A WES evaluation report serves not only as a credential evaluation but also an authentication of academic qualifications. This means that, in addition to providing an educational equivalency, WES verifies document authenticity. As part of the authentication process, WES requires that the appropriate educational authority seal documents and send them directly to WES.
Below are the answers to frequently asked questions about sending sealed envelopes to WES.
To make it easier for our staff to match your documents with your account, please put your reference number on the front of the envelope.
You do not need to place it on the individual documents.
Refer to the image below for guidance.
No. WES will only evaluate documents sent in the format stated on our website.
This varies based on your country or territory of education. The Required Documents page on our website will tell you which documents need to be sealed and which documents, if any, can be sent as photocopies.
Many higher education institutions can now securely transmit your documents to us electronically, thus eliminating the need for a sealed envelope. Inquire with the institution(s) where you studied whether this is an option for you. If they are not currently set up to transmit in this way, we encourage you to have a representative from the institution Contact Us. We will then explore electronic transmission opportunities with them.
Many of our customers no longer live in their country or territory of education. In this case, we generally recommend sending the Academic Records Request Form to your institution so they can release your documents.
If your school has closed, please contact our Customer Service (United States/Canada) team.
Individuals educated in Afghanistan, Eritrea, Iraq, Syria, Türkiye, Ukraine, or Venezuela who no longer have access to their academic documents may be eligible for the WES Gateway Program.
Although the form is not an official document (unless otherwise specified in your Required Documents), WES will only accept it if it arrives in a sealed envelope. Please note that if your institution sends your documents to us electronically, the Academic Records Request Form is not needed.
You can upload some documents—including degree certificates and translations—online through My Account.
You will need a separate sealed envelope for each institution. Check Required Documents to see if your institutions can send your documents to WES electronically. Otherwise, you might encourage them to initiate a digital partnership with WES.
No, WES only needs the documents listed on our Required Documents page. If our evaluators determine that they need additional documentation, they will request it directly.
Yes. There is no deadline to submit your documents to WES. We will put your file on hold until we receive all documentation necessary to complete an evaluation.
WES AdvisorWES Advisor is an initiative of World Education Services, a non-profit organization with over 45 years of experience in international education. We provide advice and resources for international students and skilled immigrants to help them make informed decisions about education, employment, immigration, and integration opportunities in the U.S. and Canada.
WES Advisor | August 13, 2024
Navigating the job market with an international degree can be challenging. Employers in the United States and Canada might not understand the value of your education. The most objective thing to do this is to obtain a credential evaluation from a reputable credential evaluation provider, like WES. This article discusses how a credential evaluation can […]
WES Advisor | August 2, 2024
In most cases, translation is not necessary for a WES credential evaluation. However, if you have been requested to provide translated documents, you might be an exception. Keep reading to learn more about document translation requirements for a WES credential evaluation. Why does WES require translated documents? Translations support required documents and facilitate the evaluation process, ensuring the accuracy […]
WES Advisor | August 1, 2024
Asare is a teacher in Ghana, but his ambitions to pursue advanced degrees and deepen his professional connections in education may soon be taking him to the United States. As a child, Asare had hoped to follow his father’s path and become a pastor and address important community issues. He recalls his father’s collaborative efforts […]
WES Advisor | July 16, 2024
Planning to order a WES credential evaluation? If you’re looking to pursue the next chapter in your life in the United States or Canada, a WES credential evaluation report will support your post-secondary school and job applications. Keep reading to get answers to frequently asked questions about WES credential evaluations: What is a WES reference number? How do I obtain one? A WES reference number is generated once you submit your application along with full […]
