Travelling internationally for study purposes can be an incredible adventure. However, with every country operating independently with specific entry and exit requirements along with rules to follow while you’re there, it can feel overwhelming when it comes to that dreaded step of the journey… the paperwork. Fear not, however, as we at Legalization Service Centre are here to help! Let’s go over some examples of documents that are required for your stay as well as highlight what needs to be properly authenticated and legalized.
Getting a Valid International Passport
No travel outside Canada is possible without a valid international passport. Our tip is to grab the 10-year version as it’s well worth the investment – you don’t want to get caught in another country after it has expired, and this alleviates much of that risk. This is especially true if you’ll be studying for several years in another country. To obtain one, head to your local immigration office and fill out the application form.
Apostilling Documents
An Apostille represents a confirmation that the document in question is valid, acceptable in other countries, and valid. Canada isn’t part of the Apostille Convention, so the process takes on a different term: Authentication.
Among the documents that you may be required to have authenticated for study abroad, there are a few key ones you should be aware of, as follows:
Certificates of Study
Before you can even leave, you need to make sure that your host country is aware of your current academic status. To get your application successfully processed for overseas student travel, all certificates of study (high school, prior college diplomas, etc.) need to be sent along with your transcripts. This information is used to determine whether an applicant is an ideal fit for the program in question. Sometimes, alternative options might be suggested to you if a particular program isn’t a good fit.
Student Visa
This is a critical part of your travel document portfolio if studying in another country for any period of time. Once you’ve received a letter of invitation, you need to obtain a student visa at the embassy for the country which you intend to stay in. Like the passport, there is a cost associated with this, so be sure to budget in advance. In addition, always make sure your student visa is authenticated and legalized before you leave (this is also known as an Apostille in other countries).
Other Documents
Depending on the specific country you visit, you may be required to have other documents authenticated such as your enrollment letter, birth certificate, and more. Essentially, any document requiring an official’s signature can be Apostilled, so check with the embassy of the country you intend to stay in and make a note of which you need to have authenticated. As a precaution, there’s no harm in bringing in all relevant documents to get them checked before leaving.
Be Prepared for Change
A week or two before you’re set to leave, double-check with the embassy of the country you’re headed to and ensure no changes have been made to the list of required authenticated documents. This step helps to keep your trip streamlined and positive so you can focus on the studies at hand. If there has been a recent admission requirement change and you need something Apostilled quickly, reach out to us at Legalization Service Centre for our rush authentication service!
The more prepared and proactive you are, the easier it will be for you to begin your studies abroad without any hassle! If you need assistance with specific documents or professional authentication and legalization services, reach out to us today for reliable and timely assistance.