Why do responses for the three file types differ?
Educational documents are used to describe the applicant's background; copies are typically sufficient as reference materials. Business licenses and criminal record checks are verification documents that require authenticity confirmation, usually through notarization.
Whether additional authentication (e.g., Ministry of Foreign Affairs or embassy/consulate) is required depends on the document's country of origin and current regulations. Verify this in advance to avoid unnecessary trips or duplicate processing.
How to handle an Indian company's business license
Submit a registration certificate or business license issued by an Indian company, notarized in accordance with the laws of the place where it was issued. In some cases, further authentication may be required.
Company name and address on the documents must exactly match those in the invitation. Mismatches often trigger requests for clarification, which delays the overall process.
How to obtain a certificate of no criminal record?
A Certificate of No Criminal Record is typically issued by the public security authority in your household registration or residence area, followed by notarization. Processing times vary by region; we recommend starting early rather than waiting until one week before submission.
These certificates typically have an expiration date; applying too early may result in them expiring before submission. It's best to schedule based on your intended submission date.
Why is the highest degree not required to be notarized?
Educational documents are typically submitted as background materials for business visa applications; a copy of your diploma is usually sufficient. If the consulate has additional requirements for the current period, those instructions will prevail.
Rather than worrying about whether your degree needs notarization, prioritize verifying that the invitation letter, employment certificate, and itinerary all match. Discrepancies like these are commonly flagged for correction during the preliminary review.
Pre-Notarization and Authentication Checklist
- Confirm which documents in the current list require notarization and which also need authentication.
- The company name and address on the Indian business license documents must match those on the invitation letter.
- Obtain the Certificate of No Criminal Record based on submission date, and note its validity period.
- Copies of academic documents are sufficient unless otherwise specified for this period.
- Include the processing timelines for notarization and authentication in your backward-planned travel schedule.