How Do I Get an Apostille in Canada?

If you’re going through the complexities of international document certification, you might ask, “How do I get an apostille in Canada?” The process has become more straightforward with Canada joining the Hague Apostille Convention in January 2024. An apostille is now the official certification for documents intended for use in countries that are part of this convention. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to obtain an apostille in Canada.

 

Before exploring the steps of getting an apostille, it’s important to understand its purpose. An apostille is a certification that authenticates the origin of a public document, confirming its authenticity and recognition in all Hague Apostille Convention member countries. It simplifies the verification process across borders, ensuring documents are accepted easily.  Documents that need an apostille can be legal certificates, educational diplomas, and other official papers that are recognized in foreign jurisdictions.

 

With Canada now a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, obtaining an apostille is a streamlined process. Here’s how you can get started:

1. Prepare Your Document

Ensure your document is in its final form and correctly signed. For educational documents, this might mean having them notarized. Legal documents like birth or marriage certificates should be original or certified true copies.

2. Notarization (if required)

Some documents need to be notarized in Canada before obtaining an apostille. A notary public verifies the authenticity of signatures on your document. This step is often necessary for private documents like affidavits or power of attorney.

3. Submit to a Competent Authority

Typically, in any country, the issuance of apostilles is managed by provincial or federal government departments. In Canada, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs handles the issuance of apostilles. They continue to authenticate and issue apostilles for documents issued by the Government of Canada, including those from federal agencies like the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). For documents issued or notarized in Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, and Saskatchewan, you need to approach the provincial ministries for the apostille. You can submit your document by mail to the relevant authority. Here’s what you need to do:

• Complete the request form available on the Ministry’s website.
• Complete the payment for the request, if submitting it to a provincial ministry
• Attach the original document and any necessary notarized copies.
• Include a prepaid return envelope.

4. Processing and Issuance of Apostille

Once your document is submitted, the Ministry officials will verify its authenticity and attach an apostille certificate. This certificate includes the seal and signature of the issuing office, confirming the document’s legitimacy for use in other Hague Convention countries.