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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Document Legalization Canada: Trusted Authentication of Documents and Apostille

Legalization Service Centre has been providing legalization, authentication, and apostille services in Canada for over 15 years. Contact us today!

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What Changes to Canadian Document Authentication and Legalization Services Does the Apostille Convention Bring in 2024

Legalization is the process of officially validating Canadian public documents for use in countries that are not part of the Hague Apostille Convention. This process is typically carried out by the embassy, consulate, or high commission of the country of destination.

For example, if you need to authorize someone in the UAE to manage the property on your behalf, the document must first be authenticated for use outside Canada. This requirement applies to all public document types, such as a certificate of divorce, intended for use in other countries.

As of January 11, 2024, Canada became a member of the Apostille Convention, streamlining the authentication process by removing the requirement for document legalization in other participating countries.

Choose Our Legalization, Authentication and Apostille Services in Canada

Contact Us Through the Form: Please fill out the form below to confirm all required details.
Gather and Send In Your Documents: Either ship them to our office, drop them off in person, or upload them online (for electronic originals).
Obtain Your Finalized Documents: You can receive them within Canada, abroad, or through electronic delivery.

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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.

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Submit a Request if You Need to Apostille, Legalize, Authenticate your Document

Why Contact Us for Get Your Document Apostille, Authentication or Legalization

Expertise: We provide expert guidance on authentication services in Canada. With over 15 years of experience in document authentication and legalization services, we truly know our craft.
Customer Focus: We offer comprehensive support for all types of public document handling. Clients return time and again because we simplify complex procedures and help authenticate documents quickly.
Speed: We understand that you often need your documents urgently. Our record for obtaining an apostille is just one business day, and we work to expedite the usual process.

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Close-up of two people at a desk, with one person signing a document on a clipboard, essential for UAE embassy attestation. The person signing wears a long-sleeved shirt, and their face is not visible. Another person, also partially visible, observes. A notepad lies nearby.

We Collaborate with Global Affairs Canada, Provincial Authorities, and Embassies

The Legalization Service Centre, headquartered in Ottawa and Toronto, Mississauga, and other areas, provides services across Canada. If you need a document authentication service, we’ll verify their eligibility and guide you through the process.

Legalization and Authentication Ontario:

Toronto
Ottawa
Mississauga
Brampton
Hamilton
London
Markham
Vaughan
Kitchener
Windsor

Legalization and Authentication Alberta:

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

Legalization and Authentication BC:

Vancouver
Surrey
Burnaby
Richmond
Abbotsford
Coquitlam
Kelowna
Kamloops
Nanaimo
Prince George

Legalization and Authentication Manitoba:

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

Legalization and Authentication New Brunswick:

Moncton
Saint John
Fredericton
Dieppe
Oromocto
Bathurst
Miramichi
Edmundston
Riverview
Rothesay

Legalization and Authentication Newfoundland and Labrador:

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

Legalization and Authentication Nova Scotia:

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

Legalization and Authentication Prince Edward Island:

Charlottetown
Summerside
Stratford
Cornwall
Montague
Souris
Alberton
Tignish
Kensington
Georgetown

Legalization and Authentication Quebec:

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

Legalization and Authentication Saskatchewan:

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

Send Your Documents for Authentication, Legalization or Apostille

To get started, simply deliver your documents to us. We will determine the exact process required to authenticate them for a specific country. We understand that documents may need special handling if they are written in another language.

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 NOT Party to the Hague Apostille Convention for Document Legalization

If a country is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, documents issued in Canada may require a full authentication and legalization process.

Afghanistan

Bolivia

Indonesia

Iraq

Lebanon

Libya

Morocco

Kuwait

Nigeria

Pakistan

Saudi Arabia (educational documents only)

Vietnam

Sudan

Qatar

United Arab Emirates

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

What Should I Do if My Documents Are Declined for Authentication?

If your document is declined for authentication, our team is ready to assist with any necessary adjustments and corrections. While significant changes to the authentication process are rare, we continuously monitor updates and adapt swiftly to new requirements.

We work closely with you to determine the cause of the issue and implement an effective solution. The Government of Canada, Global Affairs Canada, and foreign diplomatic missions or consular offices may update their guidelines without prior notice, which can affect ongoing or planned authentication requests.

Despite these changes, we remain committed to ensuring all documents meet evolving standards, providing careful oversight and thorough quality checks to guarantee recognition worldwide.

How Should I Prepare My Documents for Legalization and Authentication?

Proper preparation of your documents is essential for a smooth authentication and legalization process. It is important to review the specific criteria set by the relevant authorities and ensure that your documents meet their standards.

Submitting a clearly legible copy of the original document and, when required, having a notary public authenticate signatures or certifications can prevent unnecessary delays. If the document is in a language different from that of the destination country, an official translation may be required.

Since Global Affairs Canada, provincial authorities, and foreign embassies or consulates each have their own requirements, additional supporting documents, such as letters of explanation, proof of identity, or extra certifications, may also be necessary. Verifying your document’s eligibility before submission can streamline the process and increase the chances of a successful outcome.

How Long Does the Legalization and Authentication Process Take?

The time required to authenticate and legalize a document depends on the specific consulate, embassy, or government office handling the request. In most cases, the process takes anywhere from a few business days to two weeks.

Authentication must be completed before legalization can proceed, as this ensures the document will be officially recognized in another jurisdiction. Once authentication is finalized, the legalization stage, conducted by the relevant consular authority, typically moves forward more smoothly, ensuring the document is valid for use abroad.

Should I Translate My Document Before Legalization?

If a document is issued in a language other than English, French, or the official language of the receiving country, a professional translation is often required. Embassies, consulates, and high commissions enforce language policies to ensure clarity and accuracy in official documentation. When a translation is necessary, it is essential to use a certified translator who can guarantee that the original document’s meaning and details are accurately preserved.

What Factors Should I Consider When Requesting Authentication and Legalization?

The specific process and requirements for authentication and legalization depend on whether the receiving country is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention.

Member states follow a simplified procedure, while non-member countries may require additional steps, including multiple stamps or notarization, to verify a document’s authenticity.

Regulations and conditions may change without notice, so working with reputable authentication services in Canada ensures compliance and efficiency. By staying informed and following the correct procedures, you can ensure a seamless and hassle-free authentication process.

Choose the Fastest Way to Authenticate and Legalize Your Official Documents in Canada

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