to you, “We’re almost there!” especially before exams. But that may not help much. The stress is still there, deadlines are around the corner, and assignments are piling up. Hitting the library and sticking your head ...
Read MoreDuring the 2016-2017 school year, Chinese students accounted for over 30 percent of the international student populations in both the U.S. and Canada. In fact, China is the top source of international students for universities across North America. If you hope to study ...
Read MoreStudying in the U.S. is an exciting goal for many international students. And many students are pursuing their goals by studying abroad in the U.S. According to the Institute of International Education (IIE), in 2013, the recorded number of international students who studied in the U.S. increased ...
Read MoreOur Spotlight on Success series focuses on immigrants who have utilized their skills, experience, education, and personal qualities to succeed in Canada. This month we are happy to feature Joulaika Buchan, MSW, RSW. Joulaika currently works as a program manager in a community-based ...
Read MoreLet me start by saying that I have been there. I was an international graduate student in Indiana trying to study hard, getting all the training I could get, and working part-time to pay my bills. For the past five years, I have ...
Read MoreWe receive many questions from international students about how grade point average (GPA) is calculated for the WES course-by-course evaluation, the credential evaluation required by international students for graduate admissions, undergraduate transfer admissions, and professional licensing purposes. The course-by-course evaluation determines your GPA ...
Read MoreAre you looking to have a lucrative career in the health care industry by becoming a physiotherapist in the United States? Then continue reading. This blog post will provide recommendations for what you need to do to start a career as a physiotherapist ...
Read MoreTo celebrate International Education Week 2017, WES Advisor asked readers to send submissions to our annual essay contest. This year’s prompt was inspired by a quote from St. Augustine: “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one ...
Read MoreTo celebrate International Education Week 2017, WES Advisor asked readers to send submissions to our annual essay contest. This year’s prompt was inspired by a quote from St. Augustine: “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one ...
Read MoreTo celebrate International Education Week 2017, WES Advisor asked readers to send submissions to our annual essay contest. This year’s prompt was inspired by a quote from St. Augustine: “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one ...
Read MoreTo celebrate International Education Week 2017, WES Advisor asked readers to send submissions to our annual essay contest. This year’s prompt was inspired by a quote from St. Augustine: “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one ...
Read MoreStudying abroad is an exciting opportunity. You get to see new places, meet new people, and learn about a completely different culture. Ask anyone who has studied abroad, and they will most likely tell you it was the best time of their lives. ...
Read MoreWe’re excited to announce the 2017 International Education Week (IEW) essay contest, which is now accepting submissions! IEW, which takes November 13 – 17, 2017, is a U.S. Department of State and U.S. Department of Education initiative that promotes international education, study abroad, ...
Read MoreIf you’re coming to New York City to improve your English, to study for a new degree, or if you want to continue your education here as a transfer student, then this blog post is for you. I remember my first day in New ...
Read MoreGoing to college happens at a time in your life when you can decide what you’re most passionate about. This includes deciding what your convictions are and how you feel about what is happening around the world. A place full of ideas, your ...
Read MoreCompany culture is a complex subject that is important to consider when deciding where you want to work. In the simplest terms, company culture is a combination of the beliefs, values, goals, community, environment, and anything else that guides the general ethos of ...
Read MoreThe International Institute of Education (IIE) has published its latest report on the expectations for international student enrollment at U.S. higher education institutions for fall 201 7. How is the United States’ shifting political climate affecting enrollment at colleges and universities? And has ...
Read MoreSoft skills may not be quantifiable, but they can affect both the interview process and future job performance. When marketing yourself and considering how you fit into an advertised role, it’s natural to focus on technical capacities listed in a job description. Although ...
Read MoreIf you have read articles or attended workshops on how to do well in an interview, you have likely heard that it is important to ask for the interviewer’s business card and follow up afterward. Following up is essential not only for learning ...
Read MoreIf you have been through a company’s hiring process, then you know job interviews vary in type, intensity, and duration. From undergoing an initial screening process to meeting with multiple interviewers, the process can be manageable once you know what to expect. The ...
Read MoreAs a job seeker, it can often feel like you are on the outside looking in during the hiring process. To help shed some light on what happens from the employer’s side of things, we sat down with World Education Services’ very own ...
Read MoreIf you have done your research, you should know that asking questions at the end of a job interview is just as important as the questions you answered throughout. Just because the interviewer isn’t asking you questions doesn’t mean that you aren’t still ...
Read MoreThe years one spends in college are a unique and transformative time and are particularly exciting in the very beginning. It is a time when college freshmen leave their parents’ home for perhaps the first time. They are being asked to take on ...
