WES Announces New Apostille Policy for Original Documents
For over a decade, World Education Services (WES) maintained an “apostille” requirement for several countries. Applicants who studied in those countries needed to mail their original documents, with apostille authentication, to WES. Once their report was complete, their original documents would be returned.
As of May 2021, WES is no longer requiring original documents with apostille/legalization from the following countries:
- Albania
- Armenia
- Azerbaijan
- Belarus
- Georgia
- Kazakhstan
- Kyrgyzstan
- Moldova
- Mongolia
- Russia
- Tajikistan
- Uzbekistan
What Does This Change Mean for Applicants?
Going forward, applicants who studied in the countries listed above will be able to follow standard guidelines for sending academic documents to WES.
That might involve:
- providing a copy of a transcript in a sealed, stamped envelope
- uploading certain types of files (translations or degree certificates)
- having the institution share files through secure electronic transmission
Please follow the steps outlined by your current Required Documents list, located in My Account.
How to Send Academic Documents Electronically
If your institution does not have an electronic transmission partnership with WES, you can encourage them to initiate one. This is the fastest way for your institution to send your documents and can expedite the overall evaluation process.
An official from your institution can use the Contact Us form and express their interest in initiating a secure electronic transmission partnership with WES. Someone will be in touch with the official quickly to explore options.
What To Do If You’ve Already Sent Original Documents
Some applicants who studied in one or more of these “apostille” countries might have already sent their original documents to WES. If that is the case, no further action is needed at this time. WES will return your original documents once your report is complete.
If you have additional documents to send, please log in to My Account and follow the latest instructions alongside your Required Documents.
Other Questions About This Policy Change?
WES is excited to share this policy change, which should make it even easier to obtain a credential evaluation and help thousands of applicants expedite their journeys.
If you have additional questions about how this change might affect you, please Contact Us.
Related Reading
