Apostille Certification for UK Degree Certificates

Getting an apostille for a UK degree certificates is often required for people planning to work overseas, having studied in the UK, or to continue their education abroad. An apostille is a form of document authentication issued to degree certificates for use in countries that participate in the Hague Convention of 1961. If you possess a UK degree certificate and need to present this in a Hague Convention country, you may be asked to obtain an apostille. The following is a guide on how to secure this vital certification efficiently and cost-effectively.

Understanding the Need for an Apostille

An apostille certifies the authenticity of the signature, the capacity in which the person signing the document has acted, and where applicable, the identity of the seal or stamp which the document bears. For UK degree certificates, this means the document must be checked by a solicitor and correctly signed and certified before the apostille can be added.

Step 1: Getting Your Document Certified

Before a degree certificate can be issued with an apostille, it must first be correctly certified. This certification must be done by a registered UK solicitor or UK notary public. The process involves verifying the legitimacy of the document. The solicitor or notary public will check the certificate is genuine through document checks or verification with the respective university, if needed. They will then add a certification to the original document or make a certified copy. They must add a statement why the document is being signed. They must also add the date of signing.

Step 2: Applying for an Apostille

Once your degree certificate has been certified, the next step is to apply for an apostille. This can be done through the Legalisation Office at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), or you can use an apostille service. Applications to the FCDO must be submitted by post as they do NOT offer a public counter service. The standard service by post is generally processed within 2 to 3 weeks. Apostille services normally complete the legalisation of degrees in just 1 to 2 days.

Using an Apostille Service

While individuals can arrange their own solicitor to certify a degree and apply directly to the FCDO for the apostille, using an apostille service provider can simplify the process significantly. We provide a complete service and arrange the entire process from certification to receiving the apostille This makes legalising a degree faster and more efficient. Here are some benefits of using our apostille service:

Expertise: We are familiar with the process and can ensure that your documents meet all necessary requirements before submission. No delays with resubmission of documents.

Time-saving: We handle the process quicker than individuals unfamiliar with the process, normally issuing the apostille in just a few days. With access to the FCDO next day apostille service we expedite the legalisation of documents.

Cost-effective: While there is a service fee involved, the cost is often cheaper than trying to visit solicitors, pay their fees and the additional travel expenses incurred.

Convenience: Using our apostille service eliminates the need to interact directly with solicitors and the FCDO, saving you trips and hassle you do not need.

Accuracy: Our apostille service understands how to handle every document. Ensuring correct certification and only using FCDO recognised solicitors to sign documents.

Final Thoughts

For anyone with a UK degree looking to expand their horizons internationally, obtaining an apostille is often an essential step. While the process involves multiple stages, certification and verification, employing the services of our apostille service can ease the burden significantly. By ensuring your documents are correctly certified and using a reliable apostille service, you can secure the fast legalisation of your academic certificates efficiently, setting the stage for your next big opportunity abroad.