Job Discussion Forums

[plumpy nut]

No, you don't need the doctor's signature notarized. Unless it's in a hospital no doctor is going to take the time to go to a notary. All you need is the doctor's stamp, license number and signature on that form, plus he has to fill all out all of the medical information. The medical information is a lot so make sure you check out and make sure he has checked everything and filled out negative in all the blanks.

[nomad soul]

[currentaffairs]

Yes, I just spoke to the Legalisation Office (C.I., UK) and they won't verify the signature unless it has been notarised.............!

Any other UKers on here?

[Melange]

I was able to find a mobile notary to come to the clinic. I informed the doctor about my situation and he was very cooperative. Doctors can be a bit on the arrogant side when it comes to things of this nature, many think their signature is golden. But this guy was understanding. On top of that I got a photo copy of his medical license.

Now I did consult with an agent after doing all of this and he said that not every doctor has a stamp, especially in western countries, and that a copy of the physician's license along with the signed formed with the license number would have sufficed. Since I had the notary stamp, I don't know how true that is. Mind you, I am in the US as well..

[nomad soul]

For the US, the medical report does not require notarization of the doctor's signature (i.e., verification of his/her identity). Frankly, there isn't even a notary signature block on that form; it would have to be drafted on the back. (I was a notary public for more than 15 years in my pre-TEFL life.)

The doc signs and dates the completed report and writes in his/her medical license number. The section below the doc's signature is where either the College of Physicians or the government agency that regulates medical licensure signs and stamps the form attesting to the doc's license number and that he/she is currently licensed to practice medicine in that state. In my case, in lieu of signing the med report in triplicate, my state's regulatory agency provided me with three original, notarized official letters verifying my doc's license status --- each got attached to a copy of the med report.

[currentaffairs]

[Melange]

The agent with whom I spoke made a distinction between a physician's stamp and a notary stamp. The ladder in the event of the doctor not having a "stamp", which as stated earlier is common place outside of KSA. To be perfectly honest, I think it is more to do with custom than anything, as I noticed during my short stay in KSA, nothing is official without a "stamp". They stamp everything there from purchase receipts to letters. Maybe just the sight of a stamp on the document is enough.

[nomad soul]

[currentaffairs]

[nomad soul]

[nickwils]

[veiledsentiments]

Always use copies. Never allow any of these governments to get their hands on your originals. The chance of never seeing them again is way too high. And they are a real PITA to replace...

VS

[nickwils]

Gotcha.

Cheers.

[currentaffairs]

For the Saudi Arabian Cultural Bureau in London they send you clear instructions on what they need. Basically, you send a copy of your highest degree. They ask you to email your university to speed up the process as well.