Read MoreWhere did all the great visionaries and entrepreneurs learn the tricks of the trade? Although some well-known business pioneers were college dropouts (Mark Zuckerberg and Steve Jobs), they are exceptions to the rule. The rest of the world’s great industry leaders, who built ...
Read MoreApplication season has already started so make sure to stay on track with WES Advisor. The following checklists will help ensure you complete all the necessary steps in time. If You Are Enrolling for Fall 2018 Get started on the Common Application. If you ...
Read MoreBefore being accepted into a college or university, students have to first submit a lengthy application. Applying to a school is very similar to applying for a job, and you should give the best impression you can on paper for admissions staff and ...
Read MoreJob developers, employers, and recruiters will tell you that strong communication skills are one of the most important factors in finding, maintaining, and succeeding in your job. Effective communication has the largest impact on both employer and employee satisfaction and can help to ...
Read MoreAs a job seeker, you most likely have applied to countless job postings, spent many hours scouring the Internet for relevant industry information, and skillfully crafted your résumé to impress potential employers. But have you ever met with a professional in the field ...
Read MoreAs an international student who has just landed in a new country, it is important to take the necessary steps to familiarize yourself with your new environment and school. Here are 10 things you should do to ensure that your school year is ...
Read MoreAs the world becomes increasingly globalized, many countries are competing to attract and retain skilled workers to grow local economies. Since implementing a points-based system in the 1960s, the government of Canada has become a leader in transforming immigration. In 2015, the government ...
Read MoreWhen I first came to the United States to attend college, I was highly inspired by the open culture on campus and the students’ incredible passion toward this culture. I quickly learned that communication styles varied among student groups, and also when networking ...
Read MoreStandardized tests give most people a lot of anxiety. If you are applying for a graduate degree in the U.S. or Canada, you will have to take one of the following exams: Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) Law School ...
Read MoreThe recruitment process tends to function on a cycle, and there is usually decreased activity by the third quarter of the year. This can mean fewer new job postings in some industries and a delayed hiring process due to having key decision makers ...
Read MoreWelcome to our new website! It’s now easier than ever to find useful information and order a credential evaluation on WES.org. The redesigned site streamlines the application process for international students and immigrants who are planning their journeys to the U.S. or Canada. ...
Read MoreWorking in the career counselling profession for a combined 25 years, counsellors Deborah Canales and Jesse Morrice have helped hundreds of internationally trained individuals (ITIs) prepare for licensure and employment in Ontario’s regulated professions. In the following interview, Ms. Canales and Mr. Morrice ...
Read MoreUkraine is the second largest country in Europe with a high literacy rate of 99.8 percent. The official language of instruction is Ukrainian, but some programs are offered in Russian and English to accommodate foreign students. The academic year runs from September to ...
Read MoreSending gifts to our friends and relatives back in our home countries is a common practice among immigrants. Before Facebook and WhatsApp, these gifts would usually be sent with photographs from our new homes. I remember looking at pictures of my cousins and ...
Read MoreYour education is the foundation of your career. Therefore, it can be frustrating when you cannot apply your credentials once you arrive in North America. But you should not have to start over. That’s why it’s important for skilled immigrants to consider a ...
Read MoreWelcome to Canada’s westernmost territory. Shaped like a right triangle—it shares a 1,210 kilometre-long straight border with Alaska on the west—the territory is named after the Yukon River. Renowned in Canada’s history for the Klondike gold rush, Yukon today is a place with a ...
Read MoreOn the first morning after his arrival in Canada, Mustafa Alio stared out the window and thought to himself, “Why is there so much dust outside?” It was not dust that was swirling in the air. They were snowflakes. Mustafa Alio laughed as ...
Read MoreYour academic achievements in the U.S. play a significant role when you are applying for internships, summer jobs, and student-run organizations. Aside from maintaining good grades, it can be difficult to transition to a new life in the U.S. Luckily, your smartphone can ...
Read MoreThe Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) is the national association and certifying body for medical laboratory professionals in Canada. CSMLS also offers prior learning services of internationally trained medical laboratory technologists (IEMLTs) for all provinces and territories except for Quebec. CSMLS ...
Read MoreThe Toronto-Waterloo region, often referred to simply as the corridor, is home to thousands of tech startups and multinational companies. The Toronto-Waterloo strip spans 112 kilometers, making it the second largest global innovation technology cluster in North America. The corridor is now competing ...
Read MoreRobin Cardozo is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the SickKids Foundation. He arrived in Canada in 1976. The following is a conversation that took place on May 4, 2017. What were the places you lived in before Canada? I was born in ...
