Advice on how to transfer Russian diplomas for college credit.

[Chris_Жанна 11]

Hey ppls,

Quick update and question.

Zhanna got her "Welcome to the USA" letter for her 2 yr GC. We got her SS card the other day right after she received her EAD. We went to the bank yesterday to put her name on my checking and savings acct. The lady (who I think was filling in for a woman on lunch) said she had to do a credit check on her. After the lady put the info in the computer she told us that the credit agency was saying her SS# was invalid. She then tried to tell me that she thinks that because on the SS card that it says " Valid with DHS work authorization" That it couldn't be used to start a bank acct. I said to the lady. "So she's allowed to work but not have anywhere to put her money? Should she just keep it in a coffee can?" She then went on that she could start a checking acct that they would charge her $10 a month..... I called SS after I got out of the bank. The operator check the status of Zhanna's SS# and said it was valid and could be used to start a bank acct. I'm going to try again in an hour or so to go to a different branch to see whats up. Ahnyone else have that problem?

Also, Zhanna has 1 diploma in Teaching (Russian launguage and Lit) from Bashkir State University and 1 diploma in management from Ufa, Aviation Technical University. 1 diploma in marketing and P.R. from Ural State University.

Does anyone know how she would be able to transfer college credits or if there are agencies that assist in stuff like this? I'm at a loss.

[1HappyGuy 45]

Don't expect any bank employees to know a thing about immigration and/or their rights. Find another bank person and if that doesn't get resolved the next time, then move up the chain of command until you find someone that knows the difference between their a$$ and a hole in the ground.

As to her college credit, go to your local university and discuss it with them. There is a process set up to accomplish this transfer of credit. In all likelihood, some of it will not completely transfer. Either way, you are probably looking at her attending a local university to get her U.S. based degree. A process which will help her assimilate to America and give her American based education for future employers.

[Arkayel 1]

Look at your State Board of Education site to see who they accept for accreditation of credits from other countries, etc. We used Educational Credential Evaluator, Inc. based in Wisconsin because they are accepted in Minnesota. The website tells you everything, and you can call and they are helpful. My wife had to send the information she had such as transcripts, ID, and if she had one a catalog or description of each course. She had no way of doing this for her Ukraine University so had to write up a description herself. That was not so easy.

But it is worthwhile since it gives the wife a lot of credit, and she got her BA equivalent.

Good Luck!

[Pinay Wife 47]

If your fiancee intends to use her credentials towards fulfilling academic requirements in the US, she needs to have her credentials evaluated and authenticated by evaluators accredited by the university she wants to attend. As 1 HappyGuy suggested, go to the local university and discuss it with them. Some of the evaluators are:

1. World Education Services, Inc. - www.wes.org

2. Foundation for International Services, Inc. - www.fis-web.com

3. International Evaluation Research Foundation - www.ierf.org

I requested a course-by-course evaluation of my transcript with WES (with GPA). I got the equivalent of a bachelor's degree here.

[AKguy 1]

Anna was able to open a banking account using her old SS number whch has the same verbage as Zhanna's. Sounds like the lady you were working with either made a mistake, or their credit system they're using made a mistake. Not a great way to start her banking future here. Next!

Good luck with that and also the credentials. We'll be looking into the last one in the near future.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

We did this and it has worked fine so far...

Google "ECE"

Get copies of her transcripts from school and have them translated. You do not need anything more "offcial" than you used for the consulate, anyone can translate it. Send it to ECE with the feee for evaluation ($85 or $135, I suggest the $135 package) and tell them which universities to forward their evaluation to. You will also get TWO originals. In the future if you need more sent, I think they are about $10 each and they send them directly to the institution or business. Alla had one sent to the Vermont Department of Education for teacher certification, for example.

In general, Ukrainian and Russian educations transfer credit for credit, but that may not be the case for all degrees for all majors.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

Hey ppls,

Quick update and question.

Zhanna got her "Welcome to the USA" letter for her 2 yr GC. We got her SS card the other day right after she received her EAD. We went to the bank yesterday to put her name on my checking and savings acct. The lady (who I think was filling in for a woman on lunch) said she had to do a credit check on her. After the lady put the info in the computer she told us that the credit agency was saying her SS# was invalid. She then tried to tell me that she thinks that because on the SS card that it says " Valid with DHS work authorization" That it couldn't be used to start a bank acct. I said to the lady. "So she's allowed to work but not have anywhere to put her money? Should she just keep it in a coffee can?" She then went on that she could start a checking acct that they would charge her $10 a month..... I called SS after I got out of the bank. The operator check the status of Zhanna's SS# and said it was valid and could be used to start a bank acct. I'm going to try again in an hour or so to go to a different branch to see whats up. Ahnyone else have that problem?

