Author Topic: Apostle of the Hague (Read 10681 times)

jennara · « **Reply #100 on:** June 06, 2011, 06:25:09 PM »

I got my FBI check done in January and got the seal on it, but completely forgot to send it to get the Apostille until now. I just sent it to DC today, but does anyone know if I'm going to have problems because I waited so long?

Packback · « **Reply #101 on:** June 06, 2011, 09:21:18 PM »

Quote from: jennara on June 06, 2011, 06:25:09 PM

I got my FBI check done in January and got the seal on it, but completely forgot to send it to get the Apostille until now. I just sent it to DC today, but does anyone know if I'm going to have problems because I waited so long?

The State Dept. takes approximately four weeks to send back an apostille. Plan your visa appointment accordingly, and you should be fine.

Mia · « **Reply #102 on:** June 07, 2011, 09:21:30 PM »

Ok so I know this is a silly question but it has been bothering me! I sent my FBI background check to be apsotilled in DC a few weeks ago. I checked the USPS tracking confirmation number and saw that they received it on May 23rd. I sent everything in one big envelope but my prepaid envelope was a regular sized envelope not one of those big ones. So Im wondering if they will fold my FBI background check to put it in there or just send it to me in a bigger envelope? For those of you that got it back did you provide a pre-paid envelope, and if so was it a big one? Just worried that maybe its not supposed to be folded...

Packback · « **Reply #103 on:** June 07, 2011, 09:59:40 PM »

Quote from: Becky on June 07, 2011, 09:21:30 PM

Ok so I know this is a silly question but it has been bothering me! I sent my FBI background check to be apsotilled in DC a few weeks ago. I checked the USPS tracking confirmation number and saw that they received it on May 23rd. I sent everything in one big envelope but my prepaid envelope was a regular sized envelope not one of those big ones. So Im wondering if they will fold my FBI background check to put it in there or just send it to me in a bigger envelope? For those of you that got it back did you provide a pre-paid envelope, and if so was it a big one? Just worried that maybe its not supposed to be folded...

Not a silly question, I was originally worried about the same thing! I did a prepaid envelope, a full-size one, but then realized that the background check itself was folded. Then I stopped myself, shook my head and realized...it's a piece of paper.

Mine's folded. I'm breathing normally.

It's all good; don't worry. We'll all get to España.

dcolin · « **Reply #104 on:** June 09, 2011, 08:04:57 AM »

Quote from: jennara on June 06, 2011, 06:25:09 PM

I got my FBI check done in January and got the seal on it, but completely forgot to send it to get the Apostille until now. I just sent it to DC today, but does anyone know if I'm going to have problems because I waited so long?

I'm also wondering that! I got mine back in March, but it says on their website that the fbi background check can't be more than 90 days old, which mine definitely is. Is it worth it to send it in anyway and see if they'll apostille it? or should I just get a new fbi background check and start all over?

Teelex · « **Reply #105 on:** June 10, 2011, 12:46:50 AM »

Quote from: dcolin on June 09, 2011, 08:04:57 AM

I'm also wondering that! I got mine back in March, but it says on their website that the fbi background check can't be more than 90 days old, which mine definitely is. Is it worth it to send it in anyway and see if they'll apostille it? or should I just get a new fbi background check and start all over?

It depends, because if you are going through the Miami consulate, you can use your old FBI background check, I would send it anyways.

mantler · « **Reply #106 on:** June 12, 2011, 07:55:04 AM »

I sent my FBI BG check to the CA Secretary of State for the Apostille, even though it cost a bit more to do it that way... my visa appt. is at the end of this month and I was worried the US Dept. of State would take too long. Keeping my fingers crossed!

Rubiaco · « **Reply #107 on:** June 12, 2011, 04:31:27 PM »

Quote from: mantler on June 12, 2011, 07:55:04 AM

I sent my FBI BG check to the CA Secretary of State for the Apostille, even though it cost a bit more to do it that way... my visa appt. is at the end of this month and I was worried the US Dept. of State would take too long. Keeping my fingers crossed!

Yeah I did the same thing here in GA. You get a COPY of the original notarized by a notary public, and send it to the GA Dept of State for the Apostile. The paper that the notary fills out states that it is the orignal document, and with the Apostile, everything is looking pretty official. But the wording in the VISA instructions is giving me doubts. It says to have Apostile on the original...hope they work with us on good faith on some of this stuff.