Read MoreIt can be difficult to come from another country and build a new career. Your foreign qualifications and experience are often not fully recognized. The country-specific work experience you need for good jobs can be hard to get, especially in your field. And ...
Read MoreLinkedIn is a leading social networking platform that can connect you to nearly half a billion professionals around the world. It is a powerful online tool that helps you explore new contacts and careers, and is an easy way to stay up to ...
Read MoreI was 16 years old when I left my home country of Iran to study abroad in England. I was enrolled in a two-year International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB) program, but after my first year in England, I decided to continue my education in ...
Read MoreWhen it comes to obtaining professional certification and licensure in North America, it is important to access the right resources to find the information you need. Professional boards and agencies generally require a credential evaluation. A WES evaluation can help speed up the ...
Read MoreFor internationally educated candidates who plan to take the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) exams, it is important to follow specific instructions when applying for a credential evaluation with World Education Services (WES). To ensure that your evaluation ...
Read MoreIf you are an internationally educated teacher who wants to continue your career in the U.S., World Education Services (WES) can help you by evaluating your foreign teaching credentials. Here are some general requirements for internationally educated individuals who want to become a ...
Read MoreCaroline Ausukuya left Kenya to accept a work placement opportunity at World Education Services (WES) in 2002. That opportunity turned into a managerial position at our offices in Canada. Caroline now oversees a team of 14. Learn more about how her immigration journey ...
Read MoreEstablishing yourself professionally in a new country can take time. As a newcomer, you might face challenging obstacles (even if you have a lot of experience from your home country). Although many factors are out of your control, you can take charge of ...
Read MoreThe estimated population of Russia is 142 million. With a literacy rate of 98 percent, Russia is one of the most educated countries in Western Europe. In this post, we will review the structure of Russian education and how Russian students translate their ...
Read MoreEstablished in 1988, CultureLink Settlement Services and Community Services is a not-for-profit charity dedicated to serving newcomers and the community in the city of Toronto. Their mission is to facilitate the active participation and integration between the newcomers and the broader community. CultureLink ...
Read More[This is continued from Part 1 of Manjushree Thapa’s interview.] This is such a clichéd question, but has the proliferation of social media opened up more opportunities for writers? It has created a lot of platforms, so I think it is actually a good ...
Read MoreSearching for a job can be an intimidating experience, especially when you are going through the process in a foreign country where there are different employment rules and customs. Although securing a job you love may not be easy, we have tips that ...
Read MoreI first learned of Manjushree Thapa’s work in 2015 when I was finishing up my trip in Nepal. Her book, Forget Kathmandu: An Elegy for Democracy, was on my friend’s bookshelf, and I was immediately gripped by its unflinching, wry, and humane examination ...
Read MoreWe recently spoke with WES expert ambassador Sara Varela-Acevedo who handles international admission at the University of San Francisco. She had many insights to share with international students about academics, student visas, housing, and life in San Francisco in general. Read on to get her thoughts. ...
Read MoreGetting involved early in research projects as an undergraduate student brought me numerous benefits and taught me how to value research. It was not until my third year in college that I worked in a research position, and the whole process was eye-opening. ...
Read MoreOur new Spotlight on Success is on Mariami Lolashvili, a recent immigrant from Tbilisi, Georgia. She came to the U.S. four years ago after graduating in Norway and shortly after moving to New York, she received an offer to work with World Education ...
Read MoreOne of the defining qualities of being a Canadian is giving back to the community. Whether that community is your neighbourhood, your faith or cultural group, or an issue you care about, the desire to help others brings people who share similar values and interests together. ...
Read MoreSpring and summer breaks provide great opportunities to take a vacation. But you do not have to travel abroad to enjoy your time off. The U.S. is a large and diverse country and there are many places to explore for students who do ...
Read MoreWe recently asked our student ambassador, Anmol Vohra, a few questions about her experience as an international student in the U.S. Read on to get her thoughts on studying in San Francisco, her science master’s program, and more. What made you want to ...
Read MoreEarning a degree in the U.S. or Canada as an international student is the result of many months—if not years—of preparation. With thousands of schools to choose from in both countries, choosing a college that is right for you may be daunting. In ...
Read MoreNewcomer youth in Canada face a number of unique challenges when job searching. Mastering a new language, adjusting to new systems, and lacking work experience and connections are just a few of the common barriers they face as they look for employment. Finding ...
Read MoreTo fill in-demand roles, an increasing number of employers, recruiters, and human resources professionals are using LinkedIn to search for qualified professionals. In today’s job market, simply having a LinkedIn profile is not enough to stand out. Make the most out of your ...
