Apostille Saskatchewan: Recognized Authentication Services in Canada

Certain documents issued by the Government of Canada or other entities may first need to be notarized in their respective province or territory by a notary public before proceeding with authentication by a competent authority. The territory where your document is notarized will determine the appropriate authority to which you should submit it for processing.

Notarizing specific copies of documents can also reduce the time required to obtain an apostille, allowing for faster processing. The Legalization Service Centre (LSC) collaborates with official notaries across various provinces, providing comprehensive support for clients needing authentication services.

If any part or all of your document is in a language other than English or French, it may need to get an official translation by a certified translator who is a member of a recognized provincial translators’ association.

Alternatively, you may use a Canadian notary who is fluent in English and/or French, as well as the original language of the document. In this case, the notary must add a special certification endorsement to ensure the document’s authenticity.

The most suitable method for verifying documents in other languages is determined on a case-by-case basis. The Legalization Service Centre (LSC) can assist with each of these steps to help you obtain an apostille for documents issued in other languages, as part of our authentication services for clients.

As of late September 2024, the authentication section at Global Affairs Canada typically processes apostille requests within 10 business days. Additionally, please allow an extra 5 business days for the return shipment of your documents.

Since the changes that came into effect on January 11, 2024, provincial competent authorities—such as those in Saskatchewan—now also have the capacity to legalize documents, although processing times with these different authentication authorities may vary based on the specific organization.

At the Legalization Service Centre (LSC), we recognize the importance of receiving apostilled documents promptly. By leveraging our experience and partnerships, we expedite the process wherever possible. Our fastest record for obtaining an apostille remains one business day, underscoring our commitment to efficient service.

Fees for apostilling documents will depend on the type of document and where it was issued. For the latest fee details or to obtain a request form, please consult with our experts at the Legalization Service Centre (LSC).

Does an Apostille Verify the Document’s Content? No, an apostille does not assess or verify the content within the document. Instead, it authenticates the authority of the signer and the legitimacy of the issuing organization.

An apostille is necessary only for countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention. Documents in countries that are non-members still require the authentication or legalization process.

In Canada, provinces like Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, and Saskatchewan are designated as competent authorities to issue apostilles for documents issued within their jurisdictions.

An apostille itself does not expire; however, the legal validity of the certificate will allow the documents to be used may vary based on the destination country’s laws, so it is important to check the specific requirements regarding what documents are required where the document will be used.