Did California ask you to get a photocopy for the Apostile too? For anyone who has already gone through the process (Im going through Miami), if something isn't up to the consulate's requirements, how soon do they let you know? I mailed everything on Friday, and they say to expect 4-5 weeks before you get the visa. But they also said the FBI background check would take 12 weeks and we got those in like a month.

mantler · « **Reply #108 on:** June 12, 2011, 10:14:52 PM »

That's right Rubiaco, it's a notarized copy that they're going to Apostille. I had to do a jurat stating that I was the holder of the original copy, etc. I called the CA Secretary of State a couple of times with questions about the process and of course they told me something different each time. The first time it was "yeah, we'll do it, send it to us," and the second time it was "we won't do that— oh wait... we'll do a notarized copy." There is definitely a lot of conflicting information out there, but when I talked to the FBI about sending it in for the Apostille, they did say that some states will do it, and I'm taking my state's word for it that they will...

Packback · « **Reply #109 on:** June 13, 2011, 04:50:26 AM »

Quote from: mantler on June 12, 2011, 10:14:52 PM

There is definitely a lot of conflicting information out there, but when I talked to the FBI about sending it in for the Apostille, they did say that some states will do it, and I'm taking my state's word for it that they will...

This is always important to remember; the info on the boards is all secondhand, though much of it is stellar. For all requirements, check with your consulate first. With the apostilles, check with your state. They are the only ones who can give you the concrete answers (ask for a name when you're talking to someone on the phone and print off your emails, if you're worried!)

mantler · « **Reply #110 on:** June 17, 2011, 02:08:24 AM »

Well, apparently it wasn't meant to be, because the copy I sent well over a week ago has apparently been lost in the mail as my delivery confirmation never came through, and since I only sent it priority mail there's no tracking info beyond the wrong Sacramento post office that it went through on the 8th...

Guess I'll be scheduling a new Visa appt. and sending my original to the Dept. of State after all... unless anyone has had luck with the SF consulate allowing them to send in the rest of their incomplete documents after their appointment...

lrogers · « **Reply #111 on:** June 17, 2011, 03:58:38 AM »

@mantler: the secretary of state told me they wouldn't apostille an fbi background check. ohhh bureaucracy at its finest. anyways.... i wouldn't stress tooo much prematurely if the tracking label didn't give a delivery confirmation. USPS doesn't have the best tracking system.... but then again, i wouldn't put it past them to lose the package either. but still.. i've had a tracking label that i never got confirmation on once and it still delivered. good luck!

UGHHHH why did i procrastinate on this apostille business... my appointment is July 15th... I am praying mine gets back in time.

rosnjust · « **Reply #112 on:** June 17, 2011, 08:55:26 AM »

Sounds like you all are having problems. I am finished with the visa process and have my visa. I went to a notary public, he notarized the fbi check. It was on a separte document. I then took that to the county clerk then I drove to Los Angeles for the Apostille. You can send your FBI check to the Secretary of State in Sacramento. LA and Sacramento are the locations that does Apostilles. For Sacramento you have to get it notarized then send it off. LA you just have to do an extra step.
hope this helps

par0910 · « **Reply #113 on:** June 17, 2011, 06:21:10 PM »

In the June newsletter I just received, it says that the medical certificate should have the Apostille too. However, on my consulate website, it doesn’t list that as a requirement.

Did anyone also get the Apostille on the medical certificate?

sweetest_strawberry · « **Reply #114 on:** June 17, 2011, 06:38:09 PM »

I would follow the instructions on your consulate's website because the visa application process varies from consulate to consulate. So if your consulate's website says nothing about an apostille on the medical certificate, you won't need one

hallbena · « **Reply #115 on:** June 17, 2011, 08:23:09 PM »

I sent my FBI clearance to the US dept of State a month ago. I have tracking numbers going both ways and I know they received it on May 19th and it has been more than 15 business days like stated on the website. Has it taken this long for anyone else to get their apostle back from the dept of state?

I just want to get my visa app mailed off to San Fran and cross my fingers it all goes well. I am going off the email with the link that tells western applicants what to mail in. Anyone have any luck with the mailing their docs into San Fran consulate and getting their Apostle all taken care of by the US dept of State?

