Degree Evaluation Guide: Haiti-US Immigration & Employment

In today’s global world, education doesn’t stop at borders, and neither should the recognition of your academic achievements. If you're from Haiti and hoping to study, work, or immigrate to the United States, one of the first steps is making sure your degrees are properly understood. That’s where Haitian educational credential evaluation comes in.

This guide walks you through how to evaluate Haitian degrees for U.S. purposes—whether you’re applying for a job-based visa, enrolling in school, or going for a professional license.

How Haiti’s Education System Is Structured

Haiti’s education system includes three main levels: primary, secondary, and higher education. While it’s rooted in the French model, Haiti has also introduced reforms in recent years to better meet the needs of its students.

Let’s explore what each level looks like so you know how your credentials stack up in the U.S. system.

A Closer Look at Primary and Secondary Schooling

Primary School (École Primaire)

Primary education in Haiti lasts six years for children ages 6 to 12. When completed, students receive the Certificat d’Études Primaires. Instruction is typically in Haitian Creole, though French is also widely used. Access and quality of education can vary depending on the region, with many schools operated by churches or NGOs.

Two Secondary School Paths: Traditional vs. Reformed

Secondary education has seen some major changes. Here’s what you should know about both systems:

Traditional Secondary System

This system spans seven years, divided into two cycles:

• First Cycle: The Troisième Cycle de l’Enseignement Fondamental lasts three years and ends with the Brevet Élémentaire du Premier Cycle.
• Second Cycle: Lasts another three to four years. Students take national exams for the Baccalauréat I and later the Baccalauréat II, which is considered the final secondary school diploma.

A completed Baccalauréat II is generally equivalent to a U.S. high school diploma.

Reformed Secondary System

Introduced in 2016, this newer system merges the primary and junior secondary years into a nine-year basic education cycle, followed by three years of upper secondary school. Students graduate with the Diplôme de Fin d’Études Secondaires, which replaces the old Baccalauréat diplomas.

This shift aims to simplify the system and boost access and equity.

Technical Education in Haiti

Not all students take an academic route. Haiti also has Technical Secondary Schools, which focus on trades and practical skills. These programs usually last three years, catering to students aged 15 to 18 and providing a direct path to skilled employment.

Why Your Transcripts Matter for Evaluation

The Ministry of Education (MENFP) is in charge of national exams and issues diplomas like the Baccalauréat and Diplôme de Fin d’Études Secondaires. But these diplomas don’t show where you went to school or what subjects you studied.

That’s why it’s essential to submit your transcripts with your diploma. Transcripts give evaluators context, like your school name, subjects studied, and grades, so they can provide an accurate report.

For example, if your diploma says you passed the national exam but doesn’t mention you studied science, your transcript can fill that gap. If you don’t include it, your evaluation might end up incomplete—or worse, inaccurate.

Inside Higher Education in Haiti

Haiti’s universities and colleges fall under MENFP. There are both public and private institutions, including:

• Université d'État d’Haïti (UEH)
• Université Quisqueya
• Université Notre Dame d’Haïti

Higher Ed Structure: Three Main Cycles

Just like in many European systems, Haitian higher education follows three cycles:

• First Cycle: A Licence or professional title earned after 4 years.
• Second Cycle: A Maîtrise (Master’s degree), which takes 2 more years.
• Third Cycle: A Doctorate or post-master’s program that usually takes 2 to 3 years.

There are also professional degrees like:

• Diplôme de Docteur en Médecine (Doctor of Medicine)
• Diplôme de Docteur en Dentiste (Doctor of Dental Surgery)

These take between 5 and 7 years and are considered equivalent to U.S. medical and dental degrees.

How to Get Your Haitian Degree Evaluated: Step-by-Step

Now that you know what your education looks like on paper, let’s talk about how to get it officially recognized in the U.S.

Step 1: Collect Your Academic Records

Gather the following:

• Diplomas
• Transcripts
• Course descriptions or syllabi (if available)

Make sure everything is translated into English by a certified translator. Some agencies may also ask for notarized copies. The more complete your documentation, the better your evaluation will be.

Step 2: Choose a Reputable Evaluation Service

Look for a service that’s accepted by the institution you’re applying to—whether it’s a university, employer, or USCIS.

MotaWord offers fast, affordable evaluations and is recognized by:

• U.S. universities
• Employers
• Government agencies like USCIS

MotaWord works entirely online—no need to mail anything!

Step 3: Submit Your Documents

Follow the instructions on your chosen service’s website. Usually, you’ll:

• Create an account
• Upload your files
• Pay the fee

Always double-check your files before submitting to avoid delays. Missing documents are the most common reason for slow processing.

Step 4: Understand Your Evaluation Report

Once your documents are reviewed, you’ll receive a report. There are two main types:

• General Evaluation: Confirms your degree and the U.S. equivalent (e.g., high school diploma, bachelor’s degree).
• Course-by-Course Evaluation: Breaks down each subject, credit hours, and grades.

A course-by-course report is usually required for university admission, while a general report may be fine for immigration or employment.

Need help understanding your report? Here’s a guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need to translate my Haitian diploma before submitting it for evaluation?

Yes. Most evaluation services require English translations of all documents. If you use MotaWord, translation is included as part of the process—no need to hire someone else.

2. What if I don’t have access to my original transcripts?

Try reaching out to your school or the MENFP to request official copies. If that’s not possible, some evaluators may accept alternatives like scanned versions, sworn statements, or even affidavits—but it depends on the agency.

3. Can I use my Haitian degree for a U.S. professional license?

Absolutely, but you’ll likely need a course-by-course evaluation and possibly additional testing, depending on your field (e.g., nursing, engineering, law). Check with your state licensing board.

4. How long does a credential evaluation take?

It depends on the agency, but MotaWord typically delivers evaluations within 3 to 5 business days, making it one of the fastest options available.

Turning Your Haitian Degree into Opportunity

If you’re dreaming of living, working, or studying in the United States, your Haitian education can absolutely help get you there. But to open those doors, you need to make sure your credentials are properly evaluated.

Here’s a quick recap:

• Haiti’s education system includes both traditional and reformed structures.
• Transcripts and diplomas together give a full picture.
• Higher education degrees in Haiti follow a clear cycle and are often equivalent to U.S. credentials.
• Choosing the right evaluation agency, like MotaWord, can save you time and money.
• Submitting full, translated documentation is key to success.

With a complete and accurate evaluation, you’ll have the tools to pursue your goals in the U.S. confidently. MotaWord makes it easy to evaluate your Haitian degree with speed, accuracy, and affordability. Whether you’re applying to school, a job, or USCIS, we’ve got your back. Start your academic evaluation now and take the next step toward your future in the U.S.

Mark Rogers - Head of Evaluation Services at MotaWord

Mark is a credentials evaluator expert with over five years of experience in the industry. Throughout his career, Mark has demonstrated a keen attention to detail and a thorough understanding of international education systems, contributing to his reputation as a trusted authority in the field of credentials evaluation.