Apostille Documents for Teaching Abroad
Teaching programs in Spain, South Korea, France, and Japan require apostilled documents before you can get a visa. The process involves multiple document types, different apostille authorities, and strict deadlines that catch many teachers off guard. Here is everything you need to know.
Programs That Require Apostilles
Spain
Auxiliares de Conversacion (NALCAP)
Spain requires a federal apostille on your FBI background check. The report must be issued within 90 days of your visa application date. A certified Spanish translation of the apostilled FBI report is also required. Your college diploma may need an apostille depending on the consulate.
- FBI background check (federal apostille)
- College diploma apostille (varies by consulate)
- Certified Spanish translation of FBI report
South Korea
EPIK / TALK / Private Academies
South Korea requires both an apostilled diploma (state-level) and an apostilled FBI background check (federal-level). All documents must be submitted to the EPIK office no later than 6 weeks before the contract start date.
- College diploma with state apostille
- FBI background check with federal apostille
- College transcript (some academies)
France
TAPIF
Background check requirements for TAPIF vary by consulate. Degree documentation is required. A French translation may be required depending on your assigned consulate. Confirm requirements directly with your consulate early in the process.
- Degree documentation
- Background check (requirements vary by consulate)
- French translation (may be required)
Japan
JET Programme
Document requirements for JET vary by consulate. Degree verification is required. Check with your specific Japanese consulate for the exact apostille and translation requirements applicable to your placement.
- Degree verification
- Additional documents as specified by consulate
The #1 Mistake: Waiting Too Long
Most teachers start the FBI apostille process too late. The federal apostille alone takes 7-9 business days after the FBI processes your background check, and mail-in processing to the Department of State can take much longer. Add in the time to get fingerprinted and receive your FBI results, and you could easily be looking at 10-12 weeks from start to finish.
Spain requires the FBI report to be issued within 90 days of your visa application. South Korea requires documents 6 weeks before your contract start date. Missing these deadlines can delay your placement or require starting the entire process over with a fresh background check.
Recommended Timeline
- 1
10+ weeks before departure
Request FBI background check
Get fingerprinted through an FBI-approved channeler. Channelers submit electronically and return results in days, giving you maximum time before your validity window closes.
- 2
8-10 weeks before
Send FBI check for federal apostille
Submit your FBI Identity History Summary to the U.S. Department of State Office of Authentications. Processing takes 7-9 business days by mail, or 1-3 business days with walk-in drop-off. Mail-in can take considerably longer during peak periods.
- 3
6-8 weeks before
Get diploma apostilled at the state level
Send your degree to the Secretary of State in the state where your school is located. State-level apostilles are generally faster than federal processing, but still plan several weeks.
- 4
4-6 weeks before
Get certified translations completed
Once both documents are apostilled, send them for certified translation if your program requires it. Spain requires a certified Spanish translation of the apostilled FBI report.
- 5
2-4 weeks before
Final document review and visa application
Review all documents against your program's checklist. Confirm freshness requirements are still met. Submit your visa application with the complete document package.
Documents You Likely Need
The exact list depends on your program and destination. The table below covers the most commonly required documents and shows which authority handles each apostille.
| Document | Apostille Authority | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| FBI Background Check | Federal (U.S. Dept. of State) | Required by Spain, South Korea, most teaching visa programs. Must be federally apostilled only. |
| College Diploma | State (Secretary of State) | Required by South Korea (EPIK/TALK), may be required by Spain. Apostille goes through the state where your school is located. |
| College Transcript | State (Secretary of State) | Required by some private academies in South Korea and certain programs. State-level apostille. |
| Birth Certificate | State (Secretary of State) | Required by some programs and countries. State-level apostille from the state where you were born. |
Always verify requirements with your program coordinator or consulate before submitting. Requirements can change between program cycles.
How We Help
We handle both state-level and federal-level apostille routing, so you do not need to manage two separate government processes simultaneously. Service starts at $149 per document (Economy Standard), plus a $19 Government Processing and Handling fee per document.
- Correct routing: FBI check to federal (U.S. Dept. of State), diploma to your school's state Secretary of State
- Timing coordination to ensure all documents are ready before your program's submission deadline
- Certified translation bundling for Spain (Spanish) and other programs requiring translated documents
- All federal apostille submission paperwork prepared and handled on your behalf
- Domestic overnight shipping ($49) and international shipping ($87) available
Federal processing for the FBI apostille takes 7-9 business days and cannot be expedited. Our service tiers reflect our handling and coordination time, not the government's processing time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Resources
We are an independent service provider and not affiliated with any government authority, teaching program, or consulate, including the U.S. Department of State, the FBI, EPIK, NALCAP, TAPIF, or the JET Programme. Document requirements change between program cycles. Always verify current requirements with your program coordinator or consulate before submitting.