Packback · « **Reply #116 on:** June 17, 2011, 11:35:13 PM »

Quote from: hallbena on June 17, 2011, 08:23:09 PM

I sent my FBI clearance to the US dept of State a month ago. I have tracking numbers going both ways and I know they received it on May 19th and it has been more than 15 business days like stated on the website. Has it taken this long for anyone else to get their apostle back from the dept of state?

The 15 days is a ballpark minimum time; several people (myself included) have had it take almost exactly four weeks, to the day. That was a month ago, though, so the backlog may be higher now.

m_palazuelos · « **Reply #117 on:** June 19, 2011, 12:18:36 AM »

hi everybody!!!!!!!! I NEED HELP!!!!!! i'm freaking out

so i sent my FBI records back to the FBI but i couldn't get them authenticated because they were past the 90 day period. WHAT SHOULD I DO? should i get new records? or should i try to get them authenticated and apostilled in the state of CA? I live in Los Angeles...does the secretary of state in CA do that? Does anyone know where I can get that doene? i'm freaking ooooouuuuuuuttttttttttttttttt

meliss589 · « **Reply #118 on:** June 20, 2011, 03:38:44 AM »

I'm another person freaking out.....going to the DC Apostille Office tomorrow, but can't get there any earlier than 8:30/9 AM. I know they're open until 11 AM, but heard that if you don't get there early, you could be waiting in line and not get your apostille. I need some assurance that there's no need for me to freak out about my timing tomorrow $:-\$

Anyone been to the DC Authentications Office?

mantler · « **Reply #119 on:** June 20, 2011, 04:04:46 AM »

@m_palazuelos: If the FBI says it's too late, you have to start over with them. They are the only ones that can authenticate the background check. If you live in CA you should be able to send it in for an Apostille at the CA Secretary of State (which might be faster), otherwise you can send it in to the State Dept in DC for the Apostille.
Here is the web page for the CA Secretary of State.
http://www.sos.ca.gov/business/notary/authentication.htm

meliss589 · « **Reply #120 on:** June 20, 2011, 09:40:05 PM »

For anyone who is wondering in the future, I did indeed go to the authentication's office today....arrived a little before 9 AM and was out with my apostille a little after 10 AM. I'd say you're safe getting there anytime before 9:30 AM, based on my experience. If you get there 10 AM or later, you're pushing it.

Jlemien · « **Reply #121 on:** June 25, 2011, 05:01:54 AM »

I am reading on these boards that some people got an email or some similar message confirming that the U.S. State Department received the materials for the apostille, is that correct? I am concerned, because I sent my medical certificate and my FBI background check (it had the signature and the stamp) in to the State Department about 5 to 6 weeks ago, and I still have not received any information on it. I am worried that it has gotten lost in the mail, and I am thinking about applying to the FBI for another background check and starting that process over again. Does anyone have any advice on this matter? Does it sometimes take a really long time for the State Department to return documents with the apostille?

I made a photocopy of the document from the FBI stating that I have no criminal record, but I can't have the photocopy apostilled, can I? I live in the state of Minnesota.

mantler · « **Reply #122 on:** June 29, 2011, 10:04:08 AM »

Well, I did get my Apostille back from the CA Secretary of State in time for my appointment in SF yesterday, but unlike some of the other consulates, they wouldn't accept the CA Apostille.

The woman at the window looked at it and straight away said, "oooh, you're going to have problems..." and my heart just sank. She gave it back to me and started going on and on about "how could it be possible for the state to authorize a Federal document, blah blah blah, you did this wrong..." I totally get it; okay! I knew it might happen! I didn't take her tirade personally, though. It is her job to explain these things. I was sort of glad that I had done it though, because I definitely wouldn't have gotten the BG check back in time for the appt. if I had sent it to the State Dept. I think because I had at least tried and had something half-legitimate there, they will let me mail in the Federally Apostilled document + copy when I receive them. Beats having to wait for an appointment in August and make the 5 hour drive again.

She processed everything else and stamped it all. I did have to run out and make a second copy of my letter, because I only had just the original copy with me (though I have to point out that the instructions I printed off of the SF consulate website did NOT say an additional copy of that was needed.) And don't leave anything unnecessary in your pile of documents or they will push it back to you and ask why it's in there! All in all, it really wasn't unpleasant to deal with them, I was nervous and unfortunately overcaffeinated.
Just from overhearing the people who were trying to come do walk-ins and ask them questions, I could imagine it must be tiring for them to tell everyone all the same things over and over when it is already on the website. Having worked for years in customer service, I know that it can be grueling when everyone is trying to buck the system and get their way. Just be pleasant and calm, and make their job as easy as possible, and they will treat you well...