Also, Zhanna has 1 diploma in Teaching (Russian launguage and Lit) from Bashkir State University and 1 diploma in management from Ufa, Aviation Technical University. 1 diploma in marketing and P.R. from Ural State University.

Does anyone know how she would be able to transfer college credits or if there are agencies that assist in stuff like this? I'm at a loss.

Your bank employs uneducated morons. Consider another bank. The problem with morons is that, while there is no shame in being untrained, the problem comes in when untrained people start making decisions that affect your life. Do not allow it or accept it.

Alla has NEVER changed her stupid social security CARD and probably never will. She keeps it in an expandable folder in the closet with her Ukrainian high school diploma and has about as much need for it. Put the card away and leave it stashed. She also never SHOWS her social security CARD to anyone. Why would you? (I lost mine in 1973) Go back (if you trust leaving your money in this bank) and see a supervisor and open an account. Alla has two joint accounts with me, her own savings and checking account, her own debit cards, her own credit cards, ALL with a SS card that says "DHS authority needed..." or whatever.

I have news for the bubble brain, SS does not authorize work and EVERYONE, even citizens, need DHS authoirty to work. The I-9 does not ask for a SS card (the world's largest waste of paper) it asks for a passport or birth certificate! Even citizens have to show this to comply with I-9s

One of the problems you run into in this process. and discover, is that there is a tremendous amount of untrained, incompetent people that actually have employment in this country. YOU need to know the rules and DO NOT accept this for your spouse for any reason. I get tired of training state and bank employees, but your choce is to allow your spouse to be inconvenienced and I will not.

Shawn...FYI, Anna's SS number wll not change. It is hers for life. IF she wants to change her name on the card, wait until she has her EAD or green card and then go to SS and change the name. Again, the card itself means NOTHING and is completely worthless, it can say "Santa Claus", it does not matter.

[SMR 368]

If your fiancee intends to use her credentials towards fulfilling academic requirements in the US, she needs to have her credentials evaluated and authenticated by evaluators accredited by the university she wants to attend. As 1 HappyGuy suggested, go to the local university and discuss it with them. Some of the evaluators are:

1. World Education Services, Inc. - www.wes.org

2. Foundation for International Services, Inc. - www.fis-web.com

3. International Evaluation Research Foundation - www.ierf.org

I requested a course-by-course evaluation of my transcript with WES (with GPA). I got the equivalent of a bachelor's degree here.

We used WES because it is required where Marina wants to study. They require an apostilled version of the original diploma with a translation. You can get this through a Russian government organization (remotely) but it cost a couple hundred bucks. There may have been a better way.

Your bank employs uneducated morons. Consider another bank. The problem with morons is that, while there is no shame in being untrained, the problem comes in when untrained people start making decisions that affect your life. Do not allow it or accept it.

Alla has NEVER changed her stupid social security CARD and probably never will. She keeps it in an expandable folder in the closet with her Ukrainian high school diploma and has about as much need for it. Put the card away and leave it stashed. She also never SHOWS her social security CARD to anyone. Why would you? (I lost mine in 1973) Go back (if you trust leaving your money in this bank) and see a supervisor and open an account. Alla has two joint accounts with me, her own savings and checking account, her own debit cards, her own credit cards, ALL with a SS card that says "DHS authority needed..." or whatever.

I have news for the bubble brain, SS does not authorize work and EVERYONE, even citizens, need DHS authoirty to work. The I-9 does not ask for a SS card (the world's largest waste of paper) it asks for a passport or birth certificate! Even citizens have to show this to comply with I-9s

One of the problems you run into in this process. and discover, is that there is a tremendous amount of untrained, incompetent people that actually have employment in this country. YOU need to know the rules and DO NOT accept this for your spouse for any reason. I get tired of training state and bank employees, but your choce is to allow your spouse to be inconvenienced and I will not.

Shawn...FYI, Anna's SS number wll not change. It is hers for life. IF she wants to change her name on the card, wait until she has her EAD or green card and then go to SS and change the name. Again, the card itself means NOTHING and is completely worthless, it can say "Santa Claus", it does not matter.

