Credential evaluations are a vital component of international applications, whether for university admission, immigration, or employment purposes. They help institutions and governments understand how a student’s or professional’s academic qualifications compare to local standards. But how long does the evaluation process take?
The short answer: as few as five business days with ACEI, depending on your document readiness and whether you request expedited service.
In this blog, we break down ACEI’s average processing times by use case and region, based on standards set by AICE (Association of International Credential Evaluators).
What Affects Credential Evaluation Timelines?
Credential evaluation timelines can vary based on:
- The purpose (admissions vs. immigration/employment)
- Whether you choose standard or rush service
- Document readiness (originals, translations, notarizations)
- Whether documents must be verified with the issuing institution
ACEI Processing Times
| Service Type | Processing Time | Notes |
| Standard Service | 5–7 business days | Begins once all documents are received and verified |
| Rush Service | 1–3 business days | Available for qualified cases with complete documentation |
ACEI prioritizes fast and accurate service for both academic and professional evaluations, with transparent processing aligned with AICE quality standards.
Regional Overview (ACEI Evaluations)
| Destination Region | Typical Use Case | Average Processing Range |
| United States | University, licensure | 5–7 business days |
| United Kingdom | University, immigration | 5–7 business days |
| Canada | Graduate school, employment | 5–7 business days |
| Europe (non-UK) | Employment, residency | 5–7 business days |
| Asia (Japan, Korea, China) | University admissions | 5–7 business days |
University vs. Immigration Processing
| Use Case | Notes |
| University Admissions | Fast, especially with electronic submissions. ACEI provides course-by-course evaluations. |
| Immigration/Employment | ACEI supports employment credential evaluations for regulated and non-regulated professions. |
Tips to Avoid Delays
- Submit all required documents in the correct format
- Use certified translations for any non-English documents
- Ensure documents are complete and legible before uploading or mailing
- Indicate your purpose (e.g., graduate admission, visa)
- Choose rush service if facing time-sensitive deadlines
AICE Standards and ACEI Benchmarks
As a charter member of AICE, ACEI adheres to the highest standards in international credential evaluation. This includes:
- Trained evaluators with expertise in global education systems
- Fast, transparent processing timelines
- Commitment to accuracy and ethical standards
Final Thoughts
If you’re preparing an international application, don’t wait until the last minute to request a credential evaluation. While ACEI offers quick turnaround, delays can occur due to missing or incomplete documentation.
Planning and choosing an AICE-endorsed agency, such as ACEI, gives you peace of mind and the support of a trusted global partner.
Start your credential evaluation with ACEI today and stay ahead of your academic or immigration deadlines.
