Five Tips for Authenticating Canadian Documents to Use Abroad

Did you know that since January 2024, Canada has been part of the , making it easier and faster to get your documents recognized in over 120 countries?

Instead of dealing with extra steps and paperwork, all you need is an apostille – a simple certificate of approval attached to your documents – whether you’re working, studying, getting married, or expanding your business internationally.

As we mark the first anniversary of this major change, we want to revisit everything you need to know about this simplified process.

Here’s your quick guide to getting your important documents ready:

1. What is an apostille?

Let’s keep it simple: An apostille is like an official “golden ticket” that makes your Canadian documents valid in all the countries that are part of the Apostille Convention – that’s !

It saves the additional steps of legalization – one certificate and you’re good to go!

2. When do you need an apostille?

You may need to get an apostille if you plan on using a Canadian document outside Canada in situations such as:

• Studying or starting a job abroad (for example, diplomas, professional certifications)
• Getting married in another country (for example, birth certificates)
• Adopting internationally
• Exporting goods (for example, business paperwork)

Pro tip: It’s always a good idea to check with the country or organization asking for your documents to make sure you understand their specific requirements. They might have additional steps or guidelines, and confirming this early helps to avoid surprises. Some countries don’t require the document to be authenticated at all!

3. Where do you get the apostille?

Figuring out who to send your Canadian document to for an apostille depends on where your document was issued or notarized – you may need to go through either 抖淫视频 (GAC)’s Authentication Services Section or a provincial authority.

Here’s a quick tip:

• GAC is your go-to team if your document was issued by the Government of Canada (including agencies like the RCMP) or issued or notarized in any of these provinces and territories: Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Prince Edward Island, Yukon
• If the document was issued or notarized in Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec or Saskatchewan, check with the issuing province for their apostille services

Getting it to the right place means less hassle and faster results! Need help figuring it out? Visit GAC’s authentication page for more details.

Some Canadian offices outside Canada also offer apostille services. If you're outside Canada, check with to find out if they can help.

4. Make sure your documents are ready

Before sending your documents to GAC to get an apostille, make sure your documents are ready. That means:

• Translation: If your document is not in English or French, you’ll need to provide a certified translation.
• Notarization: Some documents, like powers of attorney or affidavits, may need to be signed or certified by a notary public before they can be submitted for authentication.
• Correct format: Some documents, like birth certificates, can only be accepted as an original or certified copy issued by the province or territory. Visit the requirements for your documents page to find out the correct format for your document.

When you send your request to GAC, don’t forget to include the service request form! This helps the authentication team know who the documents belong to and where to send them once the apostille is added.

Make sure to include a return option, like a self-addressed envelope or a prepaid shipping label, so your documents can be sent back to you or forwarded hassle-free. Please note that there is no fee for getting an apostille through the Authentication Services Section in Ottawa.

5. What if the country where my documents will be used isn’t part of the Apostille Convention?

Don’t worry, there are still ways to get your Canadian documents recognized in those countries! If you’re dealing with a country that isn't part of the Apostille Convention, you may need to follow additional steps to get your Canadian documents accepted.  This usually means a two-step process called authentication and legalization:

1. Getting your document authenticated by a competent authority in Canada (again, this would depend on who issued or notarized your documents)
2. Taking your document to the destination country's embassy or consulate in Canada for legalization, which means validation of the document's authentication

Thanks to the Apostille Convention, getting your Canadian documents ready for international use has never been easier! And with a new web tool on the horizon, things are about to get even easier and more accessible.

To make the process even smoother, be sure to check the requirements early and follow all the necessary steps. A little preparation can help you avoid surprises and keep things moving smoothly!