DFA authentication

[jannapalmer 10]

Hi again! So as I await for my visa, I've been researching about diff stuff related to visa and immigration.

So, like most of you, I hope to be able to work after I get my green card (I know it won't be right away) but I just wanna have everything ready.

My question is, do I have to have all my professional documents like PRC license and certificate, university diploma, or even extra birth and marriage certificates authenticated by DFA? is it advisable to do it before I leave or just do it after?

anyone has done this before? how long does it take and what are the fees? Thanks

Edited May 26, 2016 by jannapalmer

[Hank_ 9,173]

Nope, documents do not have to be certified by DFA.

[jannapalmer 10]

So if I apply for a job in the US (hopefully something related to my field as an occupational therapist), it's okay to just give them the certificates and documents I have? no need for a red ribbon?

[Hank_ 9,173]

No Red Ribbon. No one outside the Phils would even know what a Red Ribbon is.

For professional certifications there are U.S. requirements of course - but they don't involve a Red Ribbon.

As I always say, the only Red Ribbon needed during any of this visa process ... is a cake! for celebrating once you have the visa.

[jannapalmer 10]

No Red Ribbon. No one outside the Phils would even know what a Red Ribbon is.

For professional certifications there are U.S. requirements of course - but they don't involve a Red Ribbon.

As I always say, the only Red Ribbon needed during any of this visa process ... is a cake! for celebrating once you have the visa.

hahah! love the cake idea. ughh, I can't wait to get my visa!

[Hank_ 9,173]

hahah! love the cake idea. ughh, I can't wait to get my visa!

Ya their cakes are pretty good ~

[jannapalmer 10]

Came across this

http://www.mypilipinas.com/dfa-red-ribbon.html

[Hank_ 9,173]

Yup. Still have never come across anyone needing a Red Ribbon certification outside the Philippines.

Like said some professional certifications have a different process, there are companies that certificate college records and such... but not red ribbon

[ButterFinger 14]

I used to work in student affairs for a technical school before. And the only time our students were required to have their documents "red ribbon-ed" was if they were hired through a local agency. And it doesn't even happen all the time, some agencies don't even ask for it.

Hank is right, only cakes for Red Ribbon! YUM!

Edited May 27, 2016 by ButterFinger

[jannapalmer 10]

okies, thanks!

with such long anticipation,, I'm so definitely getting a Red Ribbon cake once my visa arrives lol

[joglen1210 10]

you can bring some of your educational credentials in the US, but apparently, when you apply for a job (specially that requires college degrees), unless the college/university is accredited, or the course is Nursing or IT, it will not have any bearing - it will help, but, the first thing that they will ask you is - if you have any (US) experience and that you can do the job that is required. I used to work for an accreditation of your profession - (i suggest) you may want to get back to school (in the US) for an additional period if you wanted to be certified. Invest your money in education in the US and not waste your time and money with the thing "authentication`". Good Luck!!

Edited May 27, 2016 by joglen1210

[jannapalmer 10]

Thanks for the input. Fortunately my university is US accredited. But I won't still be able to work as an OT there coz US requires OTs trained abroad to pass their national and state licensure exams, and for me to be even be eligible to take requires that I have a master's degree.

I could maybe try out other jobs or become an OT assistant whatever for the mean time

[joglen1210 10]

Thanks for the input. Fortunately my university is US accredited. But I won't still be able to work as an OT there coz US requires OTs trained abroad to pass their national and state licensure exams, and for me to be even be eligible to take requires that I have a master's degree.

I could maybe try out other jobs or become an OT assistant whatever for the mean time

That's good - if you can invest in additional education (MA or DPT), it will be better for you in the long run. People here start from the bottom and work their way up and if you have credentials (from apta), then you are good to go. Welcome to the US