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It is becoming more common to be asked for an apostille stamp on documents that will be used in a foreign country. We hope to clarify the process and help you understand what it means. Here’s what you need to know about authenticating documents for the Canadian apostille process.

What is the Canadian apostille process?

Under the Hague Apostille Convention, signatory countries of this treaty have agreed to recognize public documents issued by other signatory countries, providing those documents are authenticated by the attachment of an internationally recognized form of authentication known as an “apostille“. An apostille ensures that public documents issued in one signatory country will be recognized as valid or legal in all other signatory countries.

Canada is not a signatory to the Hague Apostille Convention. The equivalent Canadian process is called authentication and legalization.

What is the purpose of authenticating documents in Canada?

Authenticating documents in Canada is a process of confirming that the Canadian public official’s signature, seal or stamp on the document is genuine.

Document authentication takes place at Global Affairs Canada in Ottawa. However, in some rare cases, the authentication can be done with the appropriate provincial body instead of Global Affairs Canada.

Once authenticated, the documents are ready for legalization at the embassy or consulate of the destination country. Be sure to research the embassy or consulate requirements well in advance.

The IDC advantage!

Our downtown Ottawa location enables us to provide you with the fastest and most reliable services for authenticating and legalizing documents for the Canadian apostille process. We can save you weeks of processing time and make sure your documents have been prepared correctly.

Contact us today to get started! Call us toll free at 1-888-433-1011, or complete a Request Info form.

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