Read MoreBeing in a doctoral program brings its own share of challenges and rewards. Currently, I have completed almost two years in my PhD program. Looking back on my progress, I can proudly say that every challenge I encountered has helped me grow both ...
Read MoreApplying to a Master of Business Administration (MBA) program can be intimidating. Aside from the examinations you need to take and the documents and recommendations that need to be collected, one of the most intimidating parts of the application process is the MBA ...
Read MoreOver the past decade, American and Canadian job markets have experienced a shortage in skilled workers. Despite this, there are many barriers skilled immigrants face when it comes to finding jobs in their respective fields. These challenges include encountering employers who are unfamiliar with ...
Read MoreIn the final installment of our three-part series we will share what to expect on the day of the test. Following the International Education Language Testing System (IELTS) overview and IELTS preparation information we shared in parts one and two, we want to make sure ...
Read MoreFrench-speaking newcomers have great potential to utilize their language skills in Canada. Many employers seek bilingual candidates to fill a wide range of roles within their organization and there is often less competition for these roles. By building a strong network within the ...
Read MoreYou received an acceptance letter from your school of choice and now it is time to celebrate the hard work you put in! But before you begin making travel plans, there is another process you will need to go through before arriving: the ...
Read MoreDid you know there are over 222 law schools certified by the American Bar Association? Out of those schools, Yale, Harvard, and Stanford Law are ranked as the top three law schools. Their programs are in high demand and earning a place in ...
Read MoreAt WES Global Talent Bridge, we strive to provide timely information and resources that would meet your needs as a skilled immigrant. We host webinars nearly every month that cover a variety of topics to help you on your career path. At the ...
Read MoreIn this, the first of a three-part series, we will take you through the ins and outs of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). We will talk about who should take the IELTS, what the test is, where you can take the ...
Read MoreIf you are a professional seeking to fast track your career to your midterm goal and believe an MBA program is your next step, then you have come to the right place! Here are some pointers from my own experience with the MBA ...
Read MoreAfter spending so many years in school, your first job offer may seem like a final destination. In reality, your first job represents the beginning of your career trajectory, so it is important to choose wisely. To make the best decision, consider the ...
Read MoreLast year was memorably for many different reasons. It was a busy year for the government of Canada, as they announced changes to the Canadian immigration system. The new system, called “Express Entry,” was based on a ranking score that emphasized, among other ...
Read MoreVolunteers constitute an integral part of any successful organization and they are greatly valued for their contribution. Although being in a doctoral program brings its own share of work, I found myself volunteering not only at school but also outside of it. The ...
Read MoreMany successful organizations succeed because of the ideas that their employees bring to the team. However, sharing ideas can be a complex terrain if it is not done properly. There are many instances when new employees feel their ideas are not valued or ...
Read MoreFinding and applying for financial aid can be an overwhelming process at times. Although it is tempting to apply for everything you find to increase the odds, it is more important to be organized in your search. Instead of over applying for scholarships, ...
Read MoreGaining valuable work experience while attending school in the U.S. is a high priority for many international students; it can even determine where an international student decides to enroll. To understand how to gain work experience in the U.S., let’s cover the options ...
Read MoreThe International Institute of Education recently published new data in its 2016 Open Doors Report on international students in the U.S. What exactly changed in the past year and what were the new trends in U.S. international students? See the infographic below to ...
Read MoreIn a global economy, employers are increasingly looking for employees who can contribute skills that can help expand their operations to diverse audiences from around the world. With this factor in mind, make sure to market your language skills in your application before ...
Read MoreYour final exams and projects are finally over, the fall semester has come to an end, and a new semester awaits. Congratulations, you, an international student, made it to winter break! These few weeks are an opportune time for you to take some ...
Read MoreThe Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators (CAPR) is the national body responsible for the credential evaluation of internationally educated physiotherapists (IEPTs) and administers the national Physiotherapy Competency Exam (PCE) for both Canadian-educated physiotherapists and IEPTs. We do this work on behalf of our ...
Read MoreAs a country with two official languages, Canada offers many opportunities for skilled immigrants who are proficient in English and French. Being able to communicate well in either language is vital in order to succeed in Canada. Being able to communicate well in ...
Read MoreIn our recent webinar, What Employers Want in a Job Applicant, WES Global Talent Bridge shared various ways skilled immigrants can improve their chances of finding a job in the U.S. Our presenters were Michael Lowe, senior director of human resources at World ...
Read MoreIn a recent report by World Education Services (WES), Improving the International Student Experience, international students were surveyed on satisfaction with their education in the U.S. The report assessed international students from varying regions, including: China, India, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, the Middle East ...
