Visa, Legal & Legalization Glossary
30 terms our clients ask most — Notary, Apostille, NAATI, PCC, sponsorship, and more — with direct links into the iVC service pages.
Notary & Legalization(4)
Apostille
A single international certificate under the 1961 Hague Convention that lets a document cross borders without embassy legalisation.
Consular Legalization
The final link of chain legalisation in which the destination country's embassy certifies the Thai MFA seal.
Legalization
The process by which a government authority certifies a document so it can be used abroad.
Notary Public
A licensed attorney who certifies signatures and documents for use abroad.
Translation(2)
Documents(7)
Affidavit
A written statement of facts sworn under oath and certified by a Notary Public.
Affidavit of Support (I-134/I-864)
A US sponsor's binding promise to financially support the applicant.
Invitation Letter
A letter from a host in the destination country supporting a visit/business visa.
Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)
An official certificate stating that the applicant has no criminal record — issued by the Royal Thai Police.
Power of Attorney (POA)
A legal document granting one person authority to act on behalf of another — notarised and legalised for cross-border use.
Proof of Funds
Evidence that the applicant has sufficient funds for the intended stay.
Statement of Purpose (SoP)
An essay setting out the applicant's intent and study/career plan.
Visa Process(9)
Background Check
A check of an applicant's criminal, employment, education, or credit history.
Biometric Enrolment
Mandatory fingerprint and photo capture for visa applications.
E-Visa
An entirely digital visa applied for online — no embassy visit, no passport sticker.
Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE)
An Australian/New Zealand requirement that the applicant intends to stay temporarily.
Multiple-Entry Visa (MEV)
A visa allowing multiple entries over its validity period.
Sponsorship
An employer, institution or individual formally backing a visa applicant.
Visa on Arrival (VOA)
A visa issued at the destination's immigration checkpoint upon arrival.
Visa Refusal
An embassy's formal rejection of a visa application, citing the section of law relied on.
Visa Stamp / Vignette
The sticker issued by an embassy or immigration office in a passport.
Immigration Status(4)
Naturalization
Acquiring a country's citizenship after residency and statutory qualifications.
Permanent Residence (PR)
Long-term resident status without annual visa renewal.
Re-Entry Permit
Permit allowing Thai long-stay visa holders to leave and re-enter without losing status.
Thailand Work Permit
Permit issued by the Department of Employment authorising foreigners to work in Thailand.
Authorities & Bodies(4)
Embassy vs Consulate
Embassies are political missions in capitals; consulates provide civilian services elsewhere.
MFA Thailand — Department of Consular Affairs
Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs unit that legalises documents and issues Apostilles.
Schengen Area
A 29-country European zone with a shared visa and border regime.
VFS Global / TLScontact / BLS International
Outsourced visa application centres operating on behalf of embassies.
30 terms · 6 categories