Apostille Nova Scotia: Leading Authentication Services in Canada
Starting January 11, 2024, apostille services and document authentication in Nova Scotia and throughout Canada adhere to the Hague Apostille Convention, enabling use of documents in 120+ countries.
Apostille Services in Nova Scotia and Changes to Authentication Services Across Canada
Canadian documents or foreign documents intended for international use often require an apostille or authentication to verify the official’s signature on the original document. If the document is intended to be used to a country that is not a member to the Hague Apostille Convention, it may need legalization through the relevant authorities—such as a high commission, embassy, or consulate in or accredited to Canada. However, if the document is to be used in a Hague Apostille Convention member country, obtaining a Canadian apostille will generally satisfy the requirements without further steps.
Since January 11, 2024, Canada has officially signed the Hague Apostille Convention, simplifying the authentication process by eliminating the need for additional legalization of Canadian documents issued for other member countries. With over 120 countries in the Convention, any document issued by the Government of Canada or notarized by a Canadian authority will receive an apostille certificate, also known as an along, securely attached to the authenticated document.
Choose Our Canadian Apostille and Document Authentication Services
- Contact Us via the Form: Fill in the form below to verify all details needed.
- Prepare Your Documents and Submit Them: Either deliver hard copies or submit digital files online (if the originals are digital).
- Receive Your Prepared Documents: Obtain them in Canada, internationally, or via an electronic download.
With over 15 years of success and practical experience in document services in Canada, we’re glad to help make your next international adventure one to remember for the right reasons.
Contact us today for more information!
Submit a Request for Canadian Document Apostille and Authentication Services
Why Choose Our Document Apostilling, Authentication and Legalization Services in Canada
- Expertise: With over 15 years of experience in document legalization, we provide expert guidance on authentication services for any type of document. Our in-depth knowledge covers every aspect of the process, ensuring each notarized document meets the requirements for international use.
- Customer Focus: We prioritize comprehensive support for all document types, building trust with clients who rely on our services repeatedly. Your needs are our top priority, and we handle each request for authentication with meticulous care.
- Speed: Recognizing the importance of timely processing, our team ensures prompt service, achieving apostille processing times of just one business day, compared to standard processing at Global Affairs Canada.
Partnering with Global Affairs Canada and Provincial Competent Authorities for Apostille Certification
We work closely with the authentication services section at Global Affairs Canada and various provincial competent authorities to streamline document authentication and the issuance of apostilles for a wide range of documents.
The Legalization Service Centre (LSC), headquartered in Ottawa, with offices in Toronto, Mississauga, North York, Montreal, Vancouver, and other cities, assists clients nationwide and internationally. With extensive experience, LSC helps clients navigate document preparation, authentication, and apostille services, ensuring documents meet the requirements for use in Canada or abroad.
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 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
Send Your Documents for Apostille and Authentication
Start the process by completing form and sending us your documents. We manage each step—from securing the issuance of an apostille certificate to processing with Global Affairs Canada or the appropriate provincial competent authority in Canada. Our expertise ensures that regardless of where your document was issued, whether from Nova Scotia or any other province, are fully authenticated and apostilled for international use.
Affidavit
Birth Certificate
Marriage Certificate
Divorce Certificate
Death 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
Corporate Documents
Court Documents
Adoption Certificate
Other
Countries That Are Party to the Hague Apostille Convention
Since January 11, 2024, Canada joined the Hague Apostille Convention, making Canada apostilles available for public documents issued by Global Affairs Canada. Now, documents authenticated with an apostille certificate are recognized in all party to the Apostille Convention countries. This change simplifies authentication services by removing the need for additional legalization of documents for international use. If you intend to use the document abroad, below is a list of member countries where Canadian apostilled documents will be accepted, streamlining the process for documents for use abroad.
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
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Could Disqualify a Canadian Document from Apostille Under the Apostille Convention?
Official documents must carry an original signature or seal; photocopies or documents without these do not qualify. If a document’s seal or signature cannot be verified, authentication is not possible. Documents with glue or laminate coverings are ineligible for apostille stamping. Documents with a protective coating that obstructs stamping cannot be apostilled.
Documents issued by religious institutions, such as baptismal or marriage certificates, are ineligible for apostille processing. Global Affairs Canada issues apostilles only for documents issued in Canada; foreign-issued documents are not accepted. Documents from educational institutions that lack official recognition cannot be apostilled.
Global Affairs Canada may decline to place an apostille on documents if there are concerns about authenticity or if the document’s intended use is suspected of being fraudulent or illegal, with the possibility of referral to the relevant authorities.
Should Documents Be Notarized Before You Can Apply for an Apostille Certificate?
Certain documents may need to be notarized before they can be authenticated by a competent authority. This requirement can apply to specific documents issued by the Government of Canada. The territory where your document was notarized determines which authority you should send it to for processing.
Notarizing copies of certain documents can also reduce the time needed to obtain an apostille certificate. The Legalization Service Centre (LSC) collaborates with official notaries across various provinces to assist in preparing documents for authentication and apostille issuance, ensuring your documents will be used internationally with ease.
Is Translation Required Before You Can Begin the Apostille Process?
If the document to be legalized or any part requiring an apostille is written in a language other than English or French, it will need an official translation by a certified translator who is a member of a recognized provincial translators’ association.
Alternatively, you may work with a Canadian notary who speaks English or French as well as the language of the original document. In this case, the notary will add a special endorsement confirming the document’s contents.
The best approach for verifying a document in another language is determined on a case-by-case basis. In either scenario, the Legalization Service Centre (LSC) can manage this process as part of obtaining an apostille certificate for one or more international documents on behalf of the client.
How Long is the Process for Obtaining an Apostille?
As of late September 2024, Global Affairs Canada processes documents submitted for an apostille within approximately 10 business days, with an additional 5 business days for return shipment to the sender.
Following changes that took effect in Canada on January 11, 2024, provincial competent authorities can also handle document legalization, though processing times vary depending on the organization.
At the Legalization Service Centre (LSC), we recognize the urgency of receiving apostilled documents quickly. Leveraging our experience and partnerships, we strive to expedite processing. Our personal record for obtaining an apostille certificate is just 1 business day.
What Other Factors Should You Consider When Obtaining an Apostille?
Fees for apostille services in Canada vary based on document type and place of issuance. For the most current rates, consult with our experts at the Legalization Service Centre (LSC).
Does an Apostille Validate Document Content? An apostille is a certificate that does not verify a document’s content; it only authenticates the authority of the signer and the issuing organization.
An apostille is required exclusively for member countries of the Hague Apostille Convention. If you need to use a document for non-member countries, they continue to require the authentication or legalization process.
In Canada, Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, and Saskatchewan are designated as competent authorities for issuing apostilles.
An apostille itself has no expiration. However, the legal validity of the certified document depends on the regulations of the country where the document will be used, so it’s important to confirm specific requirements.