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So, when that sneaky little apostille reared it's ugly head, I set two things in motion as quickly as possible.  First, I went and requested another background check with the annotation that I would need an apostille for that document.  Then, I sent my first background check to get the apostille, even though technically it doesn't qualify.

Well....Ta-da!

I got my original background check back and it did get the apostille.  Now all I need to do is hope that the consulate will accept it, but I think I'm going to be fine.  But don't worry, I'm not getting over confident, I'm still going to send the other background check in for an apostille as soon as I get it back.  No sense in not keeping Plan B in motion until Plan A is completely successful. I'm not going to lose Spain over paperwork, no siree.

[uh-pos-til]

Apostille.  I will never forget this word.  It has caused me more grief than the entire application process put together.  An apostille is like an international notarization.  In order to get your visa at the Houston Consulate your background check must have an Apostille.  In order to get the Apostille on your background check you must note that you will be needing that on the application for the background check.  Before you send it in.

I only found out about this little notation about two weeks ago.  It is estimated to take 6 weeks for the background check to come back.  Another 2 weeks for the background check to come back from actually receiving the apostille and another 3 weeks for the visa.  That's if there are no delays.  My take off date is September 13th, and I'm suddenly very worried about making it.  Especially because I'm hearing rumors of the apostille taking 4 weeks.

All I can say is:  Always read all of the directions.  No matter how familiar you are with the list of needed documents, read EVERY word. No skimming on things like Visa applications.