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Authentication of Documents in Canada

LSC Canada: One-Stop Solution for your Attestation Needs

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Paperwork can be daunting and we get that. Unfortunately, when you need documents from one country to use in another, there is even more administration involved. Not only do these documents often need to be notarized, they also need to be attested to ensure that they are legally admissible in the intended country of use. For anyone who hasn’t gone through the process before, attestation or authentication and legalization (what does that even mean?) can seem like a headache. From ordering the right document to having them reach their final destination, there is just so much involved! Not to mention the trip to Ottawa for legalization that you probably didn’t have in your travel plans.

So what do you do? We recommend getting in touch with Legalization Service Centre Canada (LSC Canada). Not just because we’re the best in the industry, but because we take all of your attestation stress away. And when we say all, we mean from A to Z. Here’s how.

1. Getting your documents together

You know what document you need, but do you know where to order it from? What about which version is right? For example, if you need a birth certificate attested, you may not be aware that the long form can save you a lot of headache down the road. In fact, most times the short version won’t even be accepted. Moreover, often there are documents you need along with the basic ones that you may not even be aware of. For example, if you need a divorce certificate attested to clear you for a marriage abroad, it may be a good idea to include your marriage certificate to that person as well. There are many examples like these where people often have to repeat the process simply because they forgot to include a document the first time around.

When you go through us, we know what the end goal is because we’ve done the job plenty of times. We’ll know not just how to efficiently complete attestation of the document of your interest, but will also advise on everything else you may need.

2. We take care of all of the applications and travel

Did you know that the Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and most embassy offices are located in Ottawa? That’s why our head office is also situated in the heart of Ottawa, just minutes away from all of these key points that you’ll need to touch. If you aren’t in Ottawa, that doesn’t sound like much fun, does it? Traveling to Ottawa for the purpose of attestation of your documents isn’t a great use of your time. But it is a very good use of ours! Once you transfer all of your required documents to us, we’ll fill out the necessary applications and submit everything on your behalf. They will first go to Global Affairs Canada for authentication and then to the appropriate embassy for legalization. No matter how many times these offices need to be visited for your paperwork, we’ll make the necessary trips.

3. Document transfers and mailing

Once all of your documents are fully authenticated and legalized, we package them up and courier them to your requested address. In many instances, this means that you don’t even have to worry about mailing in the documents to their final destination. Our mails are sent through secured channels so that you can track them until they reach their destination.

Moreover, there are perks to using LSC as your service provider that you wouldn’t enjoy otherwise. For example, did you also know that now it takes 10 business day or more for GAC  to complete your authentication? We can help expedite this process as long as you have proof of your deadline!

Still not sure what to do? Don’t fret, we know that the process can appear complicated. We are always here to help you with your attestation needs. If you have any questions, give us a call and we’ll go over more details. At LSC Canada, we are happy to help you with your attestation needs at every step of the way. Even if that means just having a reassuring and informative conversation!

Death Certificate Attestation for use in China

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Belonging to different nationalities means that you likely have affairs in different parts of the world. For example, if you are a Chinese immigrant in Canada, you may have properties, businesses, and assets in both countries. Similarly, you may have relatives in both places. Immigrants lead blessed and complicated lives in this regard. Your ties continue to remain in both lands, even after your demise. If you require a China death certificate attestation for someone who passed away in Canada, you’re not alone. Every year, thousands of Chinese-Canadians need to validate a Canadian death certificate. What do you do now?

Starting Death Certificate Attestation

In Canada, only the next-of-kin can apply for a certified copy of the death registration. This means that direct relatives such as a spouse, off-spring, and parents may access or request this document. The vital statistics office in your province issues certified death certificates. For example, you may obtain it from Service Ontario if the death was registered in ON. To be certain that you don’t face any obstacles in China with the process, get the long-form certified copy.

Death Certificate Attestation Step 1: Authentication 

The death certificate attestation is a process with two simple steps. It is only valid for use in China afterwards. In order to authenticate, it must be submitted to Global Affairs Canada (GAC) located in Ottawa. GAC will review your document and validate all the details of the form. This process typically takes 15-20 business days. They will place a red stamp to indicate completion of authentication.