Read MoreIn a recent report by World Education Services (WES), Improving the International Student Experience, international students were surveyed on satisfaction with their education in the U.S. The report assessed international students from varying regions, including: China, India, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, the Middle East ...
Read MoreOur Spotlight on Success series focuses on immigrants who utilized their skills, experience, education, and personal attributes to succeed in Canada. This month, we are proud to feature one of our credential examiners at World Education Services (WES) Canada, Anna Mkhitaryan. In 2009, the ...
Read MoreIn a recent report by World Education Services (WES), Improving the International Student Experience, international students were surveyed on how satisfied they were with their education in the U.S. The report assessed international students from varying regions, including China, India, Europe, the Middle East and North ...
Read MoreFor International Education Week 2016, WES Advisor asked readers to send submissions to our annual essay contest. The prompt was inspired by a Henry Miller quote: “One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” We asked readers to ...
Read MoreGone are the days of printing résumés, walking into offices, and submitting them directly to the people working there. These days, most employers post job openings on websites (such as LinkedIn, Monster, and Workopolis), where job seekers can search for opportunities based on ...
Read MoreOn November 19, 2016, the government of Canada implemented a range of improvements to the Express Entry immigration selection system. Each candidate in the pool, as well as those thinking of creating an Express Entry profile in the near future, should be aware ...
Read MoreFor International Education Week 2016, WES Advisor asked readers to send submissions to our annual essay contest. The prompt was inspired by a Henry Miller quote: “One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” We asked readers to ...
Read MoreIn a recent report by World Education Services (WES), Improving the International Student Experience, international students were surveyed on satisfaction with their education in the U.S. The report assessed international students from varying regions, including: China, India, Europe, Latin America & the Caribbean, the ...
Read MoreOn October 31, 2016, the government of Canada released its immigration plan for 2017, and the news was positive for anybody hoping to immigrate to Canada through one of the many economic or family sponsorship programs. In short, Canada will be accepting a ...
Read MoreSetting goals for yourself as a student can enable you to achieve greater success than you would without setting goals. Goals can help you know what to prioritize, give you more certainty in your abilities, and help you know where to improve. Goals ...
Read MoreIn a recent report by World Education Services (WES), Improving the International Student Experience, international students were surveyed on satisfaction with their education in the U.S. The report assessed international students from varying regions, including: China, India, Europe, Latin America & the Caribbean, the ...
Read MoreSkilled immigrants bring great value to the American workforce. However, immigrants who earn an education abroad and later move to the U.S. often find themselves having to work minimum wage “survival jobs” to support themselves. According to IMPRINT, those who received an education in the ...
Read MoreThe university experience in the U.S. consists of much more than attending daily 90-minute lectures. For international students looking to get the most out of their U.S. education, it’s important to take advantage of all the help and resources available, and there are ...
Read MoreIn a recent report by World Education Services (WES), Improving the International Student Experience, international students were surveyed on satisfaction with their education in the U.S. The report assessed international students from varying regions, including: China, India, Europe, Latin America & the Caribbean, the Middle East ...
Read MoreFinding your first job in a new country is not easy. As a new immigrant myself, I can appreciate the challenges that a newcomer may face when starting their career. I moved to Canada in January of 2011, and began looking for work immediately after ...
Read MoreInternships are important for international students because they offer real-world experience in a work environment and can potentially open doors to other internship and job opportunities. Many students and young professionals make the mistake of thinking of an interview as an interrogation. Instead, ...
Read MoreAlthough being licensed can be valuable, in certain fields it’s not necessary to be licensed to find relevant work. There may be opportunities to find employment in your profession or to find a related career path that does not require licensure or certification. ...
Read MoreAttending college in the U.S. comes with many exciting opportunities; international students can learn in a new environment, meet new people, and gain new skills. However, college in the U.S. also comes with a big price tag. In fact, the average college student ...
Read MoreFinding a job you want requires effort and organization. It can be easy to be overwhelmed when you are following leads and are applying for several jobs at the same time. Here are some tips to help you become organized and avoid some ...
Read MoreIn this series, Expert Ambassador Joanna answers career-related questions from our readers: Dear Joanna, I have finally resettled with my family in Toronto, and am a proud new Canadian! As an accomplished, internationally trained professional banker, I have started my job search by ...
Read MoreInternationally trained newcomers often possess a wide range of transferable skills that are valuable in Canada. Transferable skills are skills that you can take from one job to another, regardless of the specific role. These may include interpersonal, communication, project management, and other ...
Read MoreMany students who come to the U.S. to study are unprepared for the differences in the education system in the United States as compared to their home country. The system in the U.S. can vary greatly from other countries, so it’s important to ...
