Apostille

Individuals who want to utilize Canadian documents abroad for legal, business or educational purposes may need to undergo a process to have them verified by Canadian government authorities so that they will be recognized in other countries. There are two ways to do this: Apostille, or Authentication and Legalization.

Obtaining an apostille is a process of authenticating documents in countries that are a part of the Hague Apostille Convention. Canada recently became a part of the Convention, effective January 11, 2024. This move streamlines document authentication procedures and fosters international collaboration, simplifying the recognition of documents across borders for the benefit of individuals, businesses, and organizations.

Authentication and Legalization

The second method is authentication and legalization, where a document is first authenticated by the Canadian government authority, and is then legalized by the consulate or embassy of the country where it will be submitted. To clarify, any Canadian document intended for use in a non-Hague Apostille country, whether for personal or business purposes, must undergo Authentication and Legalization to ensure its legal validity for use in that particular country.

Where Can You get an Apostille for Documents in Canada?

In Canada, several provinces are able to issue apostille certificates as of January 11, 2024. These provinces are Alberta, British Columbia, Quebec, Saskatchewan and Ontario. The Ontario government office that provides certificates is called Official Document Services of the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General.

Global Affairs Canada, previously known as the Department of Foreign Affairs, located in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, provides apostille services for all other provinces and territories. You can check the Global Affairs link below to determine what authority can provide an apostille for your document.

You have the option to courier, mail, present your documents in person, or use a third-party service provider for processing for both Official Document Services and Global Affairs Canada. It is important to verify document requirements with the person or organization where you wish to submit your documents.

How Can Red Seal Notary Help?

Navigating the apostille process and authentication of documents in Canada is crucial for international use, but many complexities and potential delays exist. Red Seal Notary offers a reliable solution, streamlining the process with expertise in researching document requirements, obtaining certified translations, notarization, and efficient document submission. Whether for personal or business needs, our expert assistance ensures proper authentication, minimizes delays, and saves valuable time. Red Seal Notary even offers a 24 – 48 turn-around time if your documents originate in Ontario. Simplify the apostille or authentication journey – trust Red Seal Notary for prompt and professional document services. Please visit our website at www.RedSealNotary.com or contact our helpful call center at 1-888-922-7325 to learn more about our apostille and authentication services.