Apostille for China · Apostille guide

U.S. degree certificates for use in China: Correct order of school certification, notarization, Apostille and translation

Degree certificates, transcripts and school certifications may require different issuance and notarization methods, and ordinary copies cannot be used in place of official records.

First determine which academic materials the Chinese institution needs

Degree certificates, official transcripts, certificates of enrollment and graduation certificates solve different problems. Schools, employers or qualifying bodies may also require sealed transcripts, electronic direct delivery or specific verification platforms. Save the recipient's written request before requesting the correct version from the school Registrar or archives department.

Typical Preparation of New York School Documents

New York State explains that school documents are typically certified by a school official as an official record or a true copy of an original, the official's signature is then notarized by a notary, then a county certification is completed in the county where the notary is located, and finally an application is made for the New York State Apostille. The steps in other states may be different and the New York process cannot be copied directly.

Three sets of materials should be kept corresponding

• School materials: degree certificate, transcript or school certificate;
• Certification chain: school statement, notarization, county certification and Apostille (as applicable);
• Translation: Complete translation of courses, credits, dates, seals, instructions on the back and attachments.

Common Mistakes

Using regular color copies, translating only the front side, not notarizing the signature of a school official, breaking the seal, or authenticating the document before confirming the version will result in rework. Apostille does not evaluate grades, degree authenticity, or course equivalency.

Version control before sending

Mark each document with an internal version number, save the complete scanned copy, and record the school’s issuance date, notarization date, and receipt deadline. The original Apostille cannot be automatically transferred to the new version if the school reissues it.