FAQs Archive
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The legalization process takes place with the appropriate embassy or consulate of the destination country. Each embassy or consulate has their own processing time, ranging from 1 day to 2 weeks. Some embassies and consulates will also provide rush services for an additional fee.
However, before the documents can be submitted for legalization, they will need to be apostilled, or authenticated, by Global Affairs Canada or the appropriate provincial body. The processing timeline depends on the office where the documents are submitted.
Contact us to find out how long your documents will take or how we can expedite the process. You can call us toll-free at 1-888-433-1011, or send us an online enquiry.
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To prepare your documents to be legalized, you need to confirm that your documents will meet the criteria of the recipient abroad, the criteria of the apostille or authentication office in Canada, and the requirements of the embassy or consulate of the destination country (if the destination is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention).
Global Affairs Canada, and the provincial authorities, have specific requirements of different types of documents and you will want to carefully review these before submitting them. For example, some documents must be originals and some must be notarized.
The diplomatic missions also have their own requirements that may be document specific. Some embassies or consulates have translation requirements, others requires additional supporting documents. Each diplomatic mission is unique.
Contact an IDC specialist to find out how to properly prepare your documents. We look forward to hearing from you.
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Yes! We can certainly help with the legalization of your Canadian documents. In fact, in some cases it is mandatory that you have your documents submitted in person to the embassy or consulate.
If your documents are destined for another country that has signed the Hague Apostille Convention, you will not require document legalization. Find out more about apostilles here: Canadian Document Apostille Process.
We will help you to make sure you have the correct documents, that you provide the correct supporting documents, and we will deal directly with the diplomatic mission on your behalf. You send your documents to us and we will handle the rest!
Contact our friendly specialists to discuss your options and find out more about the process.
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There are circumstances where a certified translation is required and must be submitted along with the original for legalization. This requirement can depend on the purpose of the document or the supporting document requirements of the diplomatic mission in question.
A few of the apostille offices across Canada also have a requirement that any document containing a foreign language must be certified by a Canadian Certified Translator.
It may also be the recipient abroad who has asked you to provide a certified translation along with the apostilled (or legalized) document.
We would be happy to help you find a certified translator or handle the translation as a part of our services. Contact us for your free consultation.
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When you need to use your Canadian document outside of Canada, you may be asked to have it authenticated, legalized, or to obtain an apostille. These terms all refer to a process that verifies your document so it can be used in the destination country.
Document legalization is the last step of the authentication and legalization process. This step is required when the destination country is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention. Document legalization involves having your document stamped and signed by a consular officer at the appropriate Embassy or Consulate of the destination country in Canada.
If the destination country is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, it will only require an apostille.
Contact our friendly experts to find out more about the requirements of the document legalization process.
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Yes, we can certainly attest your documents at the Embassy of Lebanon. We can help you prepare your documents, take care of the authentication process, and then have your documents "attested" by the Embassy of Lebanon.
In Canada, the attestation process is more commonly referred to as "document authentication and legalization".
To get started, contact our friendly staff. We will review your specific document processing needs, explain your options, and answer your questions. Phone us toll-free at 1-888-433-1011, or fill out our quick form and we'll get right back to you!
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