Apostille Canada
The Government of Canada issued a Statement on May 16, 2023, confirming that Canada has joined the Apostille Convention. As of January 11, 2024, the Canadian government will be utilizing a “new to us” system for using Canadian documents abroad. This new process might become conveniently referred to as Apostille Canada or a Canadian Apostille.
For many years, Canadian documents needed to proceed through a process referred to as Authentication and Legalization. The authentication component was completed typically at Global Affairs Canada. Thereafter, the document was stamped or legalized by the specific countries Embassy or Consulate. This dual stamping process enabled a Canadian document to be used in a specific foreign country.
In an effort to streamline the process, the Canadian government has finally signed the Apostille Convention of 1961 Abolishing the Requirement of Legalization of Foreign Public Documents.
The Apostille Process in Canada
At the moment, there is limited information on how the Canadian Government will roll out the Apostille Canada process. Questions also pertain to whether there will be fees charged per Apostille, what are the process requirements, will the Apostilles be issued on original hardcopy documents, will the apostille be issued in an electronic format. It will be exciting to watch the new system unfold in Canada.
What is known about the Apostille Canada process
The Government of Canada has designated the following authorities to issue Apostille Certificates:
- Global Affairs Canada, in Ottawa
- Ministry of Public and Business Services Delivery of Ontario, in Toronto
- Ministry of Justice Alberta
- Ministry of the Attorney General British Columbia
- The Ministry of Justice and Attorney General of Saskatchewan
The Government of Canada can make updates at any time. It is expected that many updates will happen as we draw closer to the expected launch date of January 11, 2024.
What do I do between now and January 11, 2024?
At the moment, the document authentication and legalization process is what is being followed. Documents must continue to meet the authentication criteria set out in the authentication section of Global Affairs Canada. The documents must also comply with the specific requirements as set out by a countries Embassy of Consulate.
As your Trusted Partner in the processing of Canadian documents for use abroad, you are welcome to reach out to our office and discuss your unique situation. Reach out to our office by e-mail at: info@capitalauthentication.com, by telephone: 613-236-9975 or visit our website at: www.capitalauthentication.com
