H-1B qualification evidence belongs to a named petition
The current federal regulation at 8 CFR 214.2(h)(4)(iii)(C)–(D) describes degree and equivalent-qualification evidence for the H-1B specialty-occupation pathway. It includes an evaluation by a specialist foreign-credential service among recognized evidence methods in a particular equivalence context.
This H-1B evidentiary example is not a universal immigration rule, professional licensing decision or assurance that a commercial report suffices.
Sources: 8 CFR §214.2(h)(4)(iii), H-1B beneficiary qualifications
State boards decide protected professional practice
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics explains that licences for many occupations are issued under state regulatory standards, which can vary by profession and jurisdiction. State licensing requirements are separate from an employer accepting a candidate's academic qualification.
A New York physician applicant encounters NYSED education and licence rules, including the distinct roles of ECFMG and FCVS for certain foreign medical-school routes. That New York example cannot be used as a nationwide physician licensing policy.
Sources: Licenses, certifications, and registrations in occupations · New York State physician license requirements: FCVS and ECFMG
A credential evaluator is not the ultimate authority
The federal regulation addresses immigration evidence whereas the NYSED physician route addresses professional registration. The identity of the credential-checking service alone does not tell a reader which decision the document can support.
Do not treat FCVS primary-source authentication as an immigration status grant or as a substitute for NYSED's evaluation of medical education.
Sources: 8 CFR §214.2(h)(4)(iii), H-1B beneficiary qualifications · New York State physician license requirements: FCVS and ECFMG
DiploWay recipient-mapping exercise
On paper, write three headings: petitioning immigration process, employer and state licensing board. Put the exact evidence request and official URL under the relevant heading, leaving unknown requests blank.
Identify whether each recipient asks for educational equivalence, verified records, professional examination or documented work experience. Ask the named authority before ordering a paid report.
Do not use this comparison to choose an immigration benefit, assess a personal petition or infer a licence in another state.
Your next official step
Open the official guidance ↗Sources and scope
- 8 CFR §214.2(h)(4)(iii), H-1B beneficiary qualifications
Office of the Federal Register, eCFR · checked 2026-10-14 (UTC date)
- Licenses, certifications, and registrations in occupations
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · checked 2026-10-14 (UTC date)
- New York State physician license requirements: FCVS and ECFMG
New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions · checked 2026-10-14 (UTC date)