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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!

 

Image Credit: Languagesim

Wedding in Cuba

Marriage in Cuba: What Documents Should Canadians Prepare for Wedding in Cuba

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Canadians Marrying in Cuba

Love is in the air! Fresh, oceanic, breezy Cuban air. Congratulations on choosing to marry in the beautiful island of Cuba. Perhaps your fiancé/e is Cuban or perhaps you are both Canadians taking advantage of a beautiful Cuban destination wedding. While the latter is simple, there are technical barriers you will have to overcome in order to marry in a Cuban resort. In both cases, you will need to have certain paper work compiled, authenticated and legalized in order to marry in Cuba.

The Paperwork

In order to marry in Cuba, you will need to obtain official permission from your future spouse’s government. Their government will require proof of the following with documentation:

  • Your marital status as being single and eligible to marry
  • Proof of country of birth
  • Proof of date of birth to meet the legal age requirement of 18 years old to marry

To prove that you are single, as a Canadian you will need to provide a Statutory Declaration of Single Status, along with notarized copies of your identification such as a birth certificate and passport. (Please contact our office for Statutory Declaration of Single Status template). If you are divorced/widowed, there are additional documents you will need to provide such as your marriage certificate, divorce certificate, divorce order, or death certificate.

All of the documents that you provide must be translated in Spanish, notarized, authenticated by Global Affairs Canada, and legalized by the Cuban consulate or embassy. For easy processing and a hiccup-free wedding in Cuba, you will want to have all of this paperwork completed before you depart to Cuba for the big affair!

While this takes care of your end of documentation, your Cuban partner will need to do some paperwork of their own. Your future husband or wife will need to provide the following to their government:

  • His/her identity card
  • If they are divorced, a notarized copy of their divorce certificate
  • For a female, if she has been divorced for less than 300 days, she will require a medical certificate stating that she is not pregnant

The Actual Marriage

Once all of your paper work is in order, you will then apply for the marriage itself. In order to do so, you can go to one of two offices in Havana, Cuba, along with your future spouse and two witnesses who are not related to either of you. Your witnesses will need to bring with them documentation/identification that proves the following:

  • Their full names
  • Address
  • Identity document number, passport, and residency permit/tourist cards

At the end of it all and after several fees and stamps, you will obtain three copies of your marriage certificate. And voila, you are now husband and wife!

Get Us to Help!

The prospect of marriage in Cuba can be daunting due to the paperwork and processing involved. Which documents you will need to compile vary case by case and can be complicated and confusing. To ensure that you have everything you need prepared correctly, it is best to consult with an experienced authentication and legalization service professional. You can call our services to obtain professional consultation. We will help you prepare your documents from start to finish, so that your love-filled affair remains as simple and exciting as possible.

Image credit: Bonas en Cuba Fiestas

United Arab Emirates: Canadian Document Preparation

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If you’re seeking post-secondary education and/or are looking for opportunities for employment, chances are you already heard of United Arab Emirates. This country offers one of the highest quality education in the Middle East, and is currently a hotspot for anyone wishing to join their diverse workforce. As international interest grows, naturally, the UAE becomes more strict about who they accept into their country and who they don’t. Before your documents are considered valid in UAE, they must first go through authentication and legalization or document apostille. 

CANADIAN DOCUMENT APOSTILLE: AUTHENTICATION AND LEGALIZATION

What is “apostille”? And why must you do both authentication and legalization of your documents? This all due to the Hague agreement or Apostille Convention, which Canada hasn’t signed. Canadian documents need to go through two levels of authentication and legalization. This means that in order for your documents to be valid and usable in UAE, they need to be authenticated by Global Affairs Canada first, and then legalized at the consular section of the embassy of UAE in Ottawa. 

VALIDATING DOCUMENTS: FOR EDUCATION 

If you’re planning on studying in one of the prestigious universities in UAE, you will have to validate your Canadian university degree. Whether your degree is from the University of Toronto, McGill University or Queen’s University, such fine school’s transcripts and degrees can become targets of forgery. As such, the embassy is very meticulous with legalization. You must make sure that no discrepancies can be found between the documents submitted by you and your university.

The good news are that the signatures on the degrees are usually recognized by Global Affairs Canada. The degrees are then automatically ready to be authenticated by the GAC and legalized by the UAE’s consular section. Sometimes, certain degrees will require extra steps. In those cases, your university will need to provide some additional documents, such as transcripts or your academic files. This can be hard to keep track of when going through the process yourself, so we are here to help! If you’re in a hurry, we offer rush service, where you’ll get your documents authenticated and legalized in just 2 business days!

