Long Stay Visa Services – Apostille, Notarization, Fingerprinting & More in Lake Oswego, Beaverton, Hillsboro, and Portland
Applying for a Long Stay Visa in the United States is often one of the most important steps in someone’s personal or professional journey. Whether you are moving to the U.S. for work, education, family reunification, medical treatment, or extended travel, the process requires a thorough preparation of your documents. Unlike short-term tourist visas, a Long Stay Visa demands official documents that must be fingerprinted, notarized, apostilled, background-checked, and in some cases translated.
At PDX Fingerprinting, we provide end-to-end support in preparing these documents to meet the strict standards of the U.S. Department of State, USCIS, and foreign consulates. With physical offices in Lake Oswego, Beaverton, Hillsboro, and Portland, Oregon, we are the trusted partner for individuals, families, and professionals navigating this process.
What is a Long Stay Visa?
A Long Stay Visa (sometimes referred to as a National Visa) allows foreign nationals to stay in the United States for more than 90 days. It is usually issued for;
- Work and employment contracts.
- Higher education (University/PhD Programs.)
- Family reunification and dependent visas.
- Medical treatment or research.
- Retirement or long-term residency programs.
Each visa type falls under categories such as Work Visa (H-1B, L-1, O-1, etc.), Study Visa (F-1, J-1, M-1), Family Visa (IR, CR categories), or Investment/Retirement Visa.
While the visa interview and application process itself is important, the documentation requirements are the most time-consuming and complex part. This is where fingerprinting, notarization, apostille, background checks, and translation services come into play.
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Documents Required for a Long Stay Visa
Depending on your purpose of stay, the following documents are typically required for a U.S. Long Stay Visa. Some must be notarized, apostilled, translated, or submitted with fingerprints to prove authenticity.
Documents that Need Fingerprinting
- FBI Background Check Report
- Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)
- State Background Checks (Oregon State Police, etc.)
- Employment Verification (for security-sensitive jobs)
Mobile Fingerprinting Services
Documents that Need Notarization
- Affidavits & Oaths
- Power of Attorney (POA)
- Wills & Trusts (for dependent or family visas)
- Parental Consent Letters for minors
Notary Services
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Documents that Need Apostille (for Hague Convention Countries)
- Birth Certificates
- Marriage Certificates
- Divorce Decrees
- Academic Transcripts and Diplomas
Apostille Services
Documents that Need Translation
- Foreign-language Birth/Marriage/Death Certificates
- Academic Transcripts & Diplomas
- Legal contracts
Document Translation Services
Documents that Need Background Checks
- FBI Background Check (required by U.S. consulates)
- State Police Records
- Employer & Licensing Background Verifications
Country-Wise Requirements for Long Stay Visa Documentation
When applying for a Long Stay Visa, the authentication process of your documents depends on your country of origin.
Hague Convention Countries (Apostille Required)
If your country is part of the 1961 Hague Apostille Convention, you need to apostille your official documents. This single-step authentication is recognized by the United States.
Examples:
-
- France – Birth Certificate, Marriage Certificate, FBI Background Check → Apostille.
- France – Birth Certificate, Marriage Certificate, FBI Background Check → Apostille.
- Italy – University Diploma, Police Clearance Certificate → Apostille.
- Mexico – Birth Certificate, Background Check → Apostille.
Non-Hague Convention Countries (Authentication Required)
If your country is not a member of the Hague Convention, documents require a multi-step authentication process. This usually includes:
1.Notarization
2.Authentication from Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA)
3.U.S. Embassy/Consulate Legalization
Examples:
- China – Birth Certificate, Educational Documents → Notarization + MFA + U.S. Embassy legalization.
- UAE – Police Clearance, Marriage Certificate → MFA + U.S. Consulate.
- Pakistan – Academic Transcripts, CNIC copies → Notarization + MFA + Embassy.
Quick Comparison: Hague vs. Non-Hague
|
Requirement |
Hague Convention Countries |
Non-Hague Countries |
|
Apostille Needed |
✅ Yes |
❌ No |
|
Notarization Needed |
Sometimes |
✅ Always |
|
MFA Authentication |
❌ Not Required |
✅ Required |
|
U.S. Embassy Legalization |
❌ Not Required |
✅ Required |
Download Full Country-Wise Checklist (PDF) – From Homepage
Step-by-Step Process for U.S. Long Stay Visa Documentation
Gather Documents
Collect birth, marriage, academic, employment, and police records.
Notarization
Notarize affidavits, powers of attorney, and parental consents.
Background Check
Get an FBI fingerprint background check.
Apostille/Authentication
Depending on your country, apostille or embassy-legalize your documents.
Translation
Translate all non-English documents by certified translators.
Submission
Submit your visa application package to the U.S. consulate.
Common Mistakes Applicants Make
- Submitting non-apostilled documents from Hague countries.
- Forgetting to notarize affidavits before apostille.
- Providing non-certified translations that are rejected by USCIS.
- Relying on digital-only background checks without fingerprints.
- Not checking country-specific legalization rules.
Why Choose PDX Fingerprinting?
- All-in-One Services – Fingerprinting, Apostille, Notarization, Translation.
- Local Oregon Offices – Lake Oswego, Beaverton, Hillsboro, Portland.
- Mobile Services – We come to you for fingerprinting and notarization.
- Trusted Nationwide – Serving individuals, law firms, schools, and corporations.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs.
Yes, most U.S. consulates require an FBI fingerprint-based background check.
You must go through notarization, MFA authentication, and U.S. consulate legalization.
No. All documents must be translated into English by certified translators.
Typically 1–3 weeks, depending on the document type and issuing country.
Conclusion
Applying for a Long Stay Visa in the U.S. is a complex process that involves multiple steps of verification, authentication, and documentation. With PDX Fingerprinting, you can simplify this journey from fingerprinting and background checks to notarization, apostille, and translation services.
We ensure your documents are prepared correctly the first time, saving you delays, rejections, and unnecessary stress.
Visit PDX Fingerprinting today and let us handle your Long Stay Visa documentation with speed and accuracy.
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