What Other Factors Should Be Considered When Obtaining an Apostille?

Cost of Obtaining an Apostille: The fees for apostille services vary based on the document type and its place of issue. For up-to-date fee details, we advise consulting with our experts at Legalization Service Centre (LSC). Does an Apostille Validate the Document’s Content? No, an apostille does not assess the content of a document. It solely authenticates the signer’s authority and the issuing organization’s legitimacy. Countries Requiring an Apostille: An apostille is necessary only for member countries of the Hague Apostille Convention. Non-member countries continue to require the conventional authentication and legalization process. Apostille Implementation Date in Canada: The Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs started providing apostille certifications from January 11, 2024. Provinces Authorized to Issue an Apostille: In Canada, Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, and Saskatchewan are designated as authorities competent to issue apostilles. Apostille Validity: An apostille itself has no expiry date. However, the legal validity of the certified document might be subject to the regulations of the destination country, making it crucial to verify the specific requirements of the country where the document will be used.

Apostille NL: Authentication & Legalization Services for Newfoundland and Labrador

Q: Why Might a Document Not Qualify for an Apostille?

For over 15 years, the Legalization Service Centre (LSC) has been specializing in legalization and authentication, making it well-equipped to handle apostille requests for the vast majority of public documents. However, there are reasons why Global Affairs Canada might deny an apostille. Lack of Original Signature or Seal: If your document is merely a photocopy or lacks an original signature or seal, it cannot be apostilled. Unverifiable Seals or Signatures: If the signature or seal on your document cannot be verified, authentication is not possible. Religious Documents: Documents such as baptism certificates, marriage certificates, and others issued by religious institutions are not eligible for an apostille. Foreign Documents: The Department of Foreign Affairs of Canada can only authenticate documents issued within Canada, so documents of foreign origin are not accepted. Documents from Unrecognized Educational Institutions: If your document is issued by an unrecognized educational institution, it will not be apostilled. Glued or Laminated Documents: Documents that are glued or laminated cannot be stamped. Protected Documents: If your document is covered with a substance that prevents stamping, it is not eligible for an apostille. Doubts About the Authenticity or Purpose of the Document: The Department of Foreign Affairs of Canada may refuse to place an apostille on a document and refer your case to the appropriate authorities if it believes the document is misleading, could be used for fraud or illegal activities, or violates their policy.

Q: Do You Need to Make Notarized Copies of Documents Before Obtaining an Apostille?

Some documents must be notarized before a competent authority can authenticate them. This may include certain documents issued by the Government of Canada. The province or territory where your document was notarized will determine the competent authority to which you must send it. Furthermore, it’s important to understand that notarizing certain copies of documents can significantly reduce the time needed to obtain an apostille. The Legalization Service Centre (LSC) works with official notaries across various provinces and can assist with this process as well.

Q: Do Documents Need to Be Translated Before Obtaining an Apostille?

If a part of the document requiring an apostille, or the entire document, is written in a language other than English or French, an official translation by a certified translator (a member of a recognized provincial association of translators) will be required. Instead of a translation, it is also possible to use the services of a Canadian notary who speaks English and/or French, as well as the language in which the document was originally written. In this case, the notary must add a special confirming endorsement to the document. The most suitable type of verification for a document written in another language is chosen on a case-by-case basis. In both scenarios, the Legalization Service Centre (LSC) can handle this task as part of apostilling one or more documents for its client.

Q: How Long Does It Currently Take to Obtain an Apostille?

As of the end of September 2024, Global Affairs Canada processes documents submitted for an apostille within an average of 10 business days. Additionally, an extra 5 business days should be allowed for the return shipment of the documents to the sender. However, it is important to note that following changes effective from January 11, 2024, provincial competent authorities can also carry out document legalization. The time required for this can vary depending on the specific organization. At the Legalization Service Centre (LSC), we understand how crucial it can sometimes be to receive apostilled documents as quickly as possible. Therefore, we do everything possible to expedite the process using our experience and partnerships. Our personal record for obtaining an apostille is 1 business day.

Effective January 11, 2024, the legalization process for Canadian documents has been streamlined. The Apostille Convention enhances authentication services for Newfoundland and Labrador, enabling the effortless use of documents internationally.

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What Enhancements Does the Apostille Bring to Authentication Services

Before utilizing Canadian documents (or foreign public documents) abroad, authentication or an apostille is typically required. This authentication of documents process, overseen by the authentication services section at Global Affairs Canada, verifies the legitimacy of the official’s signature on the original document. Once authenticated, if your document will be used in a country that is not a party to the Apostille Convention, legalization by the destination country’s authorities (such as an embassy, high commission, or consulate in Canada or accredited in it) might be necessary. However, obtaining an apostille for a document intended for a Hague Apostille Convention member country eliminates the need for further steps, as it is recognized as an apostille.