Gary, the I-9 that you fill out to work has several columns and you need one document from two of the columns or one document from the third column. A social security card is one of the options but you still need valid photo ID. So SS card plus a driver's license works. Or a US birth certificate plus a driver's license. Or a passport. Or a greencard. But a SS card is actually an option. Also, in some states, NY for example, you need a SS card to get a driver's license. For the most part they are a waste of paper but sometimes you need them. At the very least, it is one of several documents that can meet certain requirements.

[Chris_Жанна 11]

Gary, I'm not really sure why you had to say

"YOU need to know the rules and DO NOT accept this for your spouse for any reason. I get tired of training state and bank employees, but your choice is to allow your spouse to be inconvenienced and I will not."

It was a minor inconvenience because as I stated I think she was filling in for a woman at lunch, I could have waited but had other things to to do. Please, I appreciate your advice but I really don't need the "Your choice is to let your spouse be inconvenienced, while you won't " #######.

I can't exactly tell the bank that I demand that they do something, last time I heard you start making a big scene in a bank the cops come and make a big inconvenience for everyone. I threatened to pull my account and said if I did find out it was the bank dropping the ball I would defiantly be bringing this to the bank managers attention, what else could I do? As I said, when I have time today or tomorrow I will contact the bank. I never expected the bank to understand immigration. I'm sure Zhanna will be put on the acct. the bank also stated as well as the SS operator that since the SS# was just issued the other it is possible all the info is not available yet.

I'm still not sure what the whole point of you telling me that I'm a bad husband because I didn't demand that they didn't take action then and there. Does it feel good to try and make me feel bad?

As for the rest of you, thanks for your advice on the diploma stuff without feeling the need to belittle or berate me.

[Martyshk 137]

When we went in to add Daria to my bank accounts, all they needed was her ID. Didn't even need a SS#. As far as I know every state is different in that matter. Our banks, for example, don't do any credit checks before opening an account.

Chris - good luck to you! You'll get it all done eventually

[elya 17]

Good advice given above on the transferring of college credits - I would just add that a lot depends on what her goal is.

You can get a diploma-only evaluation, which she can use on her resume etc. to show she has the equivalent of two bachelor's degrees, or she can use that to get into grad school (double-check - some grad schools require course-by-course evals for this, but most will accept the diploma-only). The diploma-only is cheaper and faster. Not to mention it's tough getting a full transcript of coursework from any Russian university.

If she wants to go to college for another undergraduate degree, you should do a course-by-course evaluation so she can apply as much coursework as possible to that degree (note she'll have a lot of electives but not a lot of stuff she can use towards GERs etc.)

As noted above, the teaching credential probably won't allow her to teach in the U.S. without further education (depends on your state's requirements)

Here's another agency that does pretty good on Russian credentials, in my experience:

Josef Silny & Associates, Inc.

International Education Consultants

7101 SW 102 Avenue

Miami, FL 33173

Phone: (305) 273-1616

Fax: (305) 273-1338

Fax: (305) 273-1984 (Translations)

Email: info@jsilny.com

http://www.jsilny.com

Last I heard, they accepted the simple Russian diplomas that are like little hardcover books (unlike universities that typically won't accept anything not in a sealed envelope issued by the university) and then sent "official" sealed copies to the universities. They can also do the translation part for a tolerable fee.

If her goal for getting credentials transferred includes any continuing education here in the U.S., be sure to verify that the agency you use is accepted by the University before paying (and the type of evaluation they will accept).

[slim 1,530]

I don't know why a bank would need a credit check for an account. That's crazy. What kind of account were you getting? I sure hope you're not paying $10 a month to give them the privilege of holding her money.

Between your post and Capt. Iron's a few weeks back, I'm surprised banks are getting any new business at all. I know I wouldn't deal with a bank that had issues like the ones you guys have posted.

As you said though, the girl was covering for someone. Hopefully you got it all worked out. If not, find a new bank. Or, go straight up Russian style - coffee can like a mofo!

never SHOWS her social security CARD to anyone. Why would you? (I lost mine in 1973)

I had to show mine on Monday when I signed on for a new job. Showed it a few other times when applying for jobs too. Had to show it several times while going through the legal process and subsequent "punishment" and counseling, etc.

I've also had to show it to the IRS when getting tax info. BMV too.

So, there are several reasons right there.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

We used WES because it is required where Marina wants to study. They require an apostilled version of the original diploma with a translation. You can get this through a Russian government organization (remotely) but it cost a couple hundred bucks. There may have been a better way.