WindyCity · « **Reply #123 on:** June 29, 2011, 02:53:36 PM »

Quote from: Jlemien on June 25, 2011, 05:01:54 AM

I am reading on these boards that some people got an email or some similar message confirming that the U.S. State Department received the materials for the apostille, is that correct? I am concerned, because I sent my medical certificate and my FBI background check (it had the signature and the stamp) in to the State Department about 5 to 6 weeks ago, and I still have not received any information on it. I am worried that it has gotten lost in the mail, and I am thinking about applying to the FBI for another background check and starting that process over again. Does anyone have any advice on this matter? Does it sometimes take a really long time for the State Department to return documents with the apostille?

I made a photocopy of the document from the FBI stating that I have no criminal record, but I can't have the photocopy apostilled, can I? I live in the state of Minnesota.

Hmm, I haven't heard of anyone's background check taking that long to get back from DC, but I'm obviously no expert. You could maybe try and fax them to see if they got your documents (they don't accept phone calls and both emails I sent when I had questions were rejected). If you're worried I'd just apply for the bc again, just so you have an option B if your original was lost. (Did you track the letter you sent?) As for the copy, I would think (but again don't know) that maybe if the copy was notorized as an authentic copy then maybe you could get it apostilled, otherwise they'll look at the copy and not know if its an actual copy or something you did in photoshop, so they could hardly give it a cert of authenticity/whatever the apostille does exactly.
Good luck!

hallbena · « **Reply #124 on:** June 30, 2011, 06:20:37 AM »

I sent my FBI report to get an apostle on May 16th and it was received on May 19th and I am still waiting to get it back. Has it taken this long for anyone else? If I lived closer to DC I would got in person in the morning and get it done while I wait but that is not in option for me since I live on the west coast. I am starting to get very impatient and worried about the time frame.

catalina · « **Reply #125 on:** July 01, 2011, 06:35:38 AM »

Quote from: hallbena on June 30, 2011, 06:20:37 AM

I sent my FBI report to get an apostle on May 16th and it was received on May 19th and I am still waiting to get it back. Has it taken this long for anyone else? If I lived closer to DC I would got in person in the morning and get it done while I wait but that is not in option for me since I live on the west coast. I am starting to get very impatient and worried about the time frame.

I sent mine in on May 9th and got it back June 12th. I did start getting antsy after 4 weeks had gone by and my check still wasn't cashed, (I was obsessively checking my online bank statement) so I called the Department of State's office. It was very hard to get through to someone, and I called like 3 times in one day b/c when I explained my situation to the first rep, she kept transferring me to a line that didn't allow me to leave a voicemail. Finally, after I called the third time, she transferred me to someone who did pick up the phone and that person wrote down my name, number, and my concern. She said someone would get back to me within 24-48 hours, and sure enough, 2 days later a different representative called back and said it my bgc had been apostillized and was in the mail.
...SOOO long story short: If I were you, I'd call them...and keep calling if you need to. I believe the number I used was either 202-647-5002 or 202-647-4000.
Oh, and my $8 check wasn't even cashed until June 20...about a week and a half *after* I got my bgc with the Apostille in the mail. So to everyone out there constantly checking their bank statement like I was...don't stress. You'll probably have that Apostille in your hand before they bother to get your $8.

amitchell23 · « **Reply #126 on:** July 02, 2011, 10:48:58 PM »

Thanks everyone for sharing all this info.

I mailed my FBI check in on May 31st, and it's not here, more than 4 weeks later. I didn't get it tracked so I don't know if it was received.

I called the Department of state yesterday and after about 7 times of explaining the same thing to the same person (i.e. "I keep being transferred to an automated message with no option to talk to someone or leave a message"), they told me to call back in a few hours and try again. They ended up transferring me to a different line of the Office of Authentications, which stated that they were overwhelmed with emails/calls, but gave the option to leave a message. I did, and we'll see if they get back to me.

I've already sent them 6 emails and 2 faxes and there's been no response. I didn't receive a receipt that people are talking about here and I'm kind of at a loss for what to do. If I can't even figure out if the document was lost in the mail because they make it impossible to reach them, what good would it do to start the whole process again, with no assurance that I'm not simply sending this document into an abyss?

