(i) When submitting documents for sworn translation apostille, it is essential to specify the countries where the translated and apostilled documents will be used. (ii)Please note that the translated and apostilled documents will not be sent back via email. Instead, a courier address for delivery will be required, and the associated charge will be included in the original invoice.

Important Note on Divorce Decrees and Settlement Agreements Apostille: The Department of International Relations and Cooperation has updated its policy regarding the apostille of divorce decrees and settlement agreements. It is important to notify the relevant civil registry authority in the country where the documents will be used that only a high court apostille is necessary. For countries that are not signatories to the apostille convention, the department will authenticate divorce decrees and settlement agreements before they are presented for embassy attestation.

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South Africa’s Apostille Certificate for Foreign Employment.

South Africa Apostille services specifically designed for the of employment immigration documents for countries, including but not limited to China, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Israel, Japan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Singapore, Taiwan, and Uzbekistan.

The Apostille process ensures that your documents meet international standards for use abroad, streamlining the verification for educational and professional opportunities in these regions.

When pursuing teaching jobs abroad, specifically in countries like China, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Israel, Japan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Singapore, Taiwan, and Uzbekistan, South African applicants need to ensure their documents are properly authenticated. A key step in this process is obtaining an apostille for important documents such as degrees, teaching certificates, and police clearance letters.

An apostille serves as an official certification that attests to the authenticity of a document, allowing it to be recognized in countries that are part of the Hague Convention. For those applying to teach in China, it’s essential that these documents are apostilled prior to submission to educational institutions or visa authorities.

Here’s an overview of the procedure:

Document Preparation:

To complete the application process, it’s important to gather all necessary documents. This should include your original A degree in any field, Bachelor of Education degree (B. Ed.), your Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), or any other relevant teaching qualifications. Additionally, make sure to include any certificates such as TEFL or equivalent, along with a Police Clearance certificate.

Verification of South African qualifications for professional purposes intended for employment in China, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Israel, Japan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Singapore, Taiwan, and Uzbekistan.

This process ensures that the credentials meet the specific standards and requirements of each target country, facilitating smoother integration into the respective labor markets.
To verify South African qualifications with the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), follow these steps:

Complete the Application Form:

Please download and complete the verification application form by clicking here. Ensure that all details are accurate, including personal information and qualification details.

Gather Required Documentation:

To complete your verification request, it’s essential to gather all necessary supporting documents. Typically, this includes copies of your qualifications and identification. For non-South African citizens, a passport is required; South African citizens should provide their ID, while refugees should include their asylum documentation.Submit Your Application:

Submit Your Application:

Send your completed application form and all required documentation to SAQA via email

If you are submitting the application independently, please direct your email to [email protected]. You will need to arrange for the collection of the completed letter.
If you are utilizing HCSTI for the submission or expedited processing of your application, kindly send an email to [email protected].

Wait for Confirmation:

After submission, you will receive an acknowledgment of your application. The processing time can vary, so be sure to check the estimated timelines provided by SAQA.

The HCSTI expedited service for verification letters has a turnaround time of 14 to 25 working days, excluding weekends and public holidays.

Receive Verification Results:

Upon completion of the processing, SAQA will issue a digital verification letter via email. It is imperative that the original document be physically collected.
When you use our Verification service, we will collect your letter and send it to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Foreign Affairs Office) after completion.

Notarization:

To prove the validity of your TEFL or SACE certificate, as well as handwritten marriage and birth certificates, you must have them notarized by a registered notary in South Africa. This includes affidavits for name changes if the names on your documents differ from your new post-marital name after marriage.

**Applying for Apostille for China, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Israel, Japan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Singapore, Taiwan, and Uzbekistan:**

Documents that must be submitted to the Chief Justice’s Office at the High Court for Apostille:

You must submit all notarized documents to the Chief Registrar’s office for an Apostille.

Documents that must be submitted to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation for Apostille:

You need to provide your SAQA verification letter for your degree. If applicable, include your stamped degree and transcripts when you submit to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation for an Apostille. Note that a High Court Apostille will not be accepted by employers in China, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Israel, Japan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Singapore, Taiwan, and Uzbekistan.

Submitting Apostilled Documents to Your Employer:

After you receive the apostille, include these documents with your teaching application in China. Schools usually require these verified documents along with a resume and other relevant materials.

Consult Local Authorities:

Some regions or schools may have specific requirements for foreign documents, so it’s a good idea to check with the recruiting agency for local details.

Following these steps will help South African candidates prepare their documents for teaching positions in these countries. Always verify current requirements with South African authorities and potential employers in the host country, as rules may change frequently.