Korean Documents for United States

The United States is the most common destination for Koreans needing document legalization. Whether you are applying for a US visa, submitting immigration filings to USCIS, enrolling in a US university, or working through a K-1 fiancé visa, your Korean documents must be apostilled by the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and accompanied by a certified English translation. Our specialists handle the full process — from obtaining the original document to delivering the apostilled and translated package.

Requirements & key facts

The US joined the Hague Apostille Convention — apostille (not embassy legalization) is the correct certification for Korean documents used in the US

USCIS requires both an apostille and a certified English translation for all non-English documents

Apostille is issued by the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) — processing takes 3–10 business days; express service available

WES (World Education Services) credential evaluation requires apostilled transcripts and diplomas with certified translation

Criminal background checks for US immigration must come from the Korean National Police Agency and be apostilled

Power of attorney allows a Korean representative to obtain and process your documents if you are already abroad

Apostille guides by document type

Step-by-step instructions for each Korean document you need apostilled for United States.

Birth Certificate Diploma Academic Transcript Marriage Certificate Criminal Background Check Power of Attorney Family Register Corporate Registration

Available services for United States

Apostille Certified Translation Notarization

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Korean documents need to be apostilled for a US visa application?

The documents required depend on the visa type. For most immigrant visas (IR-1, CR-1, K-1), you typically need an apostilled birth certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable), and criminal background check, all with certified English translations. For student visas (F-1), an apostilled diploma or transcript may be required by the university.

Does USCIS accept documents that have only been translated, without an apostille?

USCIS requires that foreign-language documents be submitted with a certified English translation. While USCIS does not always explicitly require an apostille for every document, immigration attorneys and the receiving consulate often require it to authenticate the source document. We strongly recommend apostilling all Korean source documents before submission.

How long does it take to apostille a Korean document for the US?

Standard MOFA apostille processing in Korea takes 3–10 business days after the document is submitted. Express (urgent) service is available for 1–3 business days. Total turnaround including certified translation is typically 1–2 weeks.

Can I have my Korean documents apostilled if I am currently in the United States?

Yes. We use a power of attorney arrangement so a verified specialist in Korea can obtain your documents from the relevant Korean authorities and process the apostille on your behalf. You do not need to return to Korea.

Featured Partners

LnA Certified Translation & International Litigation Support JOYCE Legal Advisory & Certified Public Translation Office James Apostille, Translation, Notary, Consular Legalization HOLA Certified Translation & Administrative Office On-Admin Eugine Administrative Agent Office

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