Diploma Apostille for United States

Korean university diplomas apostilled for the United States are required for US employment visa applications (H-1B, O-1), credential evaluation by WES or other NACES members, professional licensing (medical, legal, engineering boards), and graduate school admissions. USCIS and US employers typically require both an apostille and a certified English translation.

How to apostille a Korean diploma for United States

1Obtain an official copy of your diploma from the issuing Korean university's registrar
2MOFA apostille — standard 3–5 business days, express 1–2 business days
3Arrange a certified English translation with USCIS-compliant certification
4Submit to WES, the relevant US licensing board, employer, or university admissions office

Requirements for United States

Diploma must be issued directly by the Korean university with an official seal — unofficial copies cannot be apostilled
MOFA apostille required
Certified English translation required by WES, USCIS, and most US licensing boards
WES requires diplomas to be sent directly from the university for most evaluations — confirm whether your WES application requires apostille or direct send
Some professional licensing boards (NCLEX, bar exam, state medical boards) have specific translation formatting requirements

What to look for in a specialist

Experience with WES and NACES credential evaluation documentation for Korean diplomas

Knowledge of specific US professional licensing board requirements (medical, nursing, engineering, legal)

USCIS-compliant certified English translation capacity

Ability to handle diplomas from a wide range of Korean universities (public and private)

Combined apostille + translation workflow to meet WES or licensing board deadlines

Frequently Asked Questions

Does WES require a Korean diploma apostille or direct university submission?

WES typically requires transcripts to be sent directly from the institution, but may require apostilled diplomas for certain evaluation types. Requirements vary by WES evaluation type (ECA versus course-by-course). Our experts confirm what your specific WES application requires.

Which Korean universities' diplomas can be apostilled for the US?

Diplomas from all accredited Korean universities (4-year, 2-year, graduate) can be apostilled by MOFA. The diploma must carry the university's official seal. Our experts handle diplomas from all Korean institutions.

Does my Korean diploma need to be apostilled for an H-1B visa?

US employers petitioning for H-1B workers need to demonstrate the applicant's qualifications. While USCIS doesn't always require an apostilled diploma directly, having an apostilled diploma with certified translation strengthens the application and is often requested by USCIS in RFEs.

How long does apostilling a Korean diploma for the US take?

Obtaining the diploma copy from your university: 3–7 business days. MOFA apostille: 3–5 business days (standard) or 1–2 business days (express). Certified translation: 1–2 business days. Total: approximately 7–14 business days from start to finish.

Can I apostille a diploma from a Korean vocational school (전문대) or high school?

Yes. Diplomas from Korean vocational colleges (전문대학교) and high schools can be apostilled by MOFA if they bear an official institutional seal. Our experts handle diplomas from all levels of Korean educational institutions.