​An apostille is an official stamp/certificate that authenticates the origin of a public document for use in another country that is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention. Once attached, the apostille confirms that the signatures, seals, and stamps on your document are genuine, so that government authorities, schools, employers, consulates, and institutions abroad will accept your documents without additional legalization steps.

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In January 2024, Canada joined the Hague Apostille Convention.  This made the authentication and legalization of Canadian documents much easier and more streamlined for use in more than 120 countries around the world.

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Why You Might Need Apostille Services

 

Many Canadian documents require apostille certification when you intend to used them outside Canada, in a Hague Convention country. Common reasons for this process include:

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• Immigration, visas & work permits;

• Study abroad programs or university admissions;

• International employment or business;

• Marriage abroad;

• Residency applications;

• Professional licensing overseas;

 

Types of Documents We Apostille

 

We handle apostille certification from Ottawa for a wide range of Canadian documents, including:

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• Vital records: Birth certificates, marriage certificates, death certificates;

• Identity & civil documents: Divorce certificates, single status letters;

• Legal documents: Power of attorney, affidavits, statutory declarations;

• Criminal record checks (i.e. RCMP checks);

• Educational records: Diplomas, transcripts, enrollment letters;

• Corporate and business papers;

• Authority or consent letters;

 

Each document may have its own supporting requirements, for example, some must be notarized first or translated before being apostilled. We will review your documents and guide you through exactly what’s needed for your specific situation. Need a copy of an official document to be apostilled?  Click here for further information. Not sure if your document can be apostilled or attested?  Click here for more information on documents that do not qualify.

 

Step-by-Step Apostille Process

 

We make the process easy to understand and efficient. Here’s what to expect when you work with us:

 

1. Free Consultation & Document Review: We start with a telephone or email conversation to understand your destination country and document needs. We identify whether an apostille is required or a traditional authentication/legalization process is required for a non-Hague Convention country.

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2. Document Preparation: Before apostille certification, some documents may need:

• Notarization by a Notary Public or certified professional;

• Certified true copies;

• Certified translations if the document is not in English or French;

 

3. Submission for Apostille: We handle submission to the appropriate authorities in Ontario, whether it’s a Provincial office (for documents issued or notarized in Ontario) or Global Affairs Canada (for federal documents).

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4. Tracking and Completion: We monitor the apostille processing (or traditional authentication/legalization process) and keep you updated on timing.  Once completed, your documents are returned, ready for use internationally.

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eApostille Process

 

An eApostille is an apostille process for original documents that have been electronically issued, such as corporate documents (i.e. articles of incorporation, certificates, or business registrations), Health Canada Certificates (i.e. Certificates of Pharmaceutical Products, or GMP certificates, etc.), name based criminal record checks, etc.

 

Documents that are eligible for eApostille can be provided electronically. We will print them out and take them through the apostille process. 

 

Countries That Accept Apostille

 

Apostilles are accepted in many international destinations, making them ideal for travelers, students, professionals, and immigrants. Because Canada now issues apostilles under the Hague Convention, documents authenticated in Canada are recognized in more than 120 member countries, including member states across Europe, the Americas, Asia, and beyond.

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Why Use Our Apostille Services?

 

Handling apostille certification alone can be confusing and time-consuming. We can offer you:

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• Expert guidance through every step of the process;

• Document preparation and review so nothing gets rejected;

• In house Notary and certified true copy services, when needed;

• Translation services, if applicable;

• Clear expectations for timelines and requirements;

 

We are here to take the uncertainty out of international document certification, and make sure your Canadian documents are accepted without unnecessary delay.

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Apostille Services - Frequently Asked Questions

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Do I need an apostille for documents used outside Canada?

If your documents will be used in a country that is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, an apostille is typically required. If the destination country is not a Hague member, a traditional authentication and legalization process may apply instead.

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Does Canada issue apostilles now?
 

Yes. As of January 2024, Canada is a party to the Hague Apostille Convention. Apostilles are issued by designated Provincial authorities and Global Affairs Canada, depending on the document type.

 

How long does the apostille process take in Ontario?
 

Processing times vary depending on the document and issuing authority. We will review your documents and provide realistic timelines before submission.

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Can you apostille original documents and certified copies?
 

Yes. Most documents require original versions, while others may be eApostilled as certified true copies. We provide all-inclusive, in-house notary and certification services where permitted.

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What documents cannot be apostilled?

Certain documents may not qualify depending on how they were issued or signed. We review each document to confirm eligibility and advise on alternatives, if necessary.

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Do documents need to be translated before apostille?

In some cases, yes. If the destination country requires a translation, we can coordinate certified translations as part of our all-inclusive process.

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