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Can you tell me which mistakes to avoid when I get my documents apostilled for studying abroad?

19 Oct 2026 · Answered by Disha Roy Choudhury · 1 min read
Quick Answer verified

Small errors cause delays in apostille attestation. You should avoid submitting laminated documents, using fake agents and skipping the country check. The MEA cannot stick a permanent apostille sticker on plastic, and a genuine apostille has a square sticker with a generated number. Always check the destination country's embassy website.

Disha Roy Choudhury
Disha Roy Choudhury Verified
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Small errors cause delays in apostille attestation. You should avoid submitting laminated documents, using fake agents and skipping the country check. The MEA cannot stick a permanent apostille sticker on plastic, and a genuine apostille has a square sticker with a generated number.

Mistakes to Avoid

MistakeWhat to know
Laminated documentsA sticker generally cannot go on lamination, so you may need to remove it first, which can damage the paper
Fake agentsSome only use a rubber stamp. A genuine apostille has a square sticker with a generated number
Wrong countryCheck that your destination country is on the Hague Convention list, because rules can change

How to Stay Safe

  • Use government-authorised agencies.
  • Check your destination country's requirements on its embassy website before you start.
  • Handle lamination removal carefully, since it is risky.

My Advice

Before you submit anything, confirm the destination country's apostille rules on its official embassy page. Check every sticker for the generated number when you receive your documents back.

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