Which Immigration Documents Need Apostille Certification in Massachusetts?

When applying for a visa, permanent residency, or citizenship abroad, your documents must be legally recognized by the destination country. If you’re in Massachusetts, understanding which immigration documents require apostille certification can save you time, prevent rejection, and help you move forward confidently.

At Boston Notary Service, we’ve helped clients across Boston, the Seaport District, and throughout Massachusetts navigate the complexities of apostille services for immigration. With decades of experience, we handle your documents quickly, securely, and in full compliance with both state and international requirements.



What Is an Apostille?

An apostille is a form of authentication recognized by countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention. It verifies the authenticity of a U.S. public document—such as a birth certificate or FBI background check—so it can be legally used abroad.

If your destination country is not part of the Hague Convention, your documents will need to go through an authentication and consulate legalization process instead.



Common Immigration Documents That Need Apostille Certification in Massachusetts

Here are the most commonly requested documents for immigration and visa purposes that require apostille certification:

1. Birth Certificates

Used for family-based immigration, dual citizenship, and foreign national ID applications.

Must be certified long-form issued by the Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records.

Short forms or hospital-issued documents are typically not accepted.


2. Marriage Certificates

Required when sponsoring a spouse or proving marital status overseas.

Must be issued by the City or Town Clerk or the state vital records office.


3. FBI Background Checks

Often needed for residency, employment, or long-term visa applications.

Must be an official FBI-issued report.

We can help you apostille your FBI report in Washington, D.C. through our partner network.


4. Academic Records

Essential for student visas, academic equivalency evaluations, and professional licensing abroad.

Includes transcripts, diplomas, letters of attendance from Massachusetts schools and universities like:

Harvard University

MIT

Boston College

Northeastern University

Boston University



5. Divorce Decrees and Court Orders

Used to prove legal status in family-related immigration matters.

Must be certified copies from the court.


6. Single Status Affidavits

Often required for marriage abroad or foreign residency.

Can be drafted and notarized by Boston Notary Service, then apostilled.


7. Power of Attorney for Immigration Representation

Used to appoint someone abroad to act on your behalf in immigration or real estate matters.

Must be notarized and apostilled for use internationally.




Apostille Process in Massachusetts

Boston Notary Service follows a simple and secure 3-step process:

Step 1: Document Review

We review your document to ensure it’s eligible for apostille.

Step 2: Notarization or Vital Record Retrieval

If the document requires notarization, we’ll notarize it. For vital records, we retrieve certified copies directly from the appropriate office.

Step 3: Apostille Certification

We submit your documents for apostille through the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth, or via U.S. Department of State for federal documents like FBI reports.

We also offer rush services and mobile pickup in Greater Boston, Cambridge, Quincy, Brookline, Somerville, and more.



Don’t Risk Delays—Let the Experts Help

Incorrect or incomplete apostille submissions can cause major delays in your immigration timeline. Boston Notary Service ensures:

Accurate processing

Quick turnaround

Local expertise

Mobile notary service in Boston and across Massachusetts


We also offer nationwide FBI apostille processing and assist with non-Hague authentication for countries like the UAE, China, and Saudi Arabia.



Boston Notary Service – Your Trusted Partner for Immigration Apostilles

With roots in the South End and Back Bay of Boston and a reputation for reliability, we’ve helped thousands of clients prepare their immigration paperwork properly the first time.

Contact us today:

📞 Call: 617-230-6676

📧 Email: [email protected]

🌐 Order Online: https://bostonnotaryservice.us/apply-here


We’ll take care of the apostille, so you can focus on your future.



Nearby Landmarks We Serve

We proudly offer mobile apostille and notary services near:

Boston City Hall

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Office in JFK Federal Building

Boston Public Library in Copley Square

Boston Seaport Innovation District

Logan International Airport (perfect for pre-flight apostille drop-off!)


Let Boston Notary Service be your guide through the apostille process for immigration—serving Boston, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and beyond.