<p>Want to apply for an apostille US birth certificate and an apostille US marriage certificate for an OCI card in the US but do not know anything about it? For overseas citizens of India (OCI), a birth or marriage certificate is often essential when applying for an OCI card. In this, apostilling is a globally recognised process of verifying public documents for submission or use in another nation, which is a part of the Hague Convention. The convention simplifies the use of public documents overseas, abolishing the need for Foreign Public Documents. However, the process gets complicated if you are not familiar with the requirements and procedure. To help you, in this blog, we will talk about the latest rules and process of getting an apostille US marriage certificate and an apostille US birth certificate for OCI from the United States. In addition, we will also know how Visament is the right choice to assist you in applying for the apostille certificate from the US. So, let's start reading and solving all your queries.</p>
<h2>What is an Apostille, and Why is it Needed for OCI?</h2>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">An apostille is a process of checking the authenticity, originality, and correctness of any document issued by the government. Any document that has an apostille stamp is accepted as a legal document in all Hague nations, including the US and India. If you have an apostille document, it means:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><span data-preserver-spaces="true">The submitted document is genuine.</span></li>
<li><span data-preserver-spaces="true">A reliable government authority issues it.</span></li>
<li><span data-preserver-spaces="true">The contents mentioned in the documents are correct.</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">In simple words, an apostille stamp helps the foreign nation to accept the submitted documents without any suspicion of fraud. Considering this, you also need an apostille stamp on your birth or marriage certificate if it is issued in the US or any country for the OCI application. Depending on the OCI category type you are applying for, you need to submit different documents.</span></p>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Moving further</span><span data-preserver-spaces="true">, let's understand the role of an apostilled birth certificate and a marriage certificate for an OCI application in the USA</span></p>
<h2>Role of Apostille Birth Certificate for OCI Card in the USA</h2>
<p>Applying for an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card in the US requires several supporting documents, including the birth certificate of a person. It serves as evidence of origin for the applicant or demonstrates their ancestral ties to India. To be accepted legally in India, a US birth certificate should be apostilled. Under the 124 Hague countries, India is one of them, which is why an apostilled birth certificate for OCI cards is needed during the process. It verifies the validity and authenticity of the submitted document. Additionally, here is why a birth certificate is generally apostilled for an OCI application in the USA.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Parentage Proof:</strong> It is needed when the OCI applicant is a child of Indian-origin parents.</li>
<li><strong>Ancestry Proof:</strong> Requires showing an ancestral connection to India for OCI card eligibility.</li>
<li><strong>Other Family Connection:</strong> In situations where Indian officials verify a family connection and relationship.</li>
</ul>
<p>If you are applying for the OCI card based on your parents or grandparents, an apostilled birth certificate is needed for the process. Additionally, the apostille process is done in the country where the original document was granted. For instance, if you are living in the US, you need to provide an apostille US birth certificate for the OCI card. The government of India is not authorised to provide an apostille certificate for documents issued in a foreign country.<br>This is all about an apostilled birth certificate and its role in the OCI card. Moving further, let's know the importance of an apostille marriage certificate for the OCI process.</p>
<h2>Role of Apostille Marriage Certificate for OCI Card in the USA</h2>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Like the birth certificate, to apply for an OCI card in the US as a married individual, it is vital to provide the name of your spouse. The key purpose of the apostille marriage certificate for the OCI card is to show that the spousal relationship relies on marital status. In addition, the requirement appears from the fact that the name of the spouse will be on the OCI card. </span><span data-preserver-spaces="true">This</span><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> makes it essential to provide relationship proof, such as a valid marriage certificate. Furthermore, here is why a marriage certificate is commonly apostille for OCI application in the USA.</span></p>
<ul>
<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Apostille for OCI Applications:</span></strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> When an Indian spouse applies for an OCI card, they are required to submit an apostille marriage certificate with other essential documents. It serves as evidence to prove the identity of an Indian spouse or to establish the claim of Indian origin for a partner. </span></li>
<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Recognition in India:</span></strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> As mentioned above, India is also one of the countries that are members of the Hague Convention, and an apostille US marriage certificate serves as a valid document when applying for an OCI card.</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">In short, the apostille on the marriage certificate is used as a stamp of legal validity and authenticity, certifying that the provided document is genuine by Indian officials when used for OCI applications. </span><span data-preserver-spaces="true">This</span><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> is all about the role of an apostille marriage certificate for OCI cards. With this, anyone who is applying for an OCI card in the USA is explicitly required to get an apostille for supporting documents. The OCI document submission is based on the application, whether it is based on parents holding an OCI card or applying based on marriage. Further, if you are married or born in the United States and visiting a different Hague nation from India, you should apostille the above-stated documents. Moving ahead, let's know what the importance of the OCI card is and why overseas citizens of India require it.</span></p>
<h2>Who Issues Apostille Marriage and Apostille Birth Certificate in the US?</h2>
<p>Two governmental bodies issue the apostille services in the US. First, the State Secretary, who apostilles the documents granted by the state. In addition, second, the U.S. Department of State (USDOS) provides the apostille certificate granted by the federal government. In simple words, the apostille certificate grantation in the US depends on the issuance of the document.<br>Now that you know who issues the apostille marriage and apostille birth certificate in the US, let's talk about the application process, time, and fees in the country.</p>
<h2>Apostille Application Process, Time, and Fees in the US</h2>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">To apply for an apostille certificate in the US, follow the steps below:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Identify the Document Issued Authority:</span></strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> As stated above, the apostille certificate in the US is issued by two government bodies, i.e., the State Secretary and the USDOS. So, before applying for the process, first identify the issuing authority. For instance, documents such as a US marriage certificate, power of attorney, OCI birth certificate apostille, etc., are under the State Jurisdiction. Therefore, here the apostille will be provided by the State Secretary.</span></li>
<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Gather the Required Documents:</span></strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> For an apostille stamp, you need to provide original documents to the issuing authority. In addition, you need to fill out the application form and cover letter provided by the issuing authority and then submit them along with the required documents.</span></li>
