Job Discussion Forums

JerkyBoy · Joined: 12 Jan 2012 Posts: 485

Right ... I've been asked to get my degree cert authenticated.

Trouble is, neither the university in China nor the Chinese embassy in the UK nor anybody else for that matter, seems to be clear on what has to be done and by whom.

This Z visa thing is a major pain in the posterior Crying or Very sad

I am British. I am in Vietnam. Can I get it done here or are they expecting me to fly back to London?!

LarssonCrew · Joined: 06 Jun 2009 Posts: 1308

I just sent mine to an agency in the UK, 161 quid later and I had a stamp from the FCO and from the Chinese embassy itself.

JerkyBoy · Joined: 12 Jan 2012 Posts: 485

JerkyBoy · Joined: 12 Jan 2012 Posts: 485

Jenster85 · Joined: 21 Nov 2013 Posts: 7 Location: Ireland

Hi there,

I have a similar query about having my degree notarised/legalised. I am Irish and living in the UK and am unable to travel back to Ireland to take care of this. Well I'm not completely unable, but it will be costly and I imagine it should be unnecessary. I just can't seem to get the right information I need.

Does anyone know if it is possible to have foreign documents notarised in the UK, through any UK agency(FCO is for UK documents only). I just got off the phone with a notary in Ireland who informed me I would have to physically go to her office in order to get it. A local notary near me in the UK didn't know anything about having Irish documents notarised.

I can have it notarised in Ireland through the Minstry of Foreign affairs (it seems) but a guy in the Chinese Embassy in London told me they wouldn't be able to legalise it. That would have to be done in Dublin. Given his hesitation and the tone of his answer I genuinely don't think he knew so I'm not convinced.

I'm sorry for babbling on. I'm really just so confused but I am guessing there is an easy solution out there. I've spent three afternoons sitting on the phone to various people and online and no solution yet. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. In the meantime I'll keep calling agencies in the UK to see if they can help!

Spelunker · Joined: 03 Nov 2013 Posts: 392

jaybet3 · Joined: 15 Dec 2010 Posts: 140 Location: Indonesia

I don't know what the rules are in other countries, but here's my recent experience. I am American living in Indonesia so flying back to have docs authenticated and visas done is not practical.

I used an agency based in Washington, D.C. (Capitol of USA).

First, they got my diploma authenticated and stamped by the Chinese consulate. Now they are processing my Z visa.

My advice is to use an agency in the Capitol city of your home country.

These agencies usually have a working business relationship with the government agencies which makes the process smoother. If there is a problem, the agency can usually work it out.

Also, getting stamps from the "big boys" in government is much better than some other smaller city since all the other consulates refer to the main embassy.

OhBudPowellWhereArtThou · Joined: 02 Jun 2015 Posts: 1168 Location: Since 2003

LarssonCrew · Joined: 06 Jun 2009 Posts: 1308

I came to the conclusion early on that using an agent was best. Especially with the high cost of public transport into/out of London. Trains into London plus things like lunch whilst there, other costs would cost me upwards of $50+ a trip.

Anyways, I therefore mailed off my degree, paid the $240 fee and sat back for ten days, got it back without leaving my chair.

jaybet3 · Joined: 15 Dec 2010 Posts: 140 Location: Indonesia

Argh! Another thing to stress about. I sent an email to the agent processing my application about residence jurisdiction and will post their reply.

Hard to believe that the embassy wouldn't have jurisdiction over the consulate-general.

Just another brick in the wall .....

OhBudPowellWhereArtThou · Joined: 02 Jun 2015 Posts: 1168 Location: Since 2003

littlec · Joined: 15 Dec 2010 Posts: 16

I'm just doing the same thing but a little easier since I'm am Aussie currently home in Aus. Step 1 find "Notary Public" to certify true copy of degree/academic transcript pay fee Step 2 visit DFAT and pay for Authentication (they check the veracity of the Notary Public) Step 3 take original degree now certified by Notary and authenticated by DFAT to Chinese Embassy or Consul and apply for authenticaton (another fee) . Step 4 send authenticated document to China for application for FEC Step 5 receive invitation letter and FEC paper work from PRC Step 6 apply for Z visa
In your case it would be much easier to use an agent but you'll need to part with your passport and original academic records.

Tazz · Joined: 26 Sep 2013 Posts: 512 Location: Jakarta

Quite honestly, unless the job was paying handsomely....or maybe 'reasonably'-in excess of 15 thou + furnished accommodation, I just couldn't be arsed with the steps described.......that's a considerable amount of your own coin being spent...for what? For me China has been a relatively easy option as it were regarding the application process rewarded by a moderate salary. They just ain't paying enough to justify jumping through so many hoops....

Spelunker · Joined: 03 Nov 2013 Posts: 392

LarssonCrew · Joined: 06 Jun 2009 Posts: 1308

Actually I got it authed because I figured in future, if I wanted to do Korea or Japan or something I may need it, so it's like a one off lifetime payment.