Read MoreIf you are new to the U.S., you may have heard of something called a “credit score.” A credit score is based on how responsible you’ve been in the past about paying back items purchased with credit and indicates whether you are dependable ...
Read MoreSearching for a job is easier if you understand that the job search process is an important step in finding employment in the U.S. and Canada. To successfully find a job you are qualified for, become familiar with common job search practices. The ...
Read MoreAs someone with a college diploma or university degree, it can be tempting to think that your formal education will be enough to get you employed in Canada. However, with companies looking for employees with the most up-to-date and diverse skillset these days, ...
Read MoreCongratulations! After successfully submitting an application with a beautifully written cover letter and résumé, a recruiter or HR professional has requested an initial phone or video interview with you. Although it can be easy to become overwhelmed by the prospect of an interview, by ...
Read MoreFor newcomers to Canada, networking is a highly effective way to start a job search and meet professionals who can introduce you to new opportunities. A large percentage of jobs are not advertised, which means that who you know can lead to a ...
Read MoreThe United States is a very big country with a variety of cities, state and national parks, and vast scenery. Why stay only in the city where you are studying when there is so much to explore? Of course, traveling on a student ...
Read MoreCurrently, there are over 5,000 internationally trained medical doctors living in Canada who face a number of professional and employment barriers which include unemployment and underemployment. The Internationally Trained Medical Doctors (ITMD) bridging program is specifically designed for internationally trained medical doctors, dental ...
Read MoreImmigrating to a new country can open up new opportunities for skilled immigrants and internationally trained professionals, but it can also disrupt career growth. This disruption can cause immigrants to experience “professional identity loss.” Occupation, nature of work, level of responsibility, salary, and ...
Read MoreCertain professions in Canada and the United States are regulated to protect public health and safety. The government regulates occupations that affect a large number of people directly, such as those in healthcare, engineering, law, finance, and education. In a regulated profession, you ...
Read MoreAs the top destinations for immigrants around the world, your decision to immigrate to Canada or the United States is one of the most important decisions you will make in your life. After you have moved here, finding work in your field will ...
Read MoreAbdul Kader Azzam came to Canada in 2015 with a degree in Architectural Engineering from Lebanon. He had extensive work experience from nine years living and working in Dubai. After completing the Engineering Connections program at ACCES Employment, Abdul got a job as ...
Read MoreWhether you have multiple projects or looming deadlines, it is very important that you work productively. But sometimes, procrastination can get the best of you, and you suddenly find yourself stressing over that test you have tomorrow but have not even studied for ...
Read MoreAs a student, you are constantly juggling multiple things at once. Between exams, projects, group meetings, and extracurricular activities, you need to ensure that you are managing your time effectively, and there are many online tools and apps out there that can help. ...
Read MoreMoving to a new country to study is an exciting process. You get to learn in a new environment, meet different types of people, and accumulate valuable knowledge on how to work across cultures. However, when it comes to budgeting for your studies ...
Read MoreInternships are a great way to gain work experience as an international student. But what types of internships can you choose from, and which is the right fit for you? The type of internship you go for depends on a number of things: ...
Read MoreThere is no secret formula for success, but there are strategies that can have a big impact on your career in Canada. We live in a diverse and welcoming country, but for newcomers, the job market can be difficult to understand, and looking ...
Read MoreWelcome to the third and final part of our blog series about the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) exam. In our two previous posts, we gave you an introduction to the TOEFL as well as study tips for each section ...
Read MoreWelcome to part two of our blog series about the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) exam. If you missed the first post, An Introduction to TOEFL, you can review it now to gain an understanding of TOEFL basics. Here, we ...
Read MoreThere are some professions in the U.S. that require you to obtain a license. Attaining a license can be a very complex process because each profession and state has a different licensing process. In some cases, professional associations, examination boards, and regulators work ...
Read MoreCriminal justice is defined as “the system of practices government institutions make to uphold social control, deter and lower crime, or punish those who violate laws with criminal penalties and rehabilitation efforts.” It may surprise many that the study of criminal justice is ...
Read MoreIn January of 2015, the government of Canada introduced a system called Express Entry to manage applications for three popular Canadian immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Class (FSWC), Federal Skilled Trades Class (FSTC), and Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Whereas the old system treated ...
Read MoreThe TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is one of the most widely administered and commonly accepted English language tests, particularly for students looking to gain admission into a U.S. university. Another common exam is the IELTS (International English Language Testing ...
