FAQ
Authenticating Documents
Can I authenticate _________?
Nearly any document can be authenticated for use abroad! Check below for the two main categories of documents and common examples of each:
Vital Documents
- Marriage Certificates
- Birth Certificates
- Death Certificates
- Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA)
Non-Vital Documents
- High School Diploma & Transcripts
- University Diplomas & Transcripts
- TEFL/TESOL/CELTA
- Teaching License
- Certifications
- Passport
If you don’t see the type of document you need authenticated above, feel free to reach out and we can help you!
What is the difference between an Apostille and Authentication?
This is a case of squares and rectangles. Apostilles are a type of authentication used by countries within the Hague Convention. Countries that are not a part of this will typically call their authentications by a different name too: Legalization or Attestation.
How long will it take for my documents to be authenticated?
This highly depends on what the documents are and what country they are to be authenticated for. Vital documents take longer than non-vital documents, and countries not within the Hague convention take longer to authenticate than documents within the Hague convention.
Where is your office located?
We are located in Austin, Texas, USA.
701 Brazos Street
Suite 500
Austin, TX 78701
Visas
What is the cost of a visa?
The consular fee will remain consistant at all consulates, but the fees do change based on if you are a US citizen, and sometimes even based on the type of visa you’re applying for!
Can I submit my own Chinese Visa application?
Of course! Just know that there are many other documents that you will need to hand in along with your application depending on what kind of visa you need. You will also need to go to your Chinese consulate personally or pay an agent to take your application there for you.
Can I mail my visa application/passport to the Chinese consulate?
No. All Chinese consulates require visa applications and their required documents to be physically handed in.
Which consulate should I go to?
Need more information?
Want to learn more about country or document specifics?
Check the links below or take the time to research for more information!
Navigating Getting an FBI Background Check Authenticated
Legalizing Documents for Vietnam
Urgent Company Update!
Starting September 12, 2025, Teaching Nomad will be closing its Authentication Division and therefore will no longer be taking authentication requests.
We thank each of you for providing us the ability to serve your authentication needs for over a decade.
Teaching Nomad will still be active in TEFL Courses, Job Searching, and Job Posts.