Job Discussion Forums

mach114 · Joined: 14 Jan 2009 Posts: 56

I had my bachleors degree, teaching certificate, and CELTA authenticated in the USA through the Vietnamese consulate in San Francisco. I requested a translation of the documents and instead I got the Secretary of State Authentication letter translated. All of my documents have been stamped and authenticated now, but the degree and certificates themselves are not translated. I called the consulate and was told they could be translated in Vietnam by a Vietnamese notary public. I was just wondering if anyone has had this similar experience? Or has had their paperwork translated in Vietnam after it was authenticated in the US? Any info would help, thanks in advance.

inky · Joined: 05 Jan 2009 Posts: 283 Location: Hanoi

The Work Permit process has been relaxed a bit in recent months, you should be fine with what you have. I hate to bring this up, but did you get a criminal background check done?

mach114 · Joined: 14 Jan 2009 Posts: 56

I did an FBI background / criminal check and had that authenticated. I hope it has become relaxed that is good news. I have heard from different sources that it more relaxed in Hanoi than HCMC. I gather from your posts that you are from Hanoi. Paperwork is always fun. Back to my question, so you are saying the paperwork may not need to be translated?

inky · Joined: 05 Jan 2009 Posts: 283 Location: Hanoi

It is odd that things regarding Work Permits seem to be more relaxed in Hanoi than in HCMC, it's usually the reverse.

In regard to your question, what I'm saying is that in my opinion you have done enough by having the Sec of State document translated, and that if more translations are requested (unlikely) then they can be done by a notary in Vietnam. Again, this is my opinion, based on my experience and that of others known to me, and while I don't give advice recklessly, I am ultimately only offering an opinion.

mach114 · Joined: 14 Jan 2009 Posts: 56

Thanks, Inky for your advice and help it is much appreciated. I understand what you mean having done different batches of paperwork for many things personal and financial in Vietnam. You can only safely say that nothing is done until it is done in Vietnam........ .......and then possibly the laws could change, become relaxed, or no longer enforced.