ND PARALEGAL SERVICES

Apostille

UNDERSTANDING THE PROCESS

What Is an Apostille, and Why Do You Need One?

When a Canadian document needs to be used officially in a foreign country — for immigration, employment, education, or business — it must be authenticated so that country recognizes it as genuine. An Apostille is the internationally standardized form of that authentication.

In Ontario, the Apostille process involves having your document notarized by a licensed Notary Public, then submitted to Global Affairs Canada (or the relevant provincial authority) for the official Apostille certificate to be attached.

When Do You Need an Apostille?

Learn when international authorities and foreign governments require certified apostille authentication.

Applying to a foreign university or college that requires authenticated Canadian diplomas, transcripts, or degrees for enrollment or credential recognition.

Obtaining a work visa or employment authorization in another country that requires authenticated proof of your Canadian qualifications, criminal record, or identity.

Getting married in a foreign country often requires an authenticated copy of your birth certificate, divorce certificate, or a certificate of no impediment from Canada.

Registering a business, signing contracts, or conducting corporate transactions in a foreign jurisdiction that requires authenticated Canadian corporate documents.

Purchasing or transferring property in another country often requires authenticated proof of identity, powers of attorney, or other legal documents from Canada.

Supporting immigration applications abroad with authenticated Canadian police clearance certificates, birth certificates, or other vital records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Processing time depends on the issuing authority. Notarization by our office is typically same-day or next-day. Submission to Global Affairs Canada or the relevant provincial authority can take 2–6 weeks by regular service, or 5–10 business days by expedited service. We’ll give you a realistic timeline at your consultation.

Yes. Since Canada joined the Hague Apostille Convention in January 2024, documents bearing a valid Apostille from another member country are accepted in Canada without further legalization. If you have a foreign document you need authenticated for use in Canada, contact us to discuss your options.

If the receiving country is not a Hague member, a full legalization process is required instead of an Apostille. This typically involves notarization, authentication by Global Affairs Canada, and then legalization by the destination country’s embassy or consulate in Canada. We can guide you through this process as well.

In most cases, notarization requires your physical presence or the presence of the document signatory. However, we can advise on courier arrangements and remote options depending on your specific situation. Contact us to discuss your needs.

This depends on the document type and destination country requirements. For vital records (birth, marriage, death certificates), the issuing authority typically provides certified originals. For other documents, we may be able to notarize a certified true copy. We’ll confirm exactly what’s needed when you bring in your documents.