Death Certificate Attestation Step 2: Legalization

Following authentication, your death certificate will need to be submitted to the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, located in Ottawa. Here, the document will undergo the process of legalization. During this process, the embassy will review the document to validate GAC’s stamp. They will also ensure that the document meets it’s country-wise requirements. After this step, death certificate attestation is complete. Now, even though the death happened in Canada, this document will be treated as its legal equivalent in China.

A Friendly Word of Advice

The process of death certificate attestation can be daunting! Especially if you are already processing the death of a loved one. The physical location of GAC and most embassies in Canada to work with. For these reasons, it is advisable to contact a legalization professional such as Legalization Service Centre to conduct the process on your behalf. We will gather all the right documents and make their transfer to the final destination smoother. While it typically takes 15 to 20 days to authenticate a document if you to submit it yourself, LSC can have the document processed at GAC in as little as one business day. Moreover, since we are professionals who handle these matters regularly, our skilled agents submit your documents free of errors or omissions which can otherwise cost you hundreds of dollars in additional fees.

Legalization Service Centre – At Your Service!

We are also highly professional and deemed reliable by all of our clients as well as The Better Business Bureau (BBB). Over the years, our customer service and dedicated legalization services have earned us hundreds of 5 star ratings on Google and an A++ standing with the BBB. Our work is our pride and we take care to handle each client’s need with the sensitivity and attention required to help you reach your documentation goals.

Not sure where to start? Give us a call, and we’ll help you sort your thoughts. Paperwork can be stressful, but if you know what you need, we’ll help you get on the right path. Whether you need our service or not, we are happy to chat!

 

 

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Marriage Certificate Attestation for International Use

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While most people don’t give much thought to it, your marriage certificate is an important legal document that may become necessary for a variety of different reasons, both locally and internationally. If you need to use yours internationally, then the document must undergo the processes of authentication and legalization. Below are a few things to keep in mind when prepping for marriage certificate attestation.

Know where to obtain your original marriage certificate

In Canada, marriage licenses and certificates are granted and maintained at the provincial level. If you married in Quebec, you can’t request them from Ontario. Most people don’t have a problem with this because they tend to marry in their resident province. Problems arise when you have a destination wedding or relocate from the province you married in. Many of the provinces and territories have online forms for requesting the certificate. However, some may require mailed-in forms or in-person requests. If online applications aren’t available, make sure you block out more time to the process.

Gather all the necessary documents for marriage certificate attestation

The first step in marriage certificate attestation? Reflect on why you need your marriage certificate for international use and find out from the embassy of that country if you need any other supporting documents. For example, if you need the document for immigration benefits for a foreign spouse. They may need copies of your ID or financial statements. You usually need to authenticate and legalize these, too.

It’s a good practice to create a dossier with all of these necessary documents so that you can complete the process of legalization in a timely and organized manner. If you are working with an expert, they can help you source and prepare what you need.

Make sure you have the long form certificate!

Marriage certificates can come in short and long form. The short form contains the names of the couple and the place of marriage. The long form contains this, along with additional details about the couple, their parents, as well as the place of marriage. Most applications and offices require you to use the long form while the short form may be sufficient for many purposes. However, to be on the safe side, it is good practice to use the long form whenever you can.

Marriage Certificate Authentication

In Canada, document attestation or legalization is a two-part process. Documents must first undergo authentication by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) located in Ottawa. GAC is a government body responsible for reviewing and authenticating all legal documents in Canada. Typically this process takes about 15 to 20 days to complete from the time that the documents are submitted to GAC and there is an application fee. If there are errors or omissions in the application, authentication may take longer and there may be additional fees associated with the review. GAC will place a red stamp on the document to signal the end of the authentication step.