As of January 11, 2024, Canada’s accession to the Apostille Convention simplifies the authentication procedure by removing the need for legalization for documents intended for over 120 member countries (a complete list is provided below). A Canadian-issued document (or a notarized document) authenticated by a competent authority in Canada, such as Global Affairs Canada which is responsible for issuing apostilles, receives an apostille certificate as an “allonge,” a separate document securely attached to the main authenticated document.

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Why Contact Us for Document Apostille and Legalization Services

Expertise: Over 15 years of experience in authentication services in Canada. We excel in document legalization and apostille processes.
Customer Focus: Comprehensive support for all types of documents, ensuring repeat clients through exceptional service.
Speed: Fastest apostille processing with a record of 1 business day, far surpassing the official 15 business days.

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To Properly Authenticate Documents, We Have Expertise in Working With Global Affairs Canada, Provincial Competent Authorities, and Every Consulate and Embassy.

We work closely with the Authentication Services division at Global Affairs Canada to handle your authentication requests and partner with provincial authorities to streamline the document authentication process and the issuance of apostille certificates.

This collaboration enhances our authentication and legalization offerings, ensuring that your original documents are authenticated efficiently and apostilled correctly for international use. Whether you need an apostille certification in Canada for public documents such as birth certificates or court records, our apostille experts ensure smooth and seamless processing.

The Legalization Service Centre (LSC), headquartered in Ottawa with offices in St. John’s, Toronto, Mississauga, North York, Montreal, Vancouver, and other Canadian cities, serves clients no matter where your document is issued within Canada or abroad. Our extensive network allows us to effectively collaborate with notary publics, consulates, and embassies to provide comprehensive authentication services for your documents.

Apostille Ontario:

Toronto
Ottawa
Mississauga
Brampton
Hamilton
London
Markham
Vaughan
Kitchener
Windsor

Apostille Alberta:

Calgary
Edmonton
Red Deer
Lethbridge
St. Albert
Medicine Hat
Grande Prairie
Airdrie
Spruce Grove
Leduc

Apostille BC:

Vancouver
Victoria
Burnaby
Richmond
Abbotsford
Coquitlam
Kelowna
Kamloops
Nanaimo
Prince George

Apostille Manitoba:

Winnipeg
Brandon
Steinbach
Thompson
Portage la Prairie
Selkirk
Winkler
Morden
Dauphin
Flin Flon

Apostille New Brunswick:

Moncton
Saint John
Fredericton
Dieppe
Oromocto
Bathurst
Miramichi
Edmundston
Riverview
Rothesay

Apostille Newfoundland and Labrador:

St. John’s
Mount Pearl
Corner Brook
Paradise
Labrador City
Marystown
Deer Lake
Gander
Grand Falls-Windsor
Happy Valley-Goose Bay

Apostille Nova Scotia:

Halifax
Sydney
Dartmouth
Truro
New Glasgow
Glace Bay
Kentville
Amherst
Bridgewater
Yarmouth

Apostille Prince Edward Island:

Charlottetown
Summerside
Stratford
Cornwall
Montague
Souris
Alberton
Tignish
Kensington
Georgetown

Apostille Quebec:

Montreal
Quebec City
Laval
Gatineau
Longueuil
Sherbrooke
Trois-Rivières
Saguenay
Lévis
Terrebonne

Apostille Saskatchewan:

Saskatoon
Regina
Prince Albert
Moose Jaw
Swift Current
Yorkton
North Battleford
Estevan
Weyburn
Kindersley

Send Your Documents for Apostille and Authentication Services in Canada

We manage everything from document preparation to applying for an apostille and processing with Global Affairs Canada or the appropriate provincial authority. Ensure that you require the authentication or legalization of your documents as needed for your destination country. Our expertise ensures your documents, whether from Newfoundland and Labrador or another province, are correctly authenticated and apostilled for international use, whether it’s a single document or multiple documents.

Affidavit

Birth Certificate

Marriage Certificate

Divorce Certificate

Death Certificate

Change of Name Certificate

Marriage Search Certificate

University Degree

College Diploma

High School Diploma

Transcripts

Criminal Record Check Certificate from Ottawa RCMP

Criminal Record Check Certificate from Local Police

Fingerprints

Statement in Lieu of Certificate of Non-Impediment to Marriage Abroad

Power of Attorney

Chamber of Commerce Certificate

Corporate Documents

Court Documents

Adoption Certificate

Other

Countries That are Party to the Apostille Convention

Since January 11, 2024, Canadian public documents authenticated with an apostille are recognized in all Hague Apostille Convention member countries, simplifying the legalization of foreign public documents for international use. Below is a list of participating countries where your apostilled documents will be accepted.