Gary, the I-9 that you fill out to work has several columns and you need one document from two of the columns or one document from the third column. A social security card is one of the options but you still need valid photo ID. So SS card plus a driver's license works. Or a US birth certificate plus a driver's license. Or a passport. Or a greencard. But a SS card is actually an option. Also, in some states, NY for example, you need a SS card to get a driver's license. For the most part they are a waste of paper but sometimes you need them. At the very least, it is one of several documents that can meet certain requirements.

The SS card is one of the options if you don't have one of the preferred documents, but it must be backed up with another one. The SS administration NOR the SS card authorize work.

Does NY require an SS card or a SS number? Vermont asks for (but does not require) a SS NUMBER to get a drivers license. Seriously, I lost my SS card in 1973 and have not needed it since in 5 states, 4 countries and numerous passports and visas including foreign work visas. Alla's SS card has never been out of the house. She has a drivers license, is a student, has her own bank accounts and credit cards.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

I don't know why a bank would need a credit check for an account. That's crazy. What kind of account were you getting? I sure hope you're not paying $10 a month to give them the privilege of holding her money.

Between your post and Capt. Iron's a few weeks back, I'm surprised banks are getting any new business at all. I know I wouldn't deal with a bank that had issues like the ones you guys have posted.

As you said though, the girl was covering for someone. Hopefully you got it all worked out. If not, find a new bank. Or, go straight up Russian style - coffee can like a mofo!

I had to show mine on Monday when I signed on for a new job. Showed it a few other times when applying for jobs too. Had to show it several times while going through the legal process and subsequent "punishment" and counseling, etc.

I've also had to show it to the IRS when getting tax info. BMV too.

So, there are several reasons right there.

You "had to" or you did? You did not have to show it for a job, the I-9 does not require it. I have no criminal experience, so I guess I missed that need for it. I guess I should go file to replace it just in case.

I have never needed it for the IRS, their records connect your number with you. Some form of ID should be all you need, and never for a drivers license. I have given my number many times of course and if anyone asked for my card (and I do not recall any occasions when they did) I would just say..."I lost it"

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

Gary, I'm not really sure why you had to say

"YOU need to know the rules and DO NOT accept this for your spouse for any reason. I get tired of training state and bank employees, but your choice is to allow your spouse to be inconvenienced and I will not."

It was a minor inconvenience because as I stated I think she was filling in for a woman at lunch, I could have waited but had other things to to do. Please, I appreciate your advice but I really don't need the "Your choice is to let your spouse be inconvenienced, while you won't " #######.

I can't exactly tell the bank that I demand that they do something, last time I heard you start making a big scene in a bank the cops come and make a big inconvenience for everyone. I threatened to pull my account and said if I did find out it was the bank dropping the ball I would defiantly be bringing this to the bank managers attention, what else could I do? As I said, when I have time today or tomorrow I will contact the bank. I never expected the bank to understand immigration. I'm sure Zhanna will be put on the acct. the bank also stated as well as the SS operator that since the SS# was just issued the other it is possible all the info is not available yet.

I'm still not sure what the whole point of you telling me that I'm a bad husband because I didn't demand that they didn't take action then and there. Does it feel good to try and make me feel bad?

As for the rest of you, thanks for your advice on the diploma stuff without feeling the need to belittle or berate me.

Oh stop whining. There is no need to make a scene. Cops are not called for asking to speak to trained people. Cops are not called for withdrawing funds and closing accounts. Write a check, hand it to the VP and get your money and leave. I will not allow ignorant clerks to inconvenience my family...even a little. I will tolerate and comply with the law, and that is ALL. No more, not even a little, not even EVER. This situation exists because when faced with incompetence, the average person slinks away. I will not. The incompetent person will be replaced by a person that knows what they are doing to deal with me or my family or I will not do business with them for one more moment. It is their choice. Give me a competent person or I will go somewhere that can...right now.

The tolerance of this, even a little, causes it to be repeated. And causes it to get worse.

If the bank can substitute an underpaid, untrained clerk to "fill in" they will. The probblem as I said, is not that people are ignorant or untrained, THAT is not their problem and is excusable and understandable. You don't know about immgration...OK, you work in a bank, I understand. In fact you do not need to know anything about immigration to work in a bank. Nothing. But DON'T tell me or my family that we "need something" that we don't. THAT is not ignorance, that is not lack of knowledge, that is premeditated stupity.