Apostille

1. What is an Apostille?

If you need to use a Canadian document (such as a university transcript, birth certificate, diploma, or corporate power of attorney) in a foreign country, you may be asked to obtain an apostille to verify that the document is authentic and legally recognized.

An apostille is a form of authentication for public documents that is accepted by countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention (the Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents).

As of January 11, 2024, Canada became a member of the Hague Apostille Convention. This international treaty simplifies the process of using public documents issued in one member country for official use in another member country.

If you are travelling to a Hague Convention member country, your authenticated Canadian documents may be issued with an apostille, which generally eliminates the need for further legalization through embassies or consulates. However, document requirements can vary depending on the destination country and receiving authority. We recommend confirming requirements directly with the relevant embassy, consulate, high commission, or the organization requesting the document.

2. Is Authentication the Same as an Apostille?

In practical terms, authentication and apostille serve the same purpose—they both verify the authenticity of a public document for international use.

The difference depends on the destination country:

• For Hague Convention member countries: your document will typically receive an apostille.
• For non-Hague Convention countries: your document will receive a certificate of authentication, and additional legalization by the destination country’s embassy or consulate may be required.

Ultimately, the receiving country determines whether your Canadian document will be accepted and whether further legalization is necessary. Since requirements vary by country, it is always best to confirm with the relevant foreign authority.

3. Do I Need to Have My Document Notarized Before It Can Be Apostilled?

Some documents must be notarized before they can be authenticated or apostilled, while others do not.

Whether notarization is required depends on the type of document you are submitting. We recommend checking the specific requirements with Global Affairs Canada or Ontario Official Document Services (ODS) before proceeding.

4. Do I Need to Visit Your Office in Person?

No. We can assist with apostille and authentication services even if you are unable to visit our office in person, including if you are located outside of Canada.

In most cases, you simply need to mail the original document to our office, and we will handle the process on your behalf.

5. Should I Use Global Affairs Canada or Ontario Official Document Services (ODS)?

Since January 11, 2024, certain provinces are exclusively responsible for issuing apostilles for documents that are issued or notarized within their jurisdiction.

These provinces include:

• Ontario
• Alberta
• British Columbia
• Quebec
• Saskatchewan

For documents issued or notarized in these provinces, the apostille must be obtained through the applicable provincial authority (such as Ontario Official Document Services).

Global Affairs Canada continues to issue apostilles or authentications for:

• Federal documents (such as RCMP documents)
• Documents issued or notarized in:
  • Manitoba
  • New Brunswick
  • Newfoundland and Labrador
  • Northwest Territories
  • Nova Scotia
  • Nunavut
  • Prince Edward Island
  • Yukon

6. How Can We Assist with Apostille or Authentication?

Whether you require notarization, authentication, or apostille services, we provide a complete solution for clients both in Canada and internationally.

Our services include:

• Meeting with you at one of our affiliated office locations, or receiving your documents by mail
• Notarizing your documents, where required
• Submitting your documents to the appropriate authority (Global Affairs Canada or Ontario Official Document Services)
• Returning the completed documents to you by mail or courier

We aim to provide a convenient, professional, and efficient document authentication service.

7. What Is the Cost of Apostille or Authentication Services?

The cost depends on the complexity of your request.

Factors that may affect pricing include:

• Number of documents requiring authentication
• Whether notarization is required
• Whether embassy or consular legalization is needed
• Processing urgency or courier requirements

For an accurate quote, please contact us with your document details.

We strive to provide affordable pricing, and if you receive a lower comparable quote elsewhere, let us know—we will do our best to match or beat it.