Albania
Andorra
Antigua and Barbuda
Argentina
Armenia
Australia
Austria
Azerbaijan
Bahamas
Bahrain
Barbados
Belarus
Belgium
Belize
Bolivia
Bosnia Herzegovina
Botswana
Brazil
Brunei Darussalam
Bulgaria
Burundi

Cabo Verde
Canada
Chile
China
Colombia
Cook Islands
Costa Rica
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Dominica
Dominican Republic
Ecuador
El Salvador
Estonia
Eswatini
Fiji
Finland
France
Georgia

Germany
Greece
Grenada
Guatemala
Guyana
Honduras
Hong Kong
Hungary
Iceland
India
Indonesia
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Jamaica
Japan
Kazakhstan
Kosovo
Kyrgyzstan
Latvia
Lesotho

Liberia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Macau
Malawi
Malta
Marshall Islands
Mauritius
Mexico
Moldova
Monaco
Mongolia
Montenegro
Morocco
Namibia
Netherlands
New Zealand
Nicaragua
Niue
North Macedonia

Norway
Oman
Pakistan
Palau
Panama
Paraguay
Peru
Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Russian Federation
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Lucia
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Samoa
San Marino
São Tomé and Principe
Saudi Arabia
Serbia
Seychelles

Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Africa
South Korea (Republic of Korea)
Spain
Suriname
Sweden
Switzerland
Tajikistan
Tonga
Trinidad and Tobago
Tunisia
Turkey
Ukraine
United Kingdom
United States of America
Uruguay
Uzbekistan
Vanuatu
Venezuela

Testimonials from Clients on Our Expert Document Services

Highly recommended!

Sunday, October 6, 2024

★★★★★

“ I recently needed to obtain an apostille for a document to be used in Mexico and was incredibly impressed with the service provided by Legalization Service Centre Canada. Their team was professional, knowledgeable, and efficient throughout the entire process. Highly recommended.”

- Idiomatic Canada

Will highly recommend for any legalization and Apostle services!

Saturday, October 5, 2024

★★★★★

“ Adilzhan of LSCC provided seamless service for having my Canadian university degree legalized from the UAE embassy. Very knowledgeable, prompt in response and expedited legalization of my documents. Will highly recommend for any legalization and Apostle services.”

- RAS S

Thank you for your great service!

Thursday, June 6, 2024

★★★★★

“ I am very impressed with the fast and professional service I received from LSC Canada. I needed to notarize and obtain an Apostille for the POA document to be used in Serbia. And even though I live in Vancouver, and the LSC Canada is headquartered in Ottawa, the phone and email correspondence was excellent and enabled me to obtain the Apostille much faster than if I tried to do it myself. Their efficient service saved me weeks of wait time. I highly recommend Adil and his team at LSC for all your document notarization, authentication, and Apostille needs. Thank you for your great service!”

- Milan Nikolic

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why Might a Document Not Qualify for an Apostille?

If a document was issued digitally, you can email it to us to obtain an authentication certificate. However, photographs or scanned copies of paper-based documents are not allowed; they must be submitted physically to receive an authentication certificate.

Photocopies or documents without original signatures/seals cannot be apostilled. If signatures or seals cannot be verified, document authentication fails. Glued or laminated documents cannot be stamped. Documents covered with substances preventing stamping are ineligible.

Certificates from religious institutions (e.g., baptism, marriage) are ineligible. Documents from unrecognized institutions cannot be apostilled.

Documents suspected of being misleading, fraudulent, or violating policies may be refused and referred to authorities.

Do You Need to Make Notarized Copies of Documents Before Obtaining an Apostille?

Certain documents must be notarized before authentication. The notarization province or territory determines the competent authority in Canada for submission. Notarizing specific copies can significantly reduce apostille processing time. Canada apostilles require that documents be prepared correctly, and LSC collaborates with official notaries public across provinces to assist with this process.

Do Documents Need to Be Translated Before Obtaining an Apostille?

If part or all of the document is in a language other than English or French, an official translation by a certified translator is required. Alternatively, a Canadian notary fluent in both languages can add a confirming endorsement to the document. LSC handles translations and notarizations as part of the apostille process.

How Long Does It Currently Take to Obtain an Apostille, What is the Processing Time?

As of September 2024, Global Affairs Canada processes apostille requests in about 10 business days, plus an additional 5 business days for return shipping. However, since January 11, 2024, provincial competent authorities can also legalize documents, with processing times varying by organization. LSC excels in expediting apostille requests, with our fastest turnaround being 1 business day.

What Other Factors Should Be Considered for Understanding the Apostille Process?

Fees vary based on type of document and issuance location. Contact LSC experts for up-to-date fee information.

Does an Apostille Validate the Document’s Content? No, an apostille only authenticates the signer’s authority and the issuing organization’s legitimacy.

Only Hague Apostille Convention member countries require an apostille. Non-member countries need traditional authentication and legalization.

Apostilles do not expire, but the legal validity of the certified document may depend on the destination country’s regulations. Verify specific requirements for the destination country.

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