It's such a frustration that I can't describe to realize that this whole thing depends on this one piece of paper and this one ridiculous office that can't even get back to people. I've already bought my ticket and it looks like I won't be able to be on the plane if I don't have this apostille, which would make me ineligible to receive my visa. I suppose I feel more desperate than I should, but that's because I'm trying to get back to my partner in Spain and start my life with him there, and these ridiculous administrative hoops are so darn infuriating.

Hopefully they get back to me soon.....

Reidmo · « **Reply #127 on:** July 04, 2011, 08:22:50 PM »

Hi guys, I appreciate all the info everyone has been sharing.

I performed my background check in January so it's obviously expired now and I have to perform another one. It's looking pretty grim in terms of arriving in Andalucia anywhere near the October start time.

Can you give me an idea of the timeline I should be expecting? From what I gather it's 2 months for the background check and then around a month for the visa. Now I realize that once I receive the background check I need to mail it in and get that apostles which will take another month and a half, is that about right? Seems nearly impossible to get your background check apostled and get in for the visa application before the background check expires. Maybe I'm missing something.

I'm currently living in Santiago, chile but my home state is Washington so I've had a few conversations with the san Fran Spanish embassy. Thanks for any advice in this nerve racking process. Good luck everybody.

Reid

catalina · « **Reply #128 on:** July 04, 2011, 09:28:15 PM »

Quote from: Reidmo on July 04, 2011, 08:22:50 PM

Hi guys, I appreciate all the info everyone has been sharing.

I performed my background check in January so it's obviously expired now and I have to perform another one. It's looking pretty grim in terms of arriving in Andalucia anywhere near the October start time.

Can you give me an idea of the timeline I should be expecting? From what I gather it's 2 months for the background check and then around a month for the visa. Now I realize that once I receive the background check I need to mail it in and get that apostles which will take another month and a half, is that about right? Seems nearly impossible to get your background check apostled and get in for the visa application before the background check expires. Maybe I'm missing something.

I'm currently living in Santiago, chile but my home state is Washington so I've had a few conversations with the san Fran Spanish embassy. Thanks for any advice in this nerve racking process. Good luck everybody.

Reid

Did you know someone who recently got their BGC back after 2 months? I'm pretty sure it won't take that long. I got mine back in about 4-5 weeks when I did mine (granted, that was in Jan-Feb..They may be a little busier now, but 2 months sounds a bit extreme).

Make sure that when you send your new application to either write at the top of the application or attached on a separate sheet of paper, "Result letter authenticated with FBI seal and signature of an FBI official needed." If you don't do this, you won't be able to get the Apostille of the Hague, which will delay the process further.

The Apostille itself takes about 5 weeks to get back. Depending on your Consulate, it may be difficult to get an appointment b/c their schedule is full. Once you do go to your appointment, it takes about 5 weeks to get the visa back (at least, that's how long my consulate in Chicago said it'd be).

If you're having trouble getting an appointment, contact your consulate and let them know that you're applying for a visa b/c you've been accepted into the North American Lang. and Culture Assistants program. That may help you get an appointment since you need to be in Spain in a timely manner.

valkotukka · « **Reply #129 on:** July 04, 2011, 11:38:45 PM »

I'm in the same situation as Catalina and AMitchell. I sent my FBI check to the State Dept on May 23 and still haven't received it back. I haven't really had much luck with contacting the State Dept (most recently, I've tried going through my congresswoman's office. They haven't gotten through yet either, especially since it's the holiday weekend, but that's something other people might want to try).
My visa appt is this Thursday. It seemed clear that the document won't come back to me before then, so I emailed the Auxiliares contact guy at the NY Consulate and explained my dilemma. He talked to the Visa people at the Consulate, and they're allowing me to send the apostilled FBI check in late. So that's something that other people might want to look into.

But yeah, my big fear right now is that the document simply got lost in the mail or is under a desk somewhere in the State Dept. I'm going to see if I can get the FBI to send me a duplicate, and I might even re-start the whole process just in case.

forkandknife · « **Reply #130 on:** July 05, 2011, 01:50:18 AM »

My FBI bgc arrived in DC May 19th and I haven't gotten it back either, nor have I gotten the email that I've heard they send saying they are processing it. I have not tried to contact them yet but will call tomorrow.