Read MoreLanding work in Canada can be a challenge for anyone, and for skilled immigrants trying to get ahead, it can be even harder due to some common pitfalls. You can increase your chances of success by considering and addressing the roadblocks listed below. ...
Read MoreCanadian workplace culture emphasizes the importance of fostering relationships with colleagues and managers in the workplace. Building these relationships and connecting with other professionals is highly influenced by your ability to communicate effectively. In Canada, introductions and first impressions are extremely important and ...
Read MoreOne of the most daunting tasks for any job seeker is writing a cover letter as part of a job application. Although many think cover letters are obsolete with the advent of new employment application technologies, cover letters are actually more important now because technology makes ...
Read MoreIn 2014–15, over 86,000 Latin American students came to study in the U.S., which is a record number coming from the region. In recent years, both the U.S. and Latin American countries have spearheaded initiatives to encourage more students to earn degrees in ...
Read MoreIke Agbassi was an experienced medical laboratory technologist (MLT) when he arrived in Canada in June 2003. He had more than 12 years of experience and had owned two labs prior to leaving Aba, Nigeria. Now, he was starting over in a new ...
Read MoreIt can be difficult to explain how a degree from your home country is applicable to an employer in the U.S. or Canada. If you want your education to work to your advantage, you should make it easy for the employer to understand ...
Read MoreSeptember is fast approaching, and it’s not too early to start preparing for your new semester. Having a successful start to your first week at college requires plenty of preparation beforehand. Here are 10 things you should do before your first week at ...
Read MoreSummer is a very fun season, especially if you’re an international student experiencing your first summer in the U.S.! The start of a new school year is just around the corner, so here’s a list of the things you can do to make ...
Read MoreAs an international student, you may think that LinkedIn is a social networking site made only for experienced professionals. However, it can be an incredibly useful tool for international students and new graduates, especially those looking to make their way as professionals in ...
Read More“Yours to Discover” is the slogan on the Ontario license plates, and this couldn’t be more true for international students. As of April 1, 2016, Canada’s population is estimated to be over 36 million. Ontario is the most populous Canadian province with an estimated population of ...
Read MoreIn a recent webinar, we spoke with Joshua LaFave and Christopher Connor, two college admissions experts who weighed in with their best advice to international students looking to apply to master’s and doctorate programs in the U.S. Read on to discover their insights. ...
Read MoreIf you started your education outside of the U.S. or Canada, then a credential evaluation will help admissions officers understand your previous academic achievements. Getting your credentials evaluated is one of the first steps toward pursuing your educational and professional goals. Below are ...
Read MoreThere are a variety of higher education options available in the U.S. For example, you can attend community colleges, four-year universities and colleges, continuing education programs, and more. Each option allows people with different educational backgrounds, financial circumstances, goals, and interests to access ...
Read MoreThe college application process can be overwhelming, but with the right research and planning, you can easily prepare to apply for admission to the school of your choice. Before beginning your application, here are a few useful tips: Familiarize Yourself with the Process ...
Read MoreIn North America, challenges to the recognition of international academic credentials are numerous; however, with some basic research and planning, you can make the process advantageous for yourself and accomplish your career goals. As an international student or immigrant to Canada and the ...
Read MoreYour field of study in university can help define your future. It may also correlate with what kind of career experience and salary you can expect after graduation. So, when deciding on your major, think about your passions, interests, values, and career options. ...
Read MoreI had an uncle who emigrated from India apply for a job that was located in a small town in New York called Dobbs Ferry by calling the company and asking to speak with “Mr. Dobbs Ferry.” We laugh about it now, but ...
Read MoreThe federal government and academic institutions offer loans and grants that can help you pay to attend a U.S. college or university. The first step in applying for any type of financial aid—whether federal or institutional—is to complete the Free Application for Federal ...
Read MoreStudying in the U.S. can be very expensive. You have to pay for books, room and board, and other daily expenses—in addition to tuition. Luckily there are financial aid options that can help you pay for your education. You even may be able ...
Read MoreIf you want to attend a college or university in the U.S. or Canada, you may be able to transfer some credits for courses you have already taken. The decision to accept credits earned abroad varies from school to school, but here are ...
Read MoreThere are few consistent practices when applying to universities. Although most schools maintain a basic set of requirements, individual institutions also set their own standards. Some universities, for example, require prospective students to write a statement of purpose, whereas others require a personal ...
Read MoreThe following links offer general information and advice for prospective international students, including college search and application services, admissions testing, and financial aid information. General Advice for International Students in Canada The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) works with other federal departments, ...
Read MoreFor international students wanting to study in the U.S., there are many financial aid opportunities available. Students can look for funding from nonprofit organizations, state and local governments, as well as colleges and universities. Students should begin searching and applying for scholarships as ...
