We launched International Documents Canada back in 2011 to provide extremely reliable and fast authentication and legalization services. Before we launched we put a lot of thought into the name of our company, and “International Documents Canada” is a perfect match for the services we provide.
About The Services We Provide
At International Documents Canada, we specialize in managing the Canadian authentication and legalization process on behalf of our clients. The authentication and legalization process is Canada’s equivalent to the international apostille process (more information on why Canadian documents go through the authentication and legalization process instead of the apostille process can be found here: The Hague Apostille Convention and Canada). The purpose of the authentication and legalization process is to certify the validity of a Canadian document, so that this document will be officially recognized in another country. For example, if you need to use your Canadian birth certificate in Mexico, it will need to be authenticated and legalized before it will be recognized by Mexican authorities.
Why We Are Called International Documents Canada
When we were naming our company we asked ourselves “what specifically do we do for our clients”? The answer – we process Canadian documents so that they will be officially accepted internationally. From there it was two short steps to our name. First, we cut down the description of our services to the essentials “we make Canadian documents international”. Next, it was an obvious leap to call our company “International Documents Canada”, a name that has served us well as we’ve grown to become Canada’s leading authentication and legalization company.
Authentication and Legalization is a Three Step Process
The authentication and legalization process that allows Canadian documents to be accepted internationally typically has three steps:
Step 1 – Preparing your Documents
Preparing documents for the authentication and legalization process may involve any of the following: notarizing documents, making certified true copies, having your documents translated, and providing supporting documents. Each country sets its own rules and regulations for how documents need to be prepared. It is critically important that documents be prepared accurately. If there are mistakes they will not successfully navigate steps 2 and 3 of the authentication and legalization process.
Step 2 – Authentication at Global Affairs Canada
After documents have been prepared, they need to be submitted to Global Affairs Canada to be authenticated. Documents are submitted to the JLAC section of Global Affairs Canada, located in Ottawa. The JLAC staff review each document to make sure all is in order. If satisfied, they put a large red stamp directly on the document, certifying that the document has been authenticated.
Step 3 – Legalization at the embassy or consulate of the relevant country
The final step of the authentication and legalization process involves having the documents legalized at the embassy or consulate of the country in which the documents will be presented. Each embassy or consulate sets its own particular rules and regulations for how documents need to be prepared and submitted. When a document is submitted, the consular staff will review it to make sure it meets all requirements. If satisfied, they will put a large stamp or sticker directly on the document, confirming that the document has been legalized for use in that country.
Important – while the Canadian authentication and legalization process serves the same purpose as the international apostille process, there is one important distinction. A document that has an apostille will be recognized in any country that has signed the Hague Apostille Convention. However, a document that has been authenticated and legalized will only be recognized in the country that legalized the document. For example, if you have authenticated and legalized your driver’s license so it will be recognized in Saudi Arabia, it will not be recognized in the United Arab Emirates unless you have it separately legalized for use there.
Having International Documents Canada Process Your Documents
At International Documents Canada, we specialize in rapidly navigating the authentication and legalization process on behalf of our clients. We process many thousands of documents for our clients every year, legalizing documents for use in over 100 countries. Getting started with us is easy. Call us on our toll-free number (1-888-433-1011) and our friendly specialists will get the details on your particular situation, answer your questions and clearly outline your options. There is no obligation and no pressure. If it is easier, you can also send us a quick form with some basic information and we’ll get right back to you.
