5 Ways to Avoid Delays with Your Credential Evaluation
There are some common mistakes that applicants make when they are getting a credential evaluation from World Education Services (WES). We will show you the 5 ways to avoid delays with your credential evaluation. These can introduce delays in the process (and in some cases, even lead to additional fees).
In most cases, delays can be avoided by carefully following instructions, reviewing your Required Documents, and visiting the Help Center if you’re unsure about what to do next.
However, we want to make it even easier for you. In this post, we have outlined some of the most common issues that our applicants encounter. This way, you can avoid them and complete our three-step process as efficiently as possible.
Here are the 5 ways to avoid delays with your credential evaluation from WES:
- Preview Your Required Documents
Do you know what documents you need to send to WES? They’re different for every applicant and based on your country of education, level of study, awarding institution, and other details. You can use our free tool to preview your Required Documents.
Not reading through the required documents before sending them for the evaluation could mean you send the wrong materials, and as a result, delay the completion of your report.
Once you submit your application, you will be able to log in to My Account and see your exact Required Documents list anytime. If there are ever changes, for any reason, this list will be updated in real-time, so you will always see the latest and most accurate requirements.
Additionally, this list includes important details about how to request and send your documents. For example, you will be able to see if your institution has a digital partnership with WES or find links to our Academic Records Request form if that is something that your university uses.
- Start the Credential Evaluation Process ASAP
One of the worst things you can do is wait until the last minute to apply for a credential evaluation. Although WES offers one of the fastest and most competitive processing rates for evaluation reports in the U.S. and Canada, we can only begin working on your report once we receive all of your required documents and your payment in full.
This means that if your university doesn’t send your documents right away, there could be delays. (One way to expedite this process is to research your Required Documents and begin requesting them right away; however, please note that you cannot have your documents sent to WES until you have completed your application and received your WES reference number, since it must be written on all documents submitted to WES. You can read more about this below.) Or if there are mail service delays, we will need to wait for those to be resolved before we can begin processing your report. (You can help this issue by tracking your mail or encouraging your university to send your documents digitally instead.)
Although these instances are rare, it’s best to mitigate them by starting as early as possible.
- Choose the Correct Evaluation Type
WES offers several types of credential evaluations. It is important that you know which one is the most relevant to your circumstances so that the report you request matches your academic or professional goals.
Selecting the wrong evaluation type could mean that you have to start the credential evaluation process over, and that might include submitting new documents.
If more than one evaluation type seems like it might apply to you, you can always contact WES. Another option is to reach out to your recipient (for example, your hiring manager or admissions office) and learn which type of credential evaluation they accept.
- Keep Your WES Reference Number
Once you complete your application, you will be given a WES Reference Number. This number is unique to you and is associated with your file. Therefore, you will need to have this number on hand as you submit all of your required documents. It also needs to be on the outside of your sealed envelopes. If WES receives documents without a reference number, they cannot be associated with your file. This can cause delays.
You will also need to provide your WES reference number if you need to reach out with a question. This allows our service agents to quickly look up your application and provide you with specific answers about your status and documents.
Your WES reference number is key throughout the entire process of getting your credential evaluation. When you need to look it up, you will always be able to find it when you log in to My Account. However, you should keep it stored somewhere offline so you can access it anytime you need to.
- Use Free Tools Before Applying
In addition to our Required Documents preview tool (mentioned above), WES offers two free tools for potential applicants: iGPA Calculator and a Degree Equivalency Tool. Both of these give potential applicants a more clear picture of the results they can expect to see from a credential evaluation with WES. This can help you set expectations before you go through the entire application process.
If you get the results that you were expecting, then you should make it official and order your credential evaluation report. However, if the result is not what you expected, then you might want to collect more information or re-assess the type of job or academic program that you were planning to enter in the U.S. or Canada.
Just keep in mind that these tools are merely estimates and preview tools; the only way to learn of your verified, accurate equivalency is to order your credential evaluation from WES.
Get Your Credential Evaluation from WES!
Conclusion
A credential evaluation is an essential asset when it comes to living, working, or studying in the United States or Canada. Applying for an official equivalency report will open doors and create opportunities for newcomers and their families.
However, it is important to be attentive to detail during this process and do as much up-front research as you can. As you proceed, make sure to avoid common mistakes so that you avoid unnecessary delays and receive your completed report as quickly as possible. Then, you can move on to the next stages of your journey.
Optimize your chances of success!
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- Provincial Nominee Program
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- How to Become a Canadian Citizen: Applying for Canadian Citizenship
- Family Sponsorship
- Spousal Sponsorship
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- Skilled Workers
- Caregivers
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WHAT DO I DO NEXT?
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We advise you to complete the assessment questionnaire now in order to properly plan your application.
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