Phone toll-free at 1-888-433-1011

Document Authentication and Legalization for Canadian Expats

At International Documents Canada we specialize in navigating the Canadian document authentication and legalization process for our clients, including Canadian expats living all around the world. If you are a Canadian expat and you have questions about the document authentication and legalization process, this article is for you.

Why do I need to authenticate and legalize my documents?

The document authentication and legalization process is used when you need to have Canadian documents officially recognized in another country. The document authentication and legalization process is focused on proving the validity of the signatures associated with your document, as a way of certifying the authenticity of this document. For Canadian expats, it can often be necessary to authenticate and legalize important documents from Canada such as educational diplomas and transcripts, birth and marriage certificates, and criminal record checks.

Apostille and the Canadian document authentication and legalization process

The term “apostille” is used in many parts of the world to describe the process of certifying the authenticity of a document for use in another country. However, because Canada is not a signatory to the Hague Apostille Convention, Canada does not apostille documents. Instead, the equivalent Canadian process is called document authentication and legalization. So for all you Canadian expats living in a country that requires apostilles on foreign documents, what you will actually be doing is authenticating and legalizing these documents. Click here for more on Canada and the Hague Apostille Convention.

About the document authentication and legalization process

The Canadian document authentication and legalization process involves three steps:

Step 1 – Preparing your documents for processing. This preparation can involve having documents notarized by a notary public or lawyer, having a certified true copy made, having translations made, and providing various supporting documents.

Step 2 – Authentication at Global Affairs Canada. Once your documents have been prepared, the next step is to submit them to the JLAC section of Global Affairs Canada. The JLAC section is located in Ottawa. The JLAC staff will review your documents to make sure they meet their requirements. If satisfied, they will place a large red stamp directly on your documents, confirming that they have been authenticated.

Step 3 – Legalization at the embassy or consulate of the country in which you will be presenting your documents. The consulate staff will first confirm that your documents have been authenticated by Global Affairs Canada, and that these documents meet the specific requirements set by this embassy or consulate. If satisfied that your documents meet all requirements, they will place a stamp or sticker directly on your documents, confirming that they have now been legalized.

Document authentication and legalization for Canadian expats – tips and tricks

We manage the document authentication and legalization process for Canadian expats every day. Here is a short list of tips and tricks our experts have put together for Canadians living abroad:

 Where can I find more information on the document authentication and legalization process?

Our website has a wealth of information on the Canadian authentication and legalization process and is a great place to start. Global Affairs Canada has information online on the authentication portion of the process. The web page of the relevant embassy or consulate is always worth checking for information about their legalization requirements. Even better, we invite you to call our experts to discuss your particular situation. We’ll answer your questions and clearly explain your options – no pressure and no obligation. Call us toll-free at 1-888-433-1011 or send us a quick form and we’ll get right back to you.

Click for the BBB Business Review of this Legal Information Services in Ottawa ON

IDC is proud to have been recognized by the Better Business Bureau with a Torch Award for Market Place Trust