Marriage Certificate Legalization

Following authentication, your document must be submitted to the embassy of the country where you intend to use it. Once at the embassy, the document will undergo the legalization portion of the process. The embassy will review the document to ensure that the GAC stamp is valid and also that it meets the standards of their country. Once they are satisfied, the embassy too will place a stamp or attach a certificate to indicate that your document has been legalized. This completes the necessary steps for document authentication/legalization, making your document admissible for use in your country of interest!

Consider a professional to handle your document preparation

While document authentication and legalization are not difficult processes per say, it can be tedious work. Having a professional service such as Legalization Service Centre can make the process easier. For instance, a professional can facilitate in the collection of your legal documents as well as prepare the application package for GAC. Moreover, professionals have the network within GAC that can significantly reduce wait time. For instance, Legalization Service Centre can have your documents authenticated at GAC within one business day, compared to the 15 to 20 days it can typically take! Also, errors can be costly, both in terms of time and money. Since legalization professionals do this work all the time, they can help to avoid common errors or omissions.

Regardless of what you need your marriage certificate for, legalization of the document is a necessary step in order to be able to use it internationally. Document preparation and paperwork is never fun, but hopefully in following these tips, the process can be made less burdensome. If you still have any questions, give the professionals at Legalization Service Centre a shout. They are happy to help with all of your document legalization needs!

 

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Document Authentication and Legalization for Egypt

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Egypt is an ancient country with a lot of history. Monuments that date hundreds and thousands of years grace this land. Pyramids make it home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World. But Egypt is more than just a land of history and tourism. The recent thrive in its economy has led to much interest by many. Foreign investors, businesses and professionals participate, in one form or another, in the market. Many Canadians work or live in Egypt to invest in businesses there, conduct trade, or work as teachers. But before you conduct business, you’ll likely need to go through document authentication and legalization for Egypt.

What Kinds of Documents Do You Need?

Common documents of transaction and verification include Powers of Attorneys, Corporate Powers of Attorneys, Commercial invoices, Certificates of Origin, Certificate of Pharmaceutical Products, and degree certificates/licenses. The document(s) will need to undergo an apostille or authentication to verify its validity. Canada does not provide document apostilles, however! Document authentication and legalization are the equivalents.

What Do You Need: Document Authentication and Legalization for Egypt

Global Affairs Canada (GAC) will authenticate your Canadian documents. This process involves GAC reviewing the signatures and stamps on the document to ensure that they are valid. GAC will place a large red stamp on your document(s) to signify authentication. Following this, the Egyptian embassy in Ottawa will complete the final step of legalization.

In Canada, document legalization involves submitting documents to the appropriate embassy, which in this case would be The Consulate General of Egypt in Montreal. Here, your documents will undergo review of the authenticity of the GAC stamp. The embassy will also ensure that the document(s) meet the requirements of the host country. Once satisfied,  they will place a stamp or a certificate indicating that the document has been legalized.

How Can We Help? 

Document authentication and legalization are standard processes which, if you are familiar with, are not difficult to conduct. However, without proper expertise, the process of completion can be extremely time consuming and expensive. For example, each time your document needs to be resubmitted due to errors, you must pay an additional fee for the administration. Typically, a document stays at GAC for authentication for up to 22 days. Therefore, going through a professional authentication and legalization service provider such as Legalization Service Centre can save you time, money, and the headache of document preparation. Your documents will be prepared by professional staff in every step of the process. All you have to do is provide us with the information and list of documents that we request from you.

Our Credentials 

Over many years, professionals at Legalization Service Centre have garnered an A+ reputation at the BBB and a 5 star rating on Google through client reviews. Document preparation, authentication, and legalization is our expertise and we take great pride in relieving our clients of their document processing needs. Moreover, nationalism is at the core of our work which means that we value the work that you put into building strong ties internationally, such as with countries like Egypt. For this reason, let us help you make the burden of paperwork easier while you focus on your business.

 

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The Role of Global Affairs Canada’s Authentication Sector

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If you need to use a legal document abroad, you may have come across the terms attestation, apostille, or authentication. What are these terms and why do your documents need them? These terms are basically a processing of your legal documents to ensure that they are true, valid, and will be legally binding as per the laws of the country where you intend to use them. In essence, apostille, attestation, and authentication are all interchangeable terms that mean the same thing. They all ensure that your documents undergo the same sets of verification. Global Affairs Canada will grant them recognition and acceptance in the foreign country.