What methods have you guys been using to contact them? I am planning on trying the one listed on the Status page of the Dept. of State website, 202-663-1848, but it sounds like people are not having much luck by calling.

Hopefully they are just backed up by a few weeks, since several of us are having to wait over a month, but I, too, am just afraid something has happened like it got lost in the mail.

holdynb · « **Reply #131 on:** July 05, 2011, 09:38:57 PM »

I am using this Apostille Service:
http://www.uslegalization.com/spain/

For $45 (that includes the $8 dollars for the DoS Apostille Fee) they take your document to the DoS and get it apostilled. Small fee considering they do it the next day after receiving your document. You pay the to and return shipping but for those who do not want to wait or who don't want to make the trek to DC it is worth it.

The woman I spoke with there was great so fingers crossed!

HB

marcus · « **Reply #132 on:** July 06, 2011, 03:03:25 AM »

Sent mine to the Dept. of State around mid-May although I don't remember for sure. I was really starting to worry because my visa appointment was today and I'd made it with what I thought was plenty of buffer time past their "15 business day" window. I magically got it on Saturday ... the last possible day. Actually, someone at the consulate told me I could just come back with it whenever it arrived, so not having it would have just been a pain in the ass and extra days of worrying but not a real problem.

marcus · « **Reply #133 on:** July 06, 2011, 03:18:25 AM »

Quote from: holdynb on July 05, 2011, 09:38:57 PM

I am using this Apostille Service:
http://www.uslegalization.com/spain/

For $45 (that includes the $8 dollars for the DoS Apostille Fee) they take your document to the DoS and get it apostilled. Small fee considering they do it the next day after receiving your document. You pay the to and return shipping but for those who do not want to wait or who don't want to make the trek to DC it is worth it.

The woman I spoke with there was great so fingers crossed!

HB

I might have done that if their website didn't say "15 business days" at the time I sent it ... at least that's what I remember it saying. Looks like their website says "4 weeks" now which would be about right with the "several week" processing time (for irradiation!) they say all mail goes through before it gets to them.

holdynb · « **Reply #134 on:** July 06, 2011, 04:53:07 AM »

Quote from: marcus on July 06, 2011, 03:18:25 AM

I might have done that if their website didn't say "15 business days" at the time I sent it ... at least that's what I remember it saying. Looks like their website says "4 weeks" now which would be about right with the "several week" processing time (for irradiation!) they say all mail goes through before it gets to them.

The woman i spoke with said the turnaround is one business day. They take the document to the DoS the day after they receive it and send it back to you. I shall see, hopefully they come through I will keep you guys posted.

HB

marcus · « **Reply #135 on:** July 06, 2011, 10:58:04 PM »

Quote from: holdynb on July 06, 2011, 04:53:07 AM

The woman i spoke with said the turnaround is one business day. They take the document to the DoS the day after they receive it and send it back to you. I shall see, hopefully they come through I will keep you guys posted.

HB

My bad. I meant the DoS website said "15 business days" at the time, not uslegalization.com. If the DoS site had said "4 weeks" + "several weeks" processing like it does now, I'd have tried a service like the one you posted.

flembroo · « **Reply #136 on:** July 07, 2011, 11:30:50 PM »

I sent my bgc to get the Apostille last week. According to the certified mail receipt, they received it yesterday...so, 5 weeks from now, I should be getting it back, right? That means on August 10, I should have it in hand...then, it goes off to the SF consulate...five more weeks for the VISA...that puts me at receiving my VISA around September 19. I should be okay...I hope! I'm not planning on flying out until September 26, so I hope, hope, hope, that everything works out. This whole process has been such a pain in the a**!

valkotukka · « **Reply #137 on:** July 08, 2011, 03:35:54 PM »

I thought I should give an update: my apostille'd FBI check came back to my house on July 7 (I sent it May 23). Just to give other people an idea of the (possible) timeframe.

karaespana · « **Reply #138 on:** July 09, 2011, 12:58:52 AM »

For those of you worrying about your Apostilles, here is some news: I sent my FBI check to the US Secretary of State during the last week of May (not sure of the exact date but around the 25th or so) and I just got it back today! They have not even cashed the check yet.

