Confused!! - Notarization and the visa process!

Poor you!! Think you've got it more stressful than me!! Hope it all goes to plan for you :) Where about in Korea are you going?

Looking at the website.. this could get interesting.  I'm from TN and all of my family is TN.  I'm not sure how I'd get my first TEFL certificate authenticated since it's based in Indiana.  And I have the original here in Serbia.  *slaps head with hand*  I wouldn't mind dealing with this if it was mandatory for my visa. But it's not.  As a US citizen, according to the Ukrainian embassy webiste, I don't even need an invitation letter, though I'll have one anyway.  But this is all just extra wantings from my DoS, who has lately been very vague, demanding, and not helpful.  I haven't even signed a contract...  I'm starting to get worried since she's wanting me there in two weeks for in-house training and I'm not even sure if she's got an apartment lined up and now she's wanting all this apostille ceritified crap..

Sorry.. venting.

Huge thanks for the site though!!!

Honeslty, I'm not sure.  I can't really find information on the actual process.  When the DoS asked me for this apostille certified documents I had to google and ask a few people what she meant. I wasn't familiar with the term.  The only thing I've ever seen as examples of what they will certify via apostille are legal documents like birth certificates, power of attorneys, etc.  So I don't know.  I emailed the DoS and asked her if having the US embassy here in Serbia notarizing would be sufficient enough since it isn't needed for my visa or anything.

I went on the footprints recruiting link and it gives you a step by step process for citizens of different countries. I have managed to get my documents notarized by a local solicitor for £50 for 2 documents (My friend knows the solicitor so he did both documents for the price of one!) so I just need to send them off to Milton Keys for the apostille stamp :)

I don't know about the USA, but it seems for the UK the rules have changed from this month, so you need a copy of your degree notarized. Such a stressful process! I contacted i to i last week, who told me they would get back to me but I haven't heard anything so I went on the footprints website :) I haven't had to have my TEFL Certificate apostille certified so I think it must be different for US citizens, sorry. Hope it goes well for you :)

Is the process different for US citizens?

I'm having similar issues... my DoS wants apostille certified copies of my TEFL certifications and my criminal background.  This is tricky since my first TEFL course was online based in Chicago and the second is i-to-i which I haven't finished nor received paper copies of things yet.  I'm not even required to have them for Ukraine's visa either. I don't even have to have an invitation letter.. my DoS just wants these for some reason.  It's an insane process for US citizens.  Hope it's easier for you.

Congratulations on passing checkpoint 11!

In terms of getting your documents sorted the best people to talk to are Footprints - I know they have some useful info on their website: http://www.footprintsrecruiting.com/visa-information/apostilles-united-kingdom but if you need any extra help just drop them an email and I'm sure they'll be happy to make sure you're all legal!

Good luck!

1. Copy of university degree (with apostille)


2. Your degree must be a Bachelor’s degree (3 or 4 years) from an accredited university.


3. Please NOTE: As of August 31st, 2010, Korean immigration will no longer accept original degrees. Only notarized and apostilled copies will be accepted by immigration.


4. To make a notarized/apostilled copy, make a photocopy and have this copy notarized by a notary public in the same state as the university. Then, send or take this notarized copy of your degree to the Apostille in the United Kingdom for Apostille authentication.

This was on the Morgan recruiting website so it looks like I am going to have to spend at least £75 to get it notarized...