VALIDATING CANADIAN DOCUMENTS: FOR EMPLOYMENT  

When joining the United Arab Emirates workforce, there’s a difference between non-corporate documents and corporate documents. Non-corporate documents include “vital statistics”. They’re simply your birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce certificates and death certificates. You will need the aforementioned if you’re planning to bring your family or spouse with you or if you need to declare single status. They will need to go through the process of authentication and legalization, too. However, there’s no need for notarization, as provincially issued vital statistics signatures are recognized by Global Affairs Canada.

NON-CORPORATE EMPLOYMENT

In addition to submitting your vital statistics, you might have to include a criminal record check. Our experts at LSC Canada recommend obtaining an RCMP police check instead of a local police issued one. An RCMP police check is always more thorough, as it’s based on fingerprints. It’s also globally recognized, including Global Affairs Canada, meaning that you don’t need to spend extra money on hiring a notary to notarize your local police check. This also saves you time, as the GAC may take up to 20 business days to process your documents. If you wish to speed the process along, we will be more than happy to oblige with our three different offered service times. Always double check to see if you have all the required documents!

Don’t forget to notarize any existing doctors notes or letters regarding prescription medication. Notarization is completed by a notary public or a lawyer. Only after you complete this step can you move onto authentication and legalization. 

CORPORATE EMPLOYMENT

The United Arab Emirates are an attractive venue for new or existing corporate businesses. Whether you’re partnering with a business in UAE or expanding your chain, this lush country offers much reward. The documents you need to get authenticated and legalized depend entirely on the requesting party. They may include powers of attorney, certificates of incorporation, various certificates such as SCC, CPP, GMP, ISO, certificates of incorporation, certificates of origins, commercial invoices, tax residency letters, permits, etc. In addition to the two-step authentication and legalization process, a lawyer or a notary public must validate your documents. Notarization is often a prerequisite for apostille. If you’re unsure about any of these steps, don’t hesitate to contact us and an agent will be with you shortly!

NEED HELP? WE ARE HERE FOR YOU

It can be difficult to keep track of all the demands of the UAE Embassy as a client! We understand more than anyone, especially if this is your first time having to authenticate and legalize your documents. Our experts at Legalization Service Centre Canada have more than 10 years of experience with document authentication and legalization. We’re always working tirelessly to ensure the easiest process for you! Our client’s 5 star reviews will assure you of our quality, reliable and fast service, and our solid interpersonal relations with each embassies and consulates in Ottawa and Canada will provide you further confidence.

Diverse Mexico: Authentication and Legalization of your documents for your trip to Mexico

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Mexico is one of the biggest trading partners of Canada, with the United States joining the two to form CUSMA. It’s no surprise, then, that many Canadians seek opportunities in this southern country. The beautiful sandy beaches remain a popular wedding destination, as well as a retirement location. Work opportunities, personal or corporate, are engaging and rewarding. However, there’s no doubt that before you can enjoy Mexico’s warm embrace, you must go through the process of authentication and legalization or document apostille. 

CANADIAN DOCUMENT APOSTILLE: AUTHENTICATION AND LEGALIZATION

DEFINTION

What is “apostille”? And why must you do both authentication and legalization of your documents? This all due to the Hague agreement or Apostille Convention, which Canada hasn’t signed. Canadian documents need to go through two levels of authentication and legalization. This means that in order for your documents to be valid and usable in Mexico, they need to be authenticated by Global Affairs Canada first, and then legalized at the consular section of the Mexican embassy in Ottawa. 

 AUTHENTICATION AND LEGALIZATION OF DOCUMENTS FOR MEXICO

Depending on the reason for your visit to Mexico, different documents will be required to go through the authentication process. For example, birth certificates and marriage certificates for those who wish to marry there, pension documents for retirement, tax residency letters, powers of attorney for personal work, and certificates of incorporation for corporate work. This list is no way complete, however. Always double check with the Mexican embassy to ensure that you have all of them. In the case for corporate work, partnering companies usually produce the full list of required documents for you.

PROCESSING TIMES

Always make sure that you’re aware of processing times. Global Affairs Canada can take up to 20 business days to authenticate your documents, sometimes even longer. Each embassy has