Key Facts
Pursuing a career abroad is an exciting opportunity—but it comes with its fair share of paperwork. From verifying your academic credentials to confirming your identity documents, international employers often require a host of legalised paperwork before they can officially offer you a job. This is where apostille services become essential.
In this comprehensive guide, we explore how apostille services support international job applications, what documents need apostilles, and how Anshin Mobile Notary and LiveScan can help you complete the process smoothly and efficiently.
Apostille Process
What Is an Apostille?
An apostille is a form of authentication issued by a designated authority in a country that is part of the Hague Apostille Convention of 1961. It certifies the authenticity of a document—such as a diploma, birth certificate, or background check—so that it is legally recognised in another member country.
Why Do You Need It for Job Applications?
Many international employers require legalised documents to ensure you’re qualified and authorised to work in their country. Apostilles act as proof that your documents are valid, genuine, and issued by a recognised institution. Without an apostille, your job application or employment paperwork may be rejected or delayed.
Common Documents That Require Apostilles for Work Abroad
Academic Records
Universities and employers may ask for transcripts, diplomas, and certificates to be apostilled. This step ensures your educational background is officially verified.
Identity and Civil Status Documents
Documents like birth certificates, marriage certificates, and passports often require apostilles, especially if your identity or family status plays a role in your employment eligibility or visa process.
Background Checks
A Live Scan background check, which Anshin Mobile Notary and LiveScan also offers, is often required for visa processing or sensitive jobs abroad. The results must be apostilled to confirm authenticity to foreign authorities.
Power of Attorney or Authorisations
Sometimes, applicants must submit notarised power of attorney forms to authorise someone abroad to act on their behalf during the employment or relocation process. These documents usually require apostilles.
Apostille vs. Notarisation: What’s the Difference?
Notarisation
Notarisation confirms the signature and identity of the person signing a document. At Anshin Mobile Notary and LiveScan, we provide mobile notarisation services for your convenience.
Apostille
An apostille goes a step further by authenticating the entire document—including the notary’s credentials—so it is valid internationally. In many cases, notarisation is the first step, and the apostille is the second.
For example, you may need a diploma notarised first and then apostilled by the Secretary of State to make it internationally acceptable.
How Anshin Mobile Notary and LiveScan Simplifies the Process
At Anshin Mobile Notary and LiveScan, we know that time is critical when it comes to international job applications. Here’s how we can help:
Mobile Notary Services
We come to you—whether at home, at your office, or anywhere convenient in your area—to notarise the required documents. This saves time and adds flexibility to your schedule.
Apostille Processing
We handle the apostille process from start to finish, including submitting documents to the correct Secretary of State and ensuring proper legalisation.
Live Scan Fingerprinting and Background Checks
Need a background check for your job abroad? We offer Live Scan fingerprinting services that are FBI- and DOJ-approved, making the process smooth and quick.
Certified Translations
Applying in a country that uses a different language? We also offer certified translation services to ensure your documents are properly translated and accepted by international employers or embassies.
Step-by-Step: Getting Your Documents Apostilled for a Job Abroad
Step 1: Identify Required Documents
Check with your international employer or the destination country’s embassy about which documents need to be apostilled.
Step 2: Notarise the Documents (If Required)
Bring your documents to Anshin Mobile Notary and LiveScan or schedule a mobile notary appointment. We will notarise them as needed.
Step 3: Apostille Submission
We submit your documents to the relevant Secretary of State or federal agency, depending on the type of document and the destination country.
Step 4: Receive and Send
Once the apostille is issued, we deliver the final documents back to you—ready to be sent to your employer, visa processor, or consulate.
Benefits of Using Apostille Services for International Jobs
Saves Time and Reduces Errors
Letting professionals like Anshin Mobile Notary and LiveScan handle the process ensures compliance with legal requirements, minimising the risk of rejection or delay.
Increases Employment Opportunities
Some employers only move forward with applicants who already have their documentation in order. Having apostilled documents shows readiness and professionalism.
Supports Visa and Immigration Approvals
Most work visas require legalised documents. Apostilles make your application stronger and more trustworthy to foreign immigration officers.
How Long Does It Take?
The processing time varies depending on:
- The type of document
- Whether federal or state authentication is needed
- The country you are applying to
Typically, apostilles can take 2–15 business days. Expedited services are available through our office for urgent needs.
Countries That Commonly Require Apostilles for Jobs
Some of the most common destinations requiring apostilled documents include:
- United Kingdom
- Canada (though not part of the Hague Convention, documents still need authentication)
- Australia
- Germany
- South Korea
- United Arab Emirates
- Spain
- Italy
If your destination country is a Hague Convention member, the apostille is accepted directly. If not, additional consular legalisation may be needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between apostille and legalisation?
An apostille is a simplified method of authentication used between Hague Convention countries. Legalisation refers to a more complex process involving embassy or consulate authentication for countries not part of the convention.
Can I apostille a document that is not in English?
Yes, but many foreign authorities will require a certified translation of the document. Anshin Mobile Notary and LiveScan offers certified translations along with apostille services.
Do I need to be physically present to get my documents apostilled?
No, with our mobile notary and document courier options, we can handle the entire process without you needing to visit our office in person.
Can I use a copy of my diploma for an apostille?
Usually not. Most authorities require an original document or a notarised true copy. We can help you determine which version is acceptable.
Is there an expiry date for apostilles?
An apostille itself does not expire, but some countries or institutions may require documents to be recently issued or apostilled within a specific timeframe, especially for employment or visa applications.
Trust Anshin Mobile Notary and LiveScan for Apostille Services
Whether you’re applying for a teaching job in South Korea, an engineering position in Germany, or joining a multinational company in Dubai, Anshin Mobile Notary and LiveScan provides a one-stop solution for all your document authentication needs.
We take care of notarisation, apostille, Live Scan fingerprinting, and certified translations, ensuring you’re fully prepared for any international job opportunity.
Visit our website at anshinotary.com to book your apostille service today or get in touch with our experts for a personalised consultation.
