Apostille Process for Immigration Documents in India

The process depends on the document, but the general procedure is as follows.

Step 1: Identify the Destination Country

First, identify the country where you intend to use your document.

Check whether the country is a party to the Hague Apostille Convention and whether the Convention applies between the relevant countries.

The HCCH maintains the official status information for the Convention. UAE Attestation in Pune

Step 2: Check Immigration Requirements

Review the official requirements for your specific visa or immigration program.

Determine:

• Which documents are required?
• Which documents need authentication?
• Is apostille specifically mentioned?
• Is legalization required instead?
• Is translation required?
• Are original documents required?

Do not apostille documents simply because they are being submitted abroad.

Step 3: Collect the Original Documents

Prepare the documents requested by the immigration authority.

Depending on the application, this may include:

• Birth certificate
• Marriage certificate
• Divorce certificate
• Degree certificate
• PCC
• Affidavit
• Other supporting documents

Step 4: Complete Pre-Authentication Where Required

Certain Indian documents need authentication by the relevant State or Union Territory authority before they can be submitted for MEA apostille.

The MEA's current Citizen's Charter states that documents requiring pre-authentication by the respective State/UT authorities must be pre-authenticated before submission through the applicable process.

The exact pre-authentication authority depends on the type and origin of the document.

Step 5: Submit for MEA Apostille