Document Authentication and Legalization vs. Apostille

In Canada, another name for document apostille or attestation is “authentication and legalization”. This is because “apostille” negates the need for documents to undergo the step of legalization by countries who are signatories of the Hague Convention. You don’t need to undergo “legalization” if you need to “attest” your document by a Hague signatory country. Similarly, you don’t need to “legalize” your document if you’re going to use your document in another Hague signatory country. However, since Canada has not signed the Hague Convention, we refer to the process of attestation as authentication. We continue to complete the legalization step required in the process. Since we still carry on authentication and legalization as two separate steps, we need a credible Canadian entity to complete the step of authentication. The embassy of the country where the document will be used will do the legalization.

Where Does Global Affairs Canada Factor In?

In Canada, there is one regulatory body that authenticates all Canadian documents. This regulatory body is known as Global Affairs Canada (GAC), located in Ottawa, Canada. GAC is a government establishment which has standardized the authentication process. To authenticate a document, submit it to the authentication sector at GAC. Usually, it takes GAC 15-20 business days to review said document. Your legal document must also meet other requirements that forth by GAC. Having GAC complete authentication simplifies this step for people as well as the two countries involved.

GAC takes the guesswork out of authentication for people who are unfamiliar with the process. It also makes the work of professionals in the field of document legalization and authentication straightforward by allowing one channel to communicate with. One point of contact means everyone knows what to expect or can be given proper guidance in completing authentication. It also means that factors such as cost and timeline can also be determined without much confusion or ambiguity.

Global Affairs Canada and Legalization Service Centre

As mentioned above, the authentication process at GAC can be time consuming and can typically take up to 20 days to complete. Moreover, while the costs of authentication are typically pre-set, any need for correction in the process can lead to additional fees and time. This is why it is a good idea to have a professional submit and track your documents at GAC. Because professionals like Legalization Service Centre deposit hundreds of documents for authentication to GAC regularly, we enjoy processing times as little as two business days. This, along with our years of experience that ensure documents are submitted correctly at the first go allows you to have the process of authentication in as little time and cost as possible.

What Happens Next?

After authentication, the relevant embassy will legalize your document. This embassy is also located in Ottawa. Here, the embassy will conduct their own review to ensure that the document meets all the requirements of their country. Once they are satisfied, they too will place a stamp or certificate indicating that legalization is complete.

Document authentication and legalization are simple processes that can be daunting for anyone conducting them for the first time. It is a necessary but frustrating process that gives paperwork a bad reputation. At Legalization Service Centre, we understand that you are only interested in the final results being obtained as quickly and easily as possible. Our experience and customer service has garnered us an A+ reputation with the AAA and a stellar customer rating on Google. If you need your documents processed, don’t hesitate to reach out, even if only for a quick chat. Document authentication is what we do best! We are happy to help and ensure a quick and hassle-free deliverance.

 

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Why do you need a Marriage Search Certificate?

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Marriage is a celebrated occasion and one that should be based on trust and confidence from both parties involved. Partners should be open and honest with each other, especially about marital status, past and present. It’s even more important that you and your partner fully disclose your marital status when marrying abroad. This is where a marriage search certificate factors in, as well as its consequent authentication and legalization.

Why Do You Need a Marriage Search Certificate?

Usually, one of the prerequisites to legal marriage is being in a single status at present. You are legally single by default if you have never married or been in a conjugal relationship. You are also single if you have conferred your divorce. The end outcome in order to marry is that you have to be single at present. If you are marrying someone in a different country, that country may require you to prove your freedom to marry. In this scenario, a simple marriage search certificate will clear your status.

A marriage search is usually conducted at the provincial level in Canada. If you got married in Ontario or live in Ontario, that is where you obtain your certificate from. Each province has their own process for searching the records and a simple Google search will show you the process for your province. Some provinces may require for you to submit an application by mail or in person.

