PSA e-Certificates and DFA e-Apostilles form an electronic authenticated set for eligible Hague Convention use. The receiving authority still decides whether it accepts that set or requests a separate SECPA paper certificate.
- For PSA e-Certificates intended for Apostille Convention countries, DFA issues a digital e-Apostille. Non-member destinations use a physical Certificate of Authentication, while non-PSA documents may use a different route.
- Printing an e-Apostille invalidates it (DFA official rule). It must be submitted electronically as a PDF.
- USCIS, NVC, IRCC, Home Affairs, and UKVI requirements differ by application stage; use the current authority checklist rather than assuming one format works everywhere.
- UAE is not a Hague member. Apostille has no legal force there; a consular attestation chain is required.
- In all ambiguous cases, the safest approach is: physical PSA on SECPA + e-Apostille, with the authority’s acceptance of the e-Apostille confirmed in advance.
Critical #1: Printing an e-Apostille invalidates it
An e-Apostille is a digital document and should be submitted electronically in its original form. If a physical document is needed, obtain the PSA SECPA copy separately and confirm the authentication route with the receiving authority.
Critical #2: PSA e-Certificate ≠ scan of physical PSA
A PSA e-Certificate is a digital document, while a SECPA copy is a separately issued physical document. The receiving authority decides which format is acceptable. Check its current document checklist rather than assuming one format works everywhere.
Which route do you need?
Is the destination country a Hague Apostille Convention member?
If No (UAE, etc.) → Obtain physical PSA on SECPA + DFA Certificate of Authentication + embassy/MOFA attestation chain.
If Yes — will the authority accept e-Apostille electronically (confirmed in advance)?
If confirmed Yes → Order PSA e-Certificate + DFA e-Apostille; submit as PDF with the online registry verification link.
If No or Uncertain → Confirm whether the authority needs a physical PSA SECPA copy, digital e-Apostille, or another authentication route before ordering.
Never print an e-Apostille — a printed copy has no legal validity and must be submitted as a PDF.
Acceptance by Country (2026)
USCIS / NVC / US Embassy Manila
U.S. document requirements differ between petition, NVC, and interview stages. Use the current official checklist for the specific case. A PSA e-Certificate and DFA e-Apostille are digital documents; if a physical PSA original is requested, obtain the SECPA copy separately. Do not assume an Apostille is required unless the receiving authority says so.
IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada)
IRCC requirements vary by application and document. Confirm whether the current checklist accepts a PSA e-Certificate, requests a scan of a physical SECPA copy, or requires authentication. An e-Apostille remains a digital document and should be submitted in its original electronic form.
Department of Home Affairs
Home Affairs requirements depend on the visa and document. Confirm whether the current checklist requests an uploaded civil record, a physical SECPA copy, or authentication. If DFA authentication is specifically required, the PSA e-Certificate and e-Apostille form the electronic authenticated set from March 16, 2026; any SECPA paper record is separate.
UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration)
UKVI requirements depend on the visa route and document. Confirm whether the current checklist requests an uploaded civil record, a physical SECPA copy, or authentication. If DFA authentication is specifically required, the PSA e-Certificate and e-Apostille form the electronic authenticated set from March 16, 2026; any SECPA paper record is separate.
ICP / UAE MOFA (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security)
UAE is NOT a Hague Apostille Convention member. Apostille — whether e-Apostille or paper — carries no legal force in UAE. Required process: (1) Obtain physical PSA on SECPA, (2) DFA issues a Certificate of Authentication (not Apostille) via the "paper route" for non-Hague countries, (3) UAE Embassy/Consulate attestation in the Philippines, (4) UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) attestation in UAE. Do not use e-Apostille for UAE submissions.
Summary Table
| Authority | e-Apostille PDF upload | Printed e-Apostille | Physical SECPA required |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 USA (USCIS) | △ Check filing rules | ✗ Not the original file | △ Check the interview notice |
| 🇺🇸 USA (NVC/Embassy) | △ Check case instructions | ✗ Not the original file | △ Check the interview notice |
| 🇨🇦 Canada (IRCC) | Check current checklist | Check current checklist | Varies by application |
| 🇦🇺 Australia (DHA) | △ Scan upload OK | ✗ Invalid | ✓ Safer with SECPA |
| 🇬🇧 UK (UKVI) | △ Upload permitted | ✗ Invalid | ✓ Safer with SECPA |
| 🇦🇪 UAE (ICP/MOFA) | ✗ Apostille not recognized | ✗ N/A | ✓ + Embassy attestation chain |
Always use the latest official checklist from the receiving authority. Requirements can change and may differ by application stage.
Recommended Approach
If authority confirms e-Apostille electronically
Order PSA e-Certificate + DFA e-Apostille (PDF). Submit the PDF file electronically via the immigration portal. Provide the online registry verification link. Never print.
Canada · Australia · UK · US (USCIS filing)
Use the document format listed in the current official checklist. Do not substitute a printed e-Apostille for the original digital file.
US NVC / US Embassy Manila
The physical PSA on SECPA is required at the interview. Prepare physical originals regardless of what was uploaded digitally at the NVC stage — but note DFA now authenticates PSA documents with an electronic e-Apostille (no paper sticker), so confirm how the Embassy wants authentication presented.
UAE
Physical PSA on SECPA → DFA Certificate of Authentication → UAE Embassy attestation in Philippines → UAE MoFA attestation. Apostille (any format) is not applicable.
Not sure which route applies to your case?
We confirm the exact document format required by your immigration authority before you order. We handle the PSA online application and DFA e-Apostille (electronic) on your behalf, and advise on obtaining the physical PSA on SECPA where an authority expects the paper document.
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