Job Discussion Forums

[tater]

I have a question regarding attestation of a diploma copy. I dont have my original diploma (long story regarding mail drama). However, I DO have a scanned copy of the original. On the US department of state website it states:
"If a copy of a document is used, it must include the statement that is a true and accurate copy."

now - my question is, do I create the statement and have it notorized or should I have the registrar of my university create a statement?

Thanks for any input.

[veiledsentiments]

Get a new copy. I had to do so as my original degree is painted on glass... not exactly convenient for taking around the world. Although most of us use the copies... since one should NEVER give an original to an employer (mine never left my sight), the employer often asks to see the original.

Actually I never allowed my originals to be used in the attestation process either. I don't trust the State Department not to lose it either.

VS

[feelfree]

Go ahead and order a new diploma but be prepared to wait anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks for the diploma. You may have to produce it eventually. If you have a good quality scan of your diploma, print and take it to the notary.

The notary will have you write on the document in his/her presence this is a true and exact copy and you will sign it. The person will notarize it and this will be the copy you will use for every step in attestation.

[Susie]

I'm told that attestation of degree certificates is required by UAE.

Could you share about what UAE schools and government ministries require and how you got it done?

[tater]

To get your documents attested by the UAE embassy - you must first have them certified by the secretary of state in the state that the document originated, then send them to the US dept. of State for certification - then send them to the UAE embassy. If you look on the UAE embassy website - it will have the link for the US dept. of State site that gives the steps of how to start. The timing is key, I think it takes over 3 weeks for the US dept of State to send the documents back (unless you can go in person).

Good Luck,
Tater

[veiledsentiments]

It takes 24 hours if you are in DC.

VS

[It's Scary!]

[Middle East Beast]

Is this diploma attestation process new? I didn't have to do this before I reported in the UAE. Maybe they did something with my diploma after I got there, but I don't think so.

MEB

[It's Scary!]

I'm not sure. I had to do it when I went there in 2004 and as my employer had neglected to inform me of it until two weeks before I was to set out, it may have just come into fact.

I didn't think to ask as I was pissed already!

It's Scary!

[Neutrino Girl]

[It's Scary!]

I repeat!

[veiledsentiments]

I might confirm this with the State Department in DC, but for Oman, I had both of my grad certificates from my home state in the West and Cairo, Egypt done in DC... signed in DC in front of a DC notary... attested in the proper DC office... and then attested at the State Department.

The State Dept warned me to be sure to not have it notarized in VA and then try to get it attested in the DC office as a VA notary would require it be attested in Richmond.

As I recall, a friend who did the UAE routine only had to worry that her birth certificate copy was notarized in her state of birth. Her grad certificates were from a US state and the UK... notarized and then attested in another state.

VS

[It's Scary!]

I suspect that your grad cert was based in DC, the undergrad is not so certain to me, but I'm pretty sure I have a good idea. Things may have changed with the US SOS from the time of your first cert, but in 2004, there was no doubt in the process as the SOS of the state that the notary got his/her commission in MUST be from that state to have their signature certified by the state SOS.

Possibly a post 9/11 change/requirement?

It's Scary!

[veiledsentiments]

No... my grad cert was in Arabic from Cairo... AUC does have a NYC office, but nada anywhere else. This is all farce anyway... no one ever looked at the certs. The notary merely confirmed my identity and my signature on the cover statement where I swore that they were "true copies" is all that was notarized.

The second time I did the process was in '99. From what I have been reading here, the rules haven't changed for Oman. That said, the UAE could have their own little quirks. That is why I called the State Department directly (only took 2 days to find the right person... ) and they can tell you any specific rules for each country.

But, yes... to do the whole process in DC, the notary had to be from DC. That is why she told me to be sure not to have it notarized in VA so that I didn't have to involve Richmond in the process.

VS

[It's Scary!]

So you're saying that AUC doesn't have ANY connection with the American University in DC that I used to pass every day?