Certificate of Naturalization Apostille
A Certificate of Naturalization is a government document that acts as legal proof of citizenship in the United States. It's given to anyone over the age of 18 who becomes a citizen of the United States through the naturalization process. You will be able to apply for a U.S. passport once you have received your Certificate of Naturalization. Before you do so, make sure you have at least one “certified true” copy of your naturalization certificate, especially if you changed your name during the naturalization process.
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If you are a citizen of a nation that allows dual citizenship after naturalization, you will need a copy of your naturalization certificate while studying abroad, conducting business in other countries, or attempting to adopt a child or marry in another country. While most countries will accept your new passport without a birth certificate, if your birth certificate does not show that you are an American citizen, you will need to provide proof of citizenship via the Certificates of Naturalization. Certificates of Naturalization are especially important when children are involved.
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Certificate of Naturalization for International Use
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Many individuals don't realize that acquiring a Certificate of Naturalization is only the first step in the process. This is a very important document, and your original should be carefully handled and stored safely. You shouldn’t send or carry around your original paperwork unnecessarily. This is why getting a “certified/notarized true copy” (or copies) of your naturalization certificate should be one of the first things you should do.
A certified true copy is required not just for acquiring a passport, but it may also be used to acquire an Apostille, ensuring that your document is lawful in other countries. It's always best to use a professional agency for the Apostille process due to its complexity.
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Also, if you want to travel, study, or do business outside of the United States, your Certificate of Naturalization will need to be authenticated, as foreign countries only recognize “official” or “true” copies of U.S. government documents. Depending on the nation or country you will be traveling to, the permissible authentication technique will differ.
A stamp of authenticity known as a "Document Apostille" is required by member nations of the 1961 Hague Convention (now 80 nations, 79 states, and one Regional Economic Integration Organization). Other nations may request a Certificate of Authenticity from the United States Office of Authentications or, the United States Department of State as well as additional stamps and seals such as Consular certification. An original document cannot be Apostilled.
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Certificate of Naturalization Apostille Process
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A true copy with an original, readable signature and the name of the official who signed the document or certified copy is required to authenticate or Apostille a Certificate of Naturalization. Apostilles are not required for original papers. Even if your document was issued in one of the United States, you'll need to get an apostille from the US Department of State because documents issued by the federal government or signed by a federal officer, an American Consular Officer, a military notary, or a Judge Advocate must go through the federal Apostille process.
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Certificate of Naturalization Translation
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Most nations will not consider documents “legal” unless they are verified AND written in the language of the nation in which they are being submitted. Because of this, you should get your document and Apostille translated. Accepted translations must fulfill high certification and notarization criteria which makes this a not so simple process.
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Your Certificate of Naturalization Apostille is one of the most important documents you'll ever have. You should always consider employing a professional Apostille service provider to guarantee that your documents are prepared properly and in a timely manner. The improper preparation of your Certificate of Naturalization Apostille can be quite costly and result in lengthy delays.
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