Authentication of signatures on official documents, such as the Certificate of Naturalization, can be complex. It can also be time-consuming and costly if it is not done correctly. An apostille streamlines the process by making your document legal in countries that are signatories to the 1961 Hague Convention on Legalization of Foreign Public Documents. However, it is important to understand the requirements of the country you are submitting the document to and the authentication process that will be required before a final apostille can be issued.

Apostille for Immigration Documents: Legalizing Papers for Cross-Border Moves

An apostille for immigration documents is a legalized certification that the signatures on an original document are genuine and that the person signing is authorized to do so. It can be used on private or corporate documents that will be used in a country outside the United States. It is not a replacement for a country’s own certification process at their embassy or consulate.

The requirements of the country you are submitting the documents to determine the type of apostille that will be required (for example, some countries require a full legalization rather than just an apostille). Also, the document itself may determine which authority must authenticate it. Private and county-issued documents can be authenticated by a designated agency, generally the office of the state Secretary of State’s office. Federally-issued documents, such as the Certificate of Naturalization, are authenticated by the U.S. Department of State Authentication Office in Washington, D.C. (for cost, requirements, and address, see this link).

To obtain an apostille, you must submit the original document, a notarized copy of the GSCCCA form for Apostille or an official seal, to our office. Payment is made by personal or company check payable to GSCCCA. We do not accept cash.