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 To validate or evaluate a PhD in Strategic Development from the Universidad Bolivariana de Venezuela (UBV) in the United States, you must undergo a process called Credential Evaluation.

In the U.S., there is no government ministry that automatically revalidates foreign degrees. Instead, private independent agencies determine how your Venezuelan degree compares to a U.S. doctorate.

Here is the step-by-step breakdown of how the process works.

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1. Choose the Right Evaluation Agency

You should only use agencies that are members of NACES (National Association of Credential Evaluation Services) or AICE (Association of International Credential Evaluators).

• World Education Services (WES): This is the most widely recognized agency for immigration (USCIS) and corporate jobs. However, WES has strict verification rules for Venezuela. You must check their current "Required Documents" tool to see if they require direct electronic delivery from UBV or if an apostilled copy is enough.
• Josef Silny & Associates / SpanTran / ECE: These agencies are highly respected, often process applications faster than WES, and are sometimes more flexible with the bureaucratic challenges of obtaining university-sealed envelopes from Venezuela.

2. Select the Type of Evaluation Report

Agencies offer two main types of evaluation. Your choice depends on your ultimate goal:

• Document-by-Document Evaluation: This report simply states that you hold the equivalent of a U.S. Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). This is usually sufficient for immigration (such as EB-2 NIW green card petitions) and general corporate employment.
• Course-by-Course Evaluation: This report breaks down every seminar, grade, and credit hour, calculating a U.S. equivalent GPA. You will need this if you plan to teach at a U.S. university, work in research institutions, or apply for further academic programs.

3. Gather and Prepare Your Documents

Before submitting your application to a U.S. agency, your academic documents from UBV must be officially registered in Venezuela:

1. Legalization & Apostille: Your UBV PhD Diploma and Official Transcripts (Notas Certificadas) must be legalized through the GTU (Ministry of Higher Education) and Apostilled by the Venezuelan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
2. Certified English Translation: Every document in Spanish must be translated into English. The translation does not need a Venezuelan apostille, but it must be done by a certified translator (often a member of the American Translators Association - ATA) who includes a signed "Certificate of Accuracy."

4. Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Create an Account: Register on the website of your chosen evaluation agency (e.g., WES, Josef Silny).
2. Pay the Fee: Evaluation fees typically range from $150 to $300 USD, plus shipping costs for the physical report.
3. Submit Documents: Follow the agency’s precise instructions. Some agencies allow you to upload digital copies of your apostilled documents, while others require physical, sealed documents sent directly via courier (DHL/FedEx).
4. Wait for Delivery: The evaluation process usually takes between 10 to 30 business days once the agency receives all correct documents.

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To help you narrow down the best path, could you tell me:

• What is your primary goal for this evaluation? (e.g., Immigration/Green Card, Corporate Job, or University Teaching?)
• Do you already have your physical Apostilled Diploma and Transcripts with you?