If you have researched the Canadian apostille process you probably have seen the term “JLAC”. JLAC seems important to the apostille process, but how? This article answers the questions we frequently hear about JLAC from our clients. We also do a quick review of the Canadian apostille process, to help explain how JLAC fits in.
About the Canadian apostille process
The Canadian apostille process is used when you have a Canadian document that you need to have officially recognized in another country. The apostille process confirms the authenticity of this document, so that it will be accepted as legitimate outside of Canada.
There are up to three steps to the Canadian apostille process:
Step 1 – Preparing your document for processing. This step may require having your document notarized, having a certified true copy made, having the document translated by a certified translator if it is not in English or French, and preparing supporting documents.
Step 2 – Apostille your document. Your prepared document then needs to be submitted to the appropriate apostille office in Canada. If satisfied that your document meets their requirements, they will place a certificate of apostille directly on your document, confirming that it has been apostilled.
If your document is going to another country that is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, you have completed the required steps. If the destination is not a member country, you will need to complete one more step.
Step 3 – Legalizing your document at the appropriate embassy or consulate. After your document is apostilled it may need to be submitted to the embassy or consulate of the country in which you will be presenting your document. The consular staff will ensure your document meets their specific requirements and then will place a stamp or sticker directly on your document. Your document is now legalized, and will be officially recognized in this country.
What is JLAC?
JLAC is the section within Global Affairs Canada that has been tasked with authenticating certain Canadian documents. When submitting documents to Global Affairs Canada (check to see if your documents fall under their jurisdiction) it is the JLAC section that will actually be processing your documents. The name “JLAC” does not mean anything specific. Rather, these four letters are a departmental identifier (kind of like an address) that are now commonly used as the name of the section. The official name of the JLAC section is the “Apostille Services Section”.
What does JLAC have to do with a Canadian apostille?
JLAC is the federal office where some Canadian documents are submitted for apostille (Step 2 above). They accept documents from the Government of Canada and the provinces of Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, the Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Prince Edward Island, and Yukon.
More info on JLAC
The address to submit documents to JLAC for apostille is:
Global Affairs Canada
Authentication Services Section (JLAC)
2421 Lancaster Road
Ottawa, ON K1B 4L5
Canada
Where can I find more information?
Visit the Global Affairs Canada website for information on their document apostille services.
Our company specializes in providing expert apostille services, and we process many thousands of documents through Global Affairs Canada on behalf of our clients every year. Our website has a wealth of information on the Canadian apostille process. Or better yet, our friendly staff is available to discuss your specific situation. Our experts will explain the Canadian apostille process to you, answer your questions and clearly outline your options. No pressure and no obligation. Phone us toll-free at 1-888-433-1011, or fill out our quick form and we’ll get right back to you.
