Job Discussion Forums

[RustyShackleford]

Long time no see,

I have made a decision to pursue a Masters program in Spain but it seems I will need to get my documents apostilled to submit for a visa. Yet Vietnam is not party to the Hague convention so I'm kind of at a loss for what I'm supposed to do to ensure the authenticity of my documents goes unquestioned.

Don't know what else to say really.

[naturegirl321]

For countries not in The Hague Agreement contact the embassy and ask what steps you need to follow. China wanted stuff apostillised and then they'd authenticate it at the embassy.

[Okie from Muskogee]

[nomad soul]

My understanding is that the apostille is for the target country Spain, which is a member of the Hague Convention.

For an apostille on public records such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, etc., check the website of the Secretary of State's office in the state the cert/document was issued. Do an internet search on [state name] apostille. Also, contact your US university registrar about an apostille for your degree. They may even indicate the process on their website.

[ExpatLuke]

[RustyShackleford]

Thank you everybody. Frak me. I'm supposed to be in Spain by September 22nd and it looks like I have my Diploma and TEFL Cert notarized outside the US (albeit by the US Consulate) and California (my home state) does not recognize anything that has been signed outside of CA. I am not happy about this. Especially NOT happy that the Spanish Embassy, within months of my application to this program, decided to remove any English-language documentation and don't field calls in English (I speak Latino Spanish fluently enough but have a hard time dealing with legal jargon in Castellan.)

UGH.

[naturegirl321]

You could use an agency that specializes in apostillisations. You'll pay but they get stuff done.

[TRH]

[nomad soul]

[TRH]

[nomad soul]

However, per that link you provided, it states: "State issued documents destined for use in Hague Apostille countries may be authenticated by the Competent Authority in the state where the document was executed." So, no, I didn't miss where the OP stated he would have his diploma notarized outside the US---that it's an issue with California. He's trying to cut corners by not following the correct process for an apostille, which, subsequently, will cost him time he doesn't have. Specifically, on the US State Dept link that I'd provided, it explicitly states: "U.S. embassies and consulates cannot authenticate diplomas or other documents from universities and other schools in the United States or provide notarial services related to such credentials." http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/abroad/legal-matters/academic-credentials.html

An apostille on a university diploma is not the same as simply having it notarized. Instead, the OP's California university registrar would create an affidavit authenticating the diploma. The registrar then signs the affidavit in the presence of a notary public whose notary commission is registered with the Cali Secretary of State (SoS). (Notaries only witness signatures---they don't authenticate documents.) The diploma then goes to the Cali SoS, which confirms the notary's commission is current in the state of California. The Cali SoS then certifies the document. For countries (like Spain) that are signatories of the Hague Convention, the process is complete. However, for those countries that are not, the process continues for certification/authentication by the US State Department's Authentications Office.

[RustyShackleford]

Thank you both for your knowledge. It's going to make tomorrow's rush to the DHL much easier. Gonna have a heart attack before I get to Europe at this rate...

[TRH]

While I acknowledge that nomad soul's argument is technically correct, I fear that in your case it is practically impossible. The proper way as she (? based on avatar) states is to authenticate the signature of the university/government official. My way only authenticates your sworn attestation that the document is real. I would note that her way is only possible for documents from large institutions. I know that a notarized transcript is available from my university, and is delivered in a sealed envelope which may not be opened by the student. This can be apostilled, but how will you apostille your TEFL certificate? Self certification seems the only way for that document.

Please let us know how this works out. Keep us posted.

[nomad soul]

[TRH]