Read MoreSummer vacation for college students in the U.S. typically lasts three to four months, which gives students time to recharge and work on self-development. Although many international students staying in the U.S. complete summer internships, there are plenty of other ways to invest ...
Read MoreBeing a volunteer is not just about helping others, but also being fully engaged in an activity. Volunteering has a unique ability to make participants involve their hearts, bodies, and minds. Most people say they live busy lives and that it is hard ...
Read MoreEach year, thousands of international students from around the world choose to study abroad in the U.S. When it comes to choosing classes, there are many things to take into consideration to select the courses that are right for you. In some countries, you are ...
Read MoreAny international student wanting to study in the U.S. will need a student visa. Because the process for obtaining an F-1 visa can be time-consuming, it is important to have all of the required documentation in place to help simplify the process. The following is ...
Read MoreIt is no surprise that the U.S. is a top destination for international students looking to study abroad. As a result, the U.S. hit a record high of 1,043,839 total international undergraduate and graduate students in 2016–2016, according to the Institute of International ...
Read MoreCampus visits represent a unique opportunity when choosing a school. While you can certainly research school campuses remotely, seeing the institution in person provides a very different experience. Here are some activities you should plan to do when visiting any school: Explore the ...
Read MoreThe Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardized test that is required by most U.S. graduate business schools. The test aims to evaluate candidates’ abilities to make strategic decisions in the business world. In order to help you prepare for this exam, ...
Read MoreHave you ever walked into a room full of strangers and was not sure how to approach someone and start a conversation? This is how it may feel at your first networking event. Networking events can be frightening, but you are not alone. ...
Read MoreStudying for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) in a short amount of time can be overwhelming. To help you plan and ace the test, we have listed some important tips and resources to help you crack the GRE: Understand the Exam Structure and ...
Read MoreSelecting the best university requires significant research. While it is important to consider whether a given school has a strong reputation and affordable tuition, it is equally important to consider the campus resources offered by the school, as it can make a difference ...
Read MoreGuest blog contributor Trishnee Bhurosy takes us through some of the lessons she learned while studying abroad in the United States. Read on for her takeaways—with advice you can use, too! After living on the island of Mauritius all my life, coming to ...
Read MoreIf you have been waitlisted by a college, it means the college likes you, but there is not enough room to accept all of the candidates the college wants. The advantage of being waitlisted is that you have not been denied admission, and ...
Read MoreTime management is one of the most crucial aspects of graduate life in U.S. and plays a significant role in academic success. A graduate student’s life is hectic with upcoming deadlines, assignments, and submissions throughout the semester, which can be quite different from the education system ...
Read MoreIt can be an overwhelming process when researching and applying to a college or university as an international student, especially when the terminology seems foreign to those new to the academic world. We’ve compiled a list of terms and definitions specifically for international ...
Read MoreMental health is defined as mental, emotional, and social well-being. According to the American Journal of Health Education, poor mental health can impact academic performance and even graduation rates. See our tips on how to maintain good mental health as an international student. International students have ...
Read MoreStudents aspiring to study in the U.S. should familiarize themselves with the English language before doing so. English is spoken by at least 80 percent of U.S. residents and is well understood by 12.5 percent of the remaining population, so it’s important to ...
Read MoreAre you an international student looking to study in the U.S. – and do you need financial aid? We’ve done the work for you. Listed below are schools that offer generous aid to international students. Full-Tuition Merit Scholarships Carleton College—Northfield, Minnesota Rice University—Houston, Texas University of Miami—Coral ...
Read MoreScholarship support for international students who want to study in the U.S. is limited and highly competitive. Nonetheless, here are a couple of tips and some useful resources to help you identify potential scholarship opportunities. Plan Ahead and Start at Home Before exploring ...
Read MoreMany international students looking at colleges and graduate schools in the U.S. are asking the same question: When should I start applying for scholarships? The answer: As soon as possible! There are hundreds, if not thousands, of scholarship opportunities out there. They can ...
Read MoreWhen you are looking for schools to apply to, there are three important categories you should keep in mind. Read more below about match, reach, and safety schools and how many you should apply to in each category. Match: The Princeton Review defines a ...
Read MoreA quality education comes at a price. Although the majority of international students pay tuition with their own money, some students find that they still need help covering the total cost of attendance and personal expenses. In those cases, students look to other ...
Read MoreAre you too shy to reach out to professionals? Do you lack confidence to sell your personal pitch? Have you ever felt ashamed of letting opportunities slip away? Believe it or not, I understand. One year ago, full of excitement and ambition, I ...
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