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kmlittleton
Joined: 18 Nov 2015
Posts: 2
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 Posted: Mon Nov 30, 2015 3:51 pm Post subject: Getting degree notarized while abroad (U.S. citizen) |
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Hey everyone, I'm new to this forum so forgive me if I'm posting this on the wrong board!
I'm currently in Barcelona and planning to go teach in Southeast Asia in January. Most of the schools who have replied to my applications have requested my notarized degree diploma with Apostille and I don't even know how to begin this process.
First of all, is it possible to get it notarized while I'm abroad in Europe? I have my physical diploma with me, so if it's just a matter of going down to the U.S. embassy that would be wonderful, but I have a feeling it's going to be a more difficult process with me being abroad.
Does anyone have experience doing this or know how to go about it?
Also, they are requesting a nation-wide F.B.I. background check with Apostille. Is this the same sort of process?
Thanks in advance! -Kaylee |
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nomad soul
Joined: 31 Jan 2010
Posts: 11454
Location: The real world
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| Posted: Mon Nov 30, 2015 4:12 pm Post subject: |
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There are US document processing agents that specialize in this type of service for academic degrees. However, you need to check the procedure/requirements for the specific SE Asian country you're heading to. Additionally, be aware that an FBI criminal records check sometimes takes months. I believe it also requires you to submit a set of your fingerprints.
Anyway, I suggest you post your questions on the country-specific forum for responses from Americans familiar with your target country's requirements. |
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suphanburi
Joined: 20 Mar 2014
Posts: 916
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| Posted: Mon Nov 30, 2015 10:49 pm Post subject: Re: Getting degree notarized while abroad (U.S. citizen) |
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| kmlittleton wrote: |
Hey everyone, I'm new to this forum so forgive me if I'm posting this on the wrong board!
I'm currently in Barcelona and planning to go teach in Southeast Asia in January. Most of the schools who have replied to my applications have requested my notarized degree diploma with Apostille and I don't even know how to begin this process.
First of all, is it possible to get it notarized while I'm abroad in Europe? I have my physical diploma with me, so if it's just a matter of going down to the U.S. embassy that would be wonderful, but I have a feeling it's going to be a more difficult process with me being abroad.
Does anyone have experience doing this or know how to go about it?
Also, they are requesting a nation-wide F.B.I. background check with Apostille. Is this the same sort of process?
Thanks in advance! -Kaylee |
Korea is currently the only country that requires an apostilled FBI check and they often don't allow the use of a 3rd party checks (done by a channeler).
There is lots of information on the Korean forum. You require a separate registration to post there but simply reading is no problem. http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/index.php
The process, for an American abroad, of obtaining the FBI check and then getting the apostille affixed to it will typically take 3-6 months.
For other countries, the simpler process of obtaining a "certified true copy" made by a notary or embassy is usually sufficient.
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mitsui
Joined: 10 Jun 2007
Posts: 1562
Location: Kawasaki
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| Posted: Tue Dec 01, 2015 5:17 am Post subject: |
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Go to a US embassy. I think it costs 50 dollars.
Look at the embassy website of the country you will be in.
Maybe you could get it done at a consulate, if it is closer for you. |
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suphanburi
Joined: 20 Mar 2014
Posts: 916
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| Posted: Tue Dec 01, 2015 7:49 am Post subject: |
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| mitsui wrote: |
Go to a US embassy. I think it costs 50 dollars.
Look at the embassy website of the country you will be in.
Maybe you could get it done at a consulate, if it is closer for you. |
An apostille is done by the secretary of state for the state (state level documents) and the national Secretary of State for federal documents (like an FBI check).
There is no quick and easy solution if you are abroad and your local embassy won't do anything for you other than give you the link to the FBI website.
As I said earlier, it depends on the country the OP is applying to.
If it is Korea then go to the Korean forum. There is lots of information there in regards to authenticating US documents for their particular circumstance (e2 applications in Korea).
If the OP is looking at other countries then the apostille may not be necessary (most Asian countries are not signatories to the apostille treaty).
If the country of interest is NOT a signatory then a simple "certified true copy" done at the embassy will usually suffice.
The US embassies specifically will not authenticate a document beyond making a "certified true copy" or permitting you to "swear an affidavit of authenticity".
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kmlittleton
Joined: 18 Nov 2015
Posts: 2
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| Posted: Thu Dec 03, 2015 7:38 pm Post subject: |
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| I got my emails a bit confused -- you're right, Korea was the only country requiring an Apostille. The job I accepted is in Vietnam, which is requiring an FBI background check and the original copies of my degree and TEFL. I'll head over to the Vietnam board to see if I can find some more info. Thanks everyone! |
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