Document Authentication
Document authentication in Canada is the first step in the authentication and legalization process for documents used abroad. It must be completed by the appropriate government authority before legalization. Read on for more details, or contact our friendly staff—we’d be happy to answer your questions.
About Document Authentication
The document authentication process is one part of the process that is used when you need to have your Canadian document officially recognized in another country that is not a signatory to the Hague Apostille Convention.
Document authentication is done with the appropriate authentication authority (based on a pre-determined jurisdiction), who will confirm the authenticity of the signature on your document. When the authentication authority is satisfied, they will place an authentication certificate directly on your document. Once authenticated, your document is now ready for the final step of document legalization.
If you need to use your document in a country that is a signatory to the Hague Apostille Convention, you can obtain an Apostille on the document instead of authentication.
Global Recognition, Local Expertise: Your Documents, Validated Everywhere
From apostilles to attestations, our specialized services ensure global recognition for your documents. We are your trusted partner in Canadian document apostille, handling everything from authentication to legalization, translation, and notarization. Whatever term you have heard – legalization, ratification, and more – we bring clarity and expertise to each step, so your documents make the impact they deserve anywhere in the world.
We are here to help you. Contact us for your free consultation – we will explain your options and answer your questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following are answers to the most common questions we get about the document authentication process.
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Document authentication is one step of a multi-step process called document authentication and legalization. The document authentication process involves submitting your document to the appropriate authentication office (or apostille office, in most cases).
Global Affairs Canada (GAC), formerly The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAIT), in Ottawa will “authenticate” the official signature on your document by adding their apostille certificate.
In most cases, your document can be “authenticated” with the appropriate Provincial authority. However, you should verify with both the recipient abroad and the Embassy or Consulate of your destination country, whether they accept this form of document “authentication”.
Contact our helpful staff to find out more about the authentication of Canadian documents.
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The length of time it takes to authenticate a document will depend on which authentication (or apostille) office holds jurisdiction over your document. For example, an Ontario document can be apostilled in as little as 1 day. However, Global Affairs Canada may take up to 65 business days.
In addition, if you have made any errors in preparing your documents, they will be returned to you unprocessed, further delaying the process.
When using our services for document authentication, we can confirm your documents in advance of the process, ensuring they are acceptable.
We take care of all steps of the authentication and legalization process for our clients. Contact our friendly specialists for more information on the authentication process.
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Global Affairs Canada and each provincial office has specific requirements for how documents need to be prepared for authentication. These requirements will depend on the type and origin of your documents. Global Affairs Canada does outline these requirements on their website here: Global Affairs Canada
Also note, that for your documents to be legalized they will have to meet the specific requirements of the appropriate embassy or consulate. These requirements vary and can change often.
Contact our friendly staff to discuss the requirements that apply to your specific situation, or review our instructions on how to prepare your documents for authentication and legalization.
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The JLAC section of Global Affairs Canada is responsible for the apostille of documents that originate from or are notarized in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, Manitoba, Yukon, and the Northwest Territories.
They are located in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, and authenticate hundreds of thousands of documents every year. It can be hard to contact them, although they will respond to emails addressed to docs@international.gc.ca. You may also consult the JLAC website.
Our friendly staff would welcome the chance to answer any questions you have about JLAC and the Canadian document authentication and legalization process – contact us!
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Yes, you can track your documents that you sent through the mail if you used a service that provides you with a tracking number. Some such services are Canada Post registered mail, Canada Post Xpress Post, Canada Post Priority mail, or any professional courier service (i.e. FedEx, Purolator, UPS, DHL).
It is up to you to choose your preferred method of shipping, both to send your documents to our office and for the shipping of your completed documents to their final destination. We always recommend using a traceable method of shipping.
If you would like to discuss your shipping options or prices for the shipping of your documents, feel free to contact our friendly staff. We will happily discuss your shipping options and how to best suit your needs. Contact us today! Call us toll-free at 1-888-433-1011, or send us an online enquiry.
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Yes, if you are using the services of IDC to manage the apostille process, you can check the progress of your documents. Within our proprietary system, we have built in a progress tracker that allows you to monitor the progress of your documents through every stage of the process. By logging in to your workform, you will be able to see which steps have been completed and what will be completed next.
In addition to the progress module that allows you to check the status of your document request, you will also be personally notified by our expert staff when your documents arrive at our office, whether we require any additional documents or information, when your documents have been completed, and finally when they have been shipped to the final destination. It is important to us that you know exactly what is happening with your important documents and when to expect them to be safely returned.
Whether you still have questions, or you want to get started with our services, we encourage you to contact our office. Call us toll-free at 1-888-433-1011, or send us an online enquiry.
What Our Clients Are Saying
I used IDOCS when it became apparent that I had to fly to China while my documents were being processed at the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Chinese Embassy. I needed three documents legalised by the two offices. I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly their staff replied to my initial inquiry and couldn’t have been happier with their consistent effort to keep me informed and to answer my questions with promptness. As could be expected, I was more than a little anxious about leaving Canada with such important documents in the hands of strangers, but the IDOCS team proved to be professional and quick. My documents arrived fully legalised in Shanghai much faster than I anticipated. I would definitely recommend their services to anyone in need of fast, reliable document help. The value for your money cannot be matched!
Thank you for your service. We look forward to receiving our documents. Your service has been outstanding and we will gladly recommend you to others. To be honest, you have taken care of everything so well for us that it has been very stress free so far. We will definitely be using you again on our next move.
Service was responsive, fast and affordable. I live in Vancouver and some places charge 4x more than idocs did. My biggest reservation was sending original documents across the country but I got them back safe and in good condition.
International Documents Canada provides a great service, all the time they were in contact to tell me about the process of my document. It was fast and easy. Thank you very much!
Thank you very much for helping me with my documents for getting married in Colombia. I am very happy that I reached out to your professional company who told me and did exactly as you promised. If I ever need your help again I will not hesitate to call you.
My experience with you guys has been terrific. A thoroughly proficient and trusted team delivering a super efficient and impeccable service. It’s been outstanding on all fronts especially in the communication department. A personal touch to the whole process was like icing on the cake. I would not hesitate to seek your help in future and recommend the services your firm to my colleagues and friends.
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