Now here's the miracle part: I realized AFTER I sent it to the Sec. of State that it was not stamped and signed by the FBI. I was sure that I would not get the Apostille and I was just hoping that they would at the very least return the FBI check to me without the stamp. In the meantime, I called the Houston consulate expressing my concern about the timing and they said I could apply for my visa with the un-Apostilled background check as long as I had it Apostilled upon arriving to Spain (I'm not sure if this info applies to other consulates but just letting you know what they said to me). SO, I was waiting for what I expected to be the un-Apostilled FBI check in the mail so that I could at least send that to the consulate with my application. I was preparing to start the entire background check process over (I got new fingerprints, etc.), but I guess I won't do that now. It looks like I can send off my application to the Houston consulate, so I just hope the turnaround time is 4 weeks, like they told me on the phone. I'm not sure how or why they Apostilled my background check without the FBI stamp/signature though. Has this happened to anyone else?

Jta1188 · « **Reply #139 on:** July 09, 2011, 03:01:02 AM »

Karaespana, did you send your background check through USPS and did you ever get an email saying they had received it? I sent mine around June 15 and am still waiting to hear that they have it.

Jlemien · « **Reply #140 on:** July 09, 2011, 09:03:56 PM »

I sent my FBI background in the the U.S. State Department for the apostille on May 23rd, and I just got it back a few days ago on July 1st. I never got any information indicating that the U.S. State Department had received my documents. Apparently sometimes it can take up to 6 weeks. Note that I did not include a prepaid return envelope or anything like that.

karaespana · « **Reply #141 on:** July 09, 2011, 10:29:44 PM »

I didn't receive an email or notification either, how I did include a self-addressed, stamped (just regular mail) envelope.

holdynb · « **Reply #142 on:** July 13, 2011, 07:25:51 PM »

I highly recommend US Legalization service! For 45.00 (this includes the 8.00 fee for the Department of State to apostille) they did everything within 3 days. They take it to the DoS the next day after you mail everything to them and send it back the day they get it apostilled. it is fast and worth the 45 bucks!! I sent it to them last Thursday and had it back in my hands this past Monday.

LisaLoo · « **Reply #143 on:** July 15, 2011, 06:44:19 AM »

Quote from: holdynb on July 13, 2011, 07:25:51 PM

I highly recommend US Legalization service! For 45.00 (this includes the 8.00 fee for the Department of State to apostille) they did everything within 3 days. They take it to the DoS the next day after you mail everything to them and send it back the day they get it apostilled. it is fast and worth the 45 bucks!! I sent it to them last Thursday and had it back in my hands this past Monday.

I made the mistake of getting the Apostille from the Secretary of State instead of the Dept of State and the San Francisco consulate would not accept it! The woman working at the consulate nearly gave me a heart-attack when she told me that I'd have to re-send everything to get the apostille and that it'd take another 5 weeks--if they would accept my FBI Background check from April. Luckily everything else in my application was ok. She processed my visa, I just have to come back when I have the correct apostille.
I'm going to try this site! It's way cheaper than the other apostille sites I've been seeing.

Thanks so much for the link Holdynb.

Jta1188 · « **Reply #144 on:** July 21, 2011, 07:09:29 PM »

Just got my Apostille back from DC today. I sent it June 14 through regular mail, so it was about 5 weeks door to door (and probably about 4 weeks worth of processing).

mantler · « **Reply #145 on:** July 21, 2011, 08:11:58 PM »

I got my Apostille back today from the State Dept., almost exactly 15 business days after they received it (June 30th). I included a prepaid express mail envelope with it, which they sent out yesterday. TOTALLY WORTH the $18.30 to not have to worry about it anymore!! What a relief, since I forgot to include the check for the Apostille fee and mailed that a week later, with a cover letter explaining the situation... I was afraid that they wouldn't get matched up!

branrific · « **Reply #146 on:** July 21, 2011, 09:09:01 PM »

Quote from: holdynb on July 13, 2011, 07:25:51 PM

I highly recommend US Legalization service! For 45.00 (this includes the 8.00 fee for the Department of State to apostille) they did everything within 3 days. They take it to the DoS the next day after you mail everything to them and send it back the day they get it apostilled. it is fast and worth the 45 bucks!! I sent it to them last Thursday and had it back in my hands this past Monday.

I just sent my background check to US Legalization, too. I sure hope they come through with it. I was a little suspicious, but after seeing this post, I feel affirmed!

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