<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Pay the Fee:</span></strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> When applying for an apostille stamp, you need to pay the fee. The price of it may vary depending on the state where your document was issued. In addition, it also relies on whether you apply for the normal or expedited services.</span></li>
<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Receive Documents:</span></strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> Within the given processing time, receive your documents back to your mentioned address via courier.</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">This</span><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> is how you can apply for an apostille US birth certificate and an apostille US marriage certificate for OCI cards. However, during the application process, you need to take the help of an agency like Visament to process your apostille certificate, as you cannot apply for this alone. We are a trusted and reliable apostille service provider globally. Additionally, over the years, we have provided our assistance to many people. So, contact us today and let us handle the apostille process for you for your </span><em><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://visament.com/oci-card" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">OCI Application</span></a></em><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://visament.com/oci-card" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> </a><span data-preserver-spaces="true">in the US.</span></p>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Now, moving further, let's know the apostille process time and fees in the US.</span></p>
<h3>Apostille Process Time and Fees in the US</h3>
<p>The apostille processing time in the US depends on whether the federal agency or the state government issues the document. Generally, you get the federal apostille in 6-8 weeks and the state apostille in 4 to 14 business days in the US. In addition, the apostille processing time in the US is also affected because of the document type, the increased number of applications, and the applied service type, i.e., whether regular or expedited.<br>Moreover, the cost of the apostille process also depends on the state where the document was issued. Additionally, it also varies whether you applied for standard or expedited processing service. To provide you with an idea of this, here is a breakdown of the apostille fees charged in the US:</p>
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; border-color: #ffffff;" border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<th style="border-color: #ffffff;">Sr. No</th>
<th style="border-color: #ffffff;">Description</th>
<th style="border-color: #ffffff;">Fee (in $)</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-color: #ffffff;">1</td>
<td style="border-color: #ffffff;">US Department of State Apostille</td>
<td style="border-color: #ffffff;">$20.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-color: #ffffff;">2</td>
<td style="border-color: #ffffff;">Secretary of State Apostille</td>
<td style="border-color: #ffffff;">$15.00 (State Secretary, Washington D.C.)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-color: #ffffff;">3</td>
<td style="border-color: #ffffff;">Document Notarization</td>
<td style="border-color: #ffffff;">$5.00 (D.C. Notary, Washington)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-color: #ffffff;">4</td>
<td style="border-color: #ffffff;">Embassy Legalization</td>
<td style="border-color: #ffffff;">Varies as per the embassy</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>Along with the mentioned fees, you also need to pay the service charges to the apostille agency to process your application. For quality services and pocket-friendly prices, contact Visament. Apart from this, you can also apply for an apostille of Indian documents in the USA. Our experts can assist you with this.<br>Now, moving further, let's discuss the challenges that occur in apostilling US birth and marriage certificates for OCI cards independently.</p>
<h2>Challenges When Apostilling Birth and Marriage Certificates for OCI Card</h2>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">The process of obtaining an apostille US birth and marriage certificate for an OCI card can be challenging when handled independently because of the following reasons:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">State-Specific Needs:</span></strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> For apostilling birth and marriage certificates, each US state may have a different process. </span><span data-preserver-spaces="true">This</span><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> makes the process quite complicated for individuals who do not have a proper understanding of it.</span></li>
<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Several Steps and Verifications:</span></strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> An apostille often needs verification by state or country officials before processing.</span></li>
<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Risk of Delay:</span></strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> Errors or missing information can lead to delays in the process, affecting OCI application timelines.</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">With Visament, you do not come across these challenges. We offer you a reliable and fast solution, handling all the steps required for the apostille to be verified in India at competitive price rates. Still confused? Let's know how our experts simplify the US apostilling process for you.</span></p>
<h2>How Visament Simplifies the US Apostilling Process?</h2>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">With Visament Apostille services, you can do your apostille US birth certificate for an OCI card entirely online. Here is how it works:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Online Document Submission:</span></strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> Visit the official site of Visament and upload a digital copy of your birth or marriage certificate through our platform.</span></li>
<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Expert Verification:</span></strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> Our experts will review your uploaded documents to ensure they match all the requirements of a US apostille.</span></li>
<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Apostille Certification:</span></strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> With the relevant US state officials, our experts manage the apostille certification process.</span></li>
<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Delivery Options:</span></strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> Get your apostille birth or marriage certificate by mail or digital delivery, ready for your OCI application.</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">This</span><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> is how we simplify the US apostilling process for you. In addition, we also provide </span><em><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://visament.com/blog/apostille-birth-and-marriage-certificate-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Apostille Birth and Apostille Marriage Certificate India</span></a></em><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> services to our clients. So, whenever you need assistance with apostille services, do consider us for your help.</span></p>
<h2>Start Apostille for OCI Card from Visament Today</h2>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Obtaining an apostille US birth certificate and an apostille US marriage certificate for OCI is a vital step in maintaining your ties with India and having a long-term visa. While the process can be daunting, however, understanding the rules and regulations will make it simple. Additionally, if you need assistance with obtaining your apostille US marriage certificate or apostille US birth certificate for OCI, </span><em><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://visament.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Visament</span></a></em><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> is just a click away. Contact us or visit our site to start your apostilling process today.</span></p>