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Overseas Document Authentication

Apostille /Authenticated and notarised in Multiple countries

Before coming to China, it is necessary to prepare the required documents for a work visa. To ensure a swift entry into your new position, you need to prepare and authenticate the documents in advance. The most crucial step in preparing visa documents is authentication.

First, let me guide you through distinguishing whether you need to undergo The Hague Apostille or Authenticated and notarised

Authenticated and notarized

The terms authentication, legalization, and attestation are often used interchangeably and can vary by country. These terms illustrate the standard procedure for countries not party to the Hague Convention. In such cases, there is a multi-step process involving notarization, county/state/federal authentication, and ultimately, embassy legalization. These additional steps are necessary to ensure that documents are recognized and accepted as legally valid within the respective country.

Therefore, if your passport-issuing country or the country where you obtained your undergraduate degree is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, you will need to undergo embassy legalization through the Chinese embassy.

The Hague Apostille

An apostille is acquired at the state or federal level and is the standard process for countries that are part of the Hague Convention. Once the document has been notarized (if necessary) and apostilled, further authentication or legalization at the embassy is not required.

In order to obtain a work permit for China, it is essential to apostille several documents. Primarily, you will need to ensure that your university degree and a recent background check are apostilled. Moreover, if your intention is to engage in teaching in China, it is highly likely that your employer will request the apostille of additional documents, including a 120-hour TEFL certificate, a teaching license, or a reference letter demonstrating a minimum of 2 years of classroom experience.

It is crucial to communicate with your employer to confirm the specific documents that require apostillation.

Furthermore, if you plan to bring your spouse and/or children to China, it will be necessary to apostille your marriage license and/or the birth certificates of your children. These steps are vital in ensuring a smooth transition and legal validation for living and working in China.

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