FAQs Archive
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Attestation is a term used in some countries to describe the process of having a document from one country certified so that it will be officially recognized in another country. The official term for the equivalent Canadian process is called document authentication and legalization. Regardless of the terminology used, the process for a Canadian document will involve authentication at Global Affairs Canada and legalization at the embassy or consulate of the destination country.
Our website has a wealth of information on the Canadian authentication and legalization process. Better yet, contact our friendly experts to get answers to your questions.
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The processing times for document authentication and legalization can vary depending on the authentication office and the diplomatic mission involved.
Each office in Canada that provides authentication (or apostille) has it's own procedure and turn-around time.
Each embassy or consulate also has its own processing time, subject to consular availability. Some will also offer rush services for an additional fee.
Authentications can range from 1 business day to 65 business days. If you decide to handle the process yourself by mail, the process may take longer. The mail-in processing times can vary and depend on current volumes.
Following the authentication, typical processing times at most embassies and consulates range from 2-15 business days. Note that some embassies or consulates can take several weeks.
We can help you prepare the documents and ensure they meet the criteria of the process. IDC experts are standing by if you have any questions or concerns you need to discuss. Contact IDC for your free consultation. You can also call us toll-free at 1-888-433-1011.
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Notarization is a general term to describe the act of a Canadian Notary Public adding their signature and seal to a document.
To have a document notarized, you will be doing one of two things:
1) The Notary Public will witness the signing of the document. The Notary Public will then place their signature and stamp/seal on the document, certifying that they have witnessed the signature and verified the identify of the parties involved.
2) The Notary Public will make a Certified True Copy of your document. They will make a copy of the document, then mark the copy as a "Certified True Copy" of the original. Only a Canadian Notary Public can make a Certified True Copy.
Contact our friendly staff to discuss your situation and find out more about document notarization. We would be happy to answer your questions. Call us toll-free at 1-888-433-1011 or send us a quick online enquiry.
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Yes and no. A document with an apostille can be used in almost any other apostille signatory country without additional requirements. Whereas, a document that has gone through the authentication and legalization process is only ready to use in the country for which it was legalized.
Both the apostille and the document authentication and legalization process have the same purpose; to certify a document created in one country so that it can be officially recognized in another country. Apostille certificates are issued by countries that are signatory to the Hague Apostille Convention.
We are available to answer your questions and to discuss your documents. Contact us toll-free at 1-888-433-1011 or send us an online enquiry.
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Creating a workform is essential to the process. Your workform will provide us with all the details we need to ensure that we perform all the steps you require and in the time frame that suits your needs. It also provides us with your contact information and final shipping address. You can find the Workforms page here: IDC Workforms
Your workform also provides you with valuable information, such as your final costs and the progress tab where you can track exactly where we are in the process.
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Once we have confirmed that your documents meet the criteria of the process, you may ship your documents to us at International Documents Canada. You may send your documents using the method of your choice. We always recommend using a traceable method, such as a courier or Canada Post Xpress Post. Your documents should be shipped to our Ottawa office at 310 Beechgrove Avenue, Suite B, Ottawa ON K1Z 6R3. It is helpful if you include your workform number on the package.
If you have questions about what to send us, please feel free to contact our friendly staff or call us toll-free at 1-888-433-1011.
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