It is also worth noting that this certificate will only indicate any record of marriage within the province. If the marriage ended with a divorce, the record of the divorce will not show on it. Additionally, you must obtain a divorce certificate from the Supreme Court if you are legally divorced. This, along with the marriage search certificate, should be sufficient to prove your freedom to marry.

Legalizing and Authenticating Your Marriage Search Certificate

Like any other legal document, you must validate your marriage certificate before use abroad. Meaning, the marriage search must undergo document authentication and legalization. To authenticate, submit it to Global Affairs Canada (GAC) located in Ottawa. GAC will review the signatures on your certificates to ensure that they are true and valid. GAC will place a red stamp on the documents to indicate that it has been authenticated.

Following authentication, you need to legalize your document by the embassy of the country you wish to marry in. This embassy will also conduct their own review to ensure that the certificates meet the standards and requirements of their country. They will also place a stamp or certificate to indicate that the certificate has been legalized.

How Can We Help?

At Legalization Service Centre, we understand that marriage is a celebratory occasion that requires a lot of preparation. With so much already on your plate, paperwork is probably the last thing you want to worry about. However, having the paperwork completed properly can save you time, money and headache in the weeks and months ahead of your journey. Legalization Service Centre has the expertise and network to complete your authentication and legalization needs so that you can remain stress-free and confident that your paperwork is being completed by professionals in the field. Our experience and customer service has earned us an A+ reputation with the BBB and a stellar rating on Google from our customers. With us, you can rest assured that paperwork will be the least of your worries on this joyous occasion.

 

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Bahamas

Deed of Conveyance: Bahamas Authentication and Legalization

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Having a place to call your own in the Bahamas is akin to owning a piece of heaven on earth. The real estate market in the Bahamas has always been open and lucrative to Canadian prospects. Perhaps your investment is a vacation home for yourself. Or many you realized how valuable a waterfront property could be for short and long term rentals. However, property transactions in the Bahamas requires a few additional steps. Just as is the case here in Canada, you will need to have a lawyer draft a conveyance deed. A conveyance deed serves as the proof of “transference” of a title from one owner to another. On top of that, it also needs to undergo Bahamas authentication and legalization. What are the next steps you should take?

The First Step to Recognition of Your Deed

If you find yourself in a situation where you need to use your conveyance deed for a transaction, simply presenting this deed will not be sufficient. Even though the document is regarding a property in the Bahamas, your deed will need to undergo attestation.  Attestation is another way of saying “Bahamas authentication and legalization”. The terms are interchangeable and the process is the same, regardless of what you call it.

In order to complete attestation, you will need to follow a certain process. After certifying your signature on the Deed by a Canadian lawyer or notary public, you will need to submit it to Global Affairs Canada (GAC) in Ottawa for authentication. GAC is the government body in Canada that authenticates all legal documents. They will review the signatures on your deed for trueness and once they are satisfied, GAC will place a stamp to indicate that it has been authenticated.

Legalization via the Bahamas High Commission

Following authentication, your document will need to be submitted to the Bahamas High Commission in Ottawa. This step is for the process of legalization, which serves as the second step of attestation. The High Commission will review your document further for accuracy and validity of the GAC stamp. Once they are satisfied, they too will place a stamp or certificate indicating that the document has been legalized.

The Benefits of Choosing Legalization Service Centre

The process of authentication and legalization can be time consuming and expensive to do by yourself. This is because authentication professionals such as Legalization Service Centre have existing networks within GAC and embassies through years of experience. You can save money and time, and your documents will be free of errors.  For example, whereas the turnaround time for authentication is 20 business days, we can have your documents processed within one business day. Our location, service level, and connection can make all the difference in how fast and effectively you have your deed of conveyance ready for use.

While property transactions anywhere can be challenging, there is an added layer of bureaucracy involved when the transactions are in a foreign country. Property dealings in the Bahamas are no exception to this. Contact us today to speak to one of our professionals to make the process easier and quicker to handle.

