Apostille Visa FAQ

What is an apostille for a visa?

An apostille is a certificate of authentication issued by a designated government authority (usually the Secretary of State) that verifies the origin of a public document. For visa applications, an apostille confirms that your documents — such as birth certificates, diplomas, or background checks — are legitimate and can be accepted by foreign governments that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention.

Which documents need an apostille for a visa application?

The documents required vary by destination country and visa type, but commonly apostilled documents include birth certificates, marriage certificates, FBI background checks, university diplomas and transcripts, medical records, corporate documents, and court orders. Each embassy or consulate will provide a specific list of required documents for your visa category.

How long does it take to get an apostille for a visa?

Processing times vary by state. Walk-in service at the Secretary of State office can yield same-day results in many states. Mail-in processing typically takes 5 to 10 business days, though some states like New York can take 4 to 6 weeks during peak periods. Federal documents apostilled by the US Department of State in Washington D.C. generally take 4 to 8 weeks by mail.

Can I get an apostille from any state for my visa documents?

No. You must obtain an apostille from the state where the document was issued or notarized. A birth certificate from California can only be apostilled by the California Secretary of State, even if you currently live in Texas. Similarly, a document notarized by a Florida notary must be apostilled in Florida. Federal documents like FBI background checks are apostilled by the US Department of State in Washington D.C.

What is the difference between an apostille and embassy legalization?

An apostille is used for countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention (over 120 countries). It is a single certificate that authenticates your document internationally. Embassy legalization is required for non-Hague countries (such as China, UAE, and Saudi Arabia) and involves a multi-step process: first the document is authenticated by the Secretary of State, then by the US Department of State, and finally by the foreign embassy or consulate.

How much does a visa apostille cost?

Apostille fees vary by state, ranging from $1 in Michigan to $20 in California. Most states charge between $5 and $15 per document. Federal apostilles from the US Department of State cost $20 per document. Additional costs may include notarization fees, certified copy fees, shipping, and expediting charges. Professional apostille services charge a service fee on top of the government filing costs.

Do apostilles expire for visa purposes?

Apostilles themselves do not expire under the Hague Convention. However, many consulates and embassies require that the underlying document be recently issued — typically within the last 3 to 6 months. For example, an FBI background check older than 90 days is routinely rejected by European consulates even if the apostille is valid. Always check your destination country's specific recency requirements before applying.

Can I apostille a photocopy of my document for a visa?

You cannot directly apostille a photocopy. However, you can have a notary public create a certified true copy by notarizing the photocopy, and then the notarized document can be apostilled. For vital records like birth and marriage certificates, you should always obtain an official certified copy from the issuing government agency rather than using a notarized photocopy, as most consulates specifically require government-issued certified copies.

What happens if my apostille is rejected by the embassy?

Common reasons for rejection include expired underlying documents, incorrect state of issuance, broken or removed staples separating the apostille from the document, and using the wrong authentication method for non-Hague countries. If rejected, you will need to correct the issue and resubmit. This may mean obtaining a fresh certified copy, getting a new notarization, or pursuing embassy legalization instead of an apostille if the destination country is not a Hague member.

Do I need an apostille for an immigrant visa vs. a nonimmigrant visa?

Both immigrant and nonimmigrant visa categories may require apostilled documents, but immigrant visas (such as family-based or employment-based green cards processed at consulates abroad) typically require more extensive documentation. Nonimmigrant visas like tourist, student, and temporary work visas usually require fewer apostilled documents. The specific requirements are set by the destination country's embassy or consulate for each visa classification.

• Need State-Specific Information?

  Each state has its own apostille process, fees, and requirements. Visit our state pages for detailed guidance.

  California | Texas | Florida | New York | Illinois | Ohio | Georgia | North Carolina | Michigan | Pennsylvania

Important Disclaimer The information on this page is provided for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Apostille requirements and processing times change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your destination country's embassy or consulate and the issuing state's Secretary of State office before submitting your visa application documents.