What is the Authentication of Documents?
The authentication of documents in Canada is the process that certifies the legitimacy of the signature and seal on the document. Usually, the authentication of documents is required when the documents are intended to be used in foreign countries. For example, you have a property in Mexico and you need to sell it out but you do not want to travel down to Mexico in person. In this case, you would go to a notary or a lawyer office where you would draft a power of attorney to empower someone to act on your behalf. You would sign this document in front of a notary or a lawyer who will certify your signature. Once the notary or a lawyer signed the document, his signature needs to be authenticated by the Canadian Government – Global Affairs Canada Authentication Sector (GAC). After it is done there, the next step would be to finalize the authentication of documents process by the relevant Embassy or Consulate in Canada.
Or, if you are going to work or study or live permanently in foreign countries like China, you will be required to present your authenticated Canadian documents in order to apply for work, study or residency visas. In this case, your documents will still be required to get processed by the GAC and relevant Embassy or Consulate in Canada.
Authentication of Documents by the Global Affairs Canada Authentication Sector
The Global Affairs Canada Authentication Sector is located in Ottawa, Ontario. The following documents can be authenticated by them:
- Birth, marriage, divorce or death documents
- Education documents
- Criminal record checks (police clearance) or fingerprint certificates
- Documents originating in a foreign country
- Documents originating in Canada in a foreign language
- Statements In Lieu of Certificate of Non-Impediment to Marriage Abroad
- Notarized powers of attorney.
Please note that not every document can be authenticated by the GAC. Every document is unique and requires a specific attention. We urge you to contact our office to verify if your particular document can be processed. There were occasions when individuals’ documents have been rejected due to not compliance with policies and regulations. Our office is staffed with experienced employees who will gladly offer the assistance in authentication of documents process.
How We Can Assist You
We have authenticated hundreds of documents from all Canadian provinces for use in foreign jurisdictions. We provide services in authenticating the documents by the GAC and further legalization by the Embassies and Consulates. So we provide one stop service from start to finish. You will only need to mail your documents to our office in Ottawa and we will return you fully processed document(s). If your documents originate from British Colombia, Alberta, Manitoba, Quebec or any other Canadian provinces, no problem – we can assist you!
We also provide the notary services, translation services and international shipping services. If you need your documents to be shipped abroad after authentication process, we can assist you with this too. We have very competitive international shipping rates.