Does the evaluation agency need to be accredited for the apostille to be accepted?

The apostille certifies the notarization, not the evaluation agency's accreditation. However, the receiving institution abroad may have its own requirements about which evaluation agencies it accepts. Check with the destination institution before ordering.

How long does it take?

Timelines depend on the state authority and the destination. We give you an estimated turnaround when you place your order.

Can I apostille the original foreign transcript instead?

Yes, but that is a separate process. Apostilling the original foreign transcript and apostilling a US credential evaluation are two different documents serving different purposes. We can handle either or both.

What if my evaluation was done in one state but I now live in another?

The relevant state is usually where the evaluation agency is incorporated or where the notarization takes place, not your current residence. We confirm the correct jurisdiction when you submit your order.

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Evaluation of Foreign Education Credentials apostille

An Evaluation of Foreign Education Credentials is a report prepared by a credential evaluation agency that converts your overseas academic records into a US-equivalent assessment. Employers, graduate programs, and professional licensing boards often require this evaluation — and in some cases the evaluation report itself must be apostilled so that it can be recognized by authorities in another country, or so that a foreign country can verify the US-issued evaluation.

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What is an apostille for a foreign education credential evaluation?

A credential evaluation report is produced by a private evaluation agency, not a government body. To apostille this report, it is typically notarized by a notary public and then submitted to the Secretary of State in the state where the evaluation agency is located or where the notary is commissioned. The apostille certifies the notary's authority, which in turn authenticates the evaluation report for use abroad.

When you need one

You are likely to need an apostilled credential evaluation when: applying to a foreign university that requires a verified US-equivalent assessment of your overseas degree; seeking professional licensure in a country that wants to confirm the legitimacy of your evaluated credentials; relocating and providing education history to a foreign employer; or satisfying immigration requirements in a destination country that requests authenticated proof of educational attainment.

How Laurela handles it

We identify the correct state authority based on where your credential evaluation was issued and where your notarization takes place. We then coordinate the notarization (if not already done) and submit to the appropriate Secretary of State for the apostille. For countries outside the Hague Convention, we route through the relevant embassy or consulate.

Apostille vs. embassy legalization

Hague Convention member countries accept an apostille as the final authentication step. For non-member countries, the document proceeds to embassy or consular legalization after state certification. We handle both paths and will confirm which applies to your destination.

Frequently asked questions

Does the evaluation agency need to be accredited for the apostille to be accepted?: The apostille certifies the notarization, not the evaluation agency's accreditation. However, the receiving institution abroad may have its own requirements about which evaluation agencies it accepts. Check with the destination institution before ordering.
How long does it take?: Timelines depend on the state authority and the destination. We give you an estimated turnaround when you place your order.
Can I apostille the original foreign transcript instead?: Yes, but that is a separate process. Apostilling the original foreign transcript and apostilling a US credential evaluation are two different documents serving different purposes. We can handle either or both.
What if my evaluation was done in one state but I now live in another?: The relevant state is usually where the evaluation agency is incorporated or where the notarization takes place, not your current residence. We confirm the correct jurisdiction when you submit your order.

This page explains a general process and is not legal advice. Requirements vary by issuing authority and destination country; we confirm the specifics for your order. Verified 2026-06-20.