Footprints Recruiting

Apostilles in Britain

Apostilles in the UK provide legalisation to public documents. This legalisation of documents is done confirming that the signature, seal or stamp on the document is indeed an original from that public office. Once that document is legalised, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) attaches an apostille (legalisation certificate) to the document confirming it is original.

Make sense? If not, it doesn't have to but you do have to follow through with this process if you want to get a teaching visa in some countries.

Process to Get Documents Legalised by Apostille in the UK

• In-Person
  • The office is relocating so check their website for current address information: www.fco.gov.uk  
• By Post/Mail or Courier
  • The office is relocating so check their website for current address information: www.fco.gov.uk 
  When the move actually takes place it would be great if someone could email me and remind me to change this page.
• Cost
  • 27 pounds per document
    include a self-addressed return envelope
    include an additional 5 pounds if you want it returned Special Delivery or International Recorded Delivery.
    do not send cash. You can pay by credit/debit, postal order or company cheque both payable to the "Foreign and Commonwealth Office"
• Things to Send
  • include a short covering letter with your name, address and telephone number and brief instructions on what you are trying to accomplish.
• Time Factor
  • Postal applications generally take 10 working days to process from the date they are received

UK Educational Document Requirements:

All educational documents must be signed by a UK solicitor or notary before they can be legalised. The solicitor or notary should either confirm that the document is original if that is the case, or a true photocopy. If you are living overseas it may be possible for the British Council in your country to certify the document instead. You should check with the local British Council office to see if they offer this service.

Educational documents which are not degrees, diplomas, certificates, qualifications or other awards may be legalised if they have been issued by an educational establishment in the UK. This includes school reports and letters concerning enrolling, attendance, fees and grades.

Documents which are degrees, diplomas, certificates, qualifications or other awards can be legalised if they were issued by an educational establishment if it is registered at one of the following websites:

• 'Register of Providers' or the 'Recognised Degrees' sections of the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS) website
• the Scottish Qualifications Authority website
• the National Database of Accredited Qualifications website
• the British Accreditation Council Website
• the Open and Distance Learning Quality Council
• the Association of British Language Schools

Additionally, qualifications which are or were issued by OCR, Edexcel, Higher National Diploma, City and Guilds, National Open College Network, GNVQ or the American Study Abroad Program in the UK can also be legalised.

Medical Documents Requirements

Medical reports and letters issued by UK hospitals and NHS Trusts may be legalised as long as they have been signed by a UK doctor who is registered with the General Medical Council. Letters concerning non-medical issues, eg. job references or letters of employment, can be legalised if they are signed by a UK solicitor or notary public confirming them to be true and genuine. We cannot legalise other medical documents, including Form Med 3 issued by doctors for statutory sick pay and social security purposes.

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