 

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Teaching in Qatar: Dealing with Attestation Requirements

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From the food, to the landscape to a prehistoric culture, Qatar is quite the beauty to explore. Add in the benefits of a teaching job there, and you are all set for an exquisite experience. Teaching regarded and respected quite highly in Qatar. It also comes with many perks. Your can expect for your salary to be on par with your Canadian salary with a few added benefits. Provided, you complete Qatar attestation first!

For example, most contracts include an 8-week vacation. This may seem standard compared to what you’d expect at home (two months of summer vacation!), except it doesn’t stop here. Most contracts also include airfare to and from Canada for you and your dependents, medical and dental coverage, and some even include accommodation and a stipend for transportation.

Basically, your major expenses are paid for and what you “earn” is really yours to enjoy. They must really love teachers, no?

It is easy to see why every year, thousands of Canadians apply to teaching positions in Qatar. Unfortunately, due to popular demand for these roles, only a handful are offered the opportunity. If you happen to be one of those lucky ones, congratulations! You are about to begin a profitable adventure. Celebrations are in order, but before that, what’s next?

The beginning of Qatar attestation

  1. Organize Your Documents

Your new employers will likely be asking you for a slew of different documents. Your teaching degree, university certificates, transcripts, police clearance, passport and IDs are all fair game. As soon as you hear some good news, it’s time to get to work. Proper preparation is very important since you are dealing with a foreign country. If you forget something, it may take much longer to have it over to them which can delay your plans. And don’t forget, some of your documents may need to be requested/ordered from institutions, like your college transcript. Also, it is a good practice to create notarized copies of all original documents. All of this takes time, so start planning and collecting as soon as possible.

  1. Document Authentication

Any time you want to use a document originating in one country in another, it will need to be authenticated. This is to verify its legitimacy. As well as ensure to the foreign country that the document is valid and truly what it claims to be.

In other words, to attest it. In Canada however, this process is called document authentication. Meaning, the terms are interchangeable. Global Affairs Canada, a government body situated in Ottawa authenticates your documents. Make sure you’ve collected and notarized all your documents first. Afterwards, you will submit them to GAC for review. GAC will verify that the signatures on the documents match those in their repository and the documents meet all other relevant criteria. Finally, GAC will place a large red stamp on each document to verify that the authentication process has been completed.

  1. Document Legalization

The second step to completing attestation of your documents is to present them to the Embassy of Qatar in Ottawa. This is document legalization. The embassy will conduct their own review of the documents to ensure that they are valid, mainly verifying the GAC stamp. Once satisfied, they too will attach a stamp or certificate of legalization to your documents.

What is next  and how can we help?

Completing legalization ensures your documents are attested, or fully authenticated. All that’s left to do is send them to your employers or the government of Qatar, whomever of these entities have requested for them.

But, if you were to truly approach this the right way, then the first step would be to acquire more information and guidance. Even before you start preparing your documents, it is a good idea to talk to authentication professionals such as Legalization Service Centre about the process. Consult with one of our experienced professionals about what you need to provide and the instructions you received from the employer. Because of differences in culture, language and distance, communication can be difficult and delayed between you and the hiring entity. We deal with hundreds of teachers who have met their documentation needs through us. So chances are, we’ll have some tips and suggestions that’ll make it easier for you to understand the process and be better prepared to respond and relay documents accordingly.

Moreover, our network and connections within the GAC, as well as our Ottawa-based location allow us to complete document authentication and legalization much faster than if you were to approach them yourself. For example, whereas typically it takes up to 20 business days for GAC to authenticate, we can have your documents authenticated in as little as one business day. The quick turnaround, along with error-free submissions can save you money and time that you can use to prepare the other aspects of your trip.

The period after you secure that job can be both stressful and exhilarating. Mental preparation for the trip, tying loose ends at home, preparing to move to another country, and having your documents in order are all big tasks. We can’t help you with all of it, but we can make the bit with the paperwork a little but easier. Call us together to speak with one of our experienced professionals. Then, get back to planning your move to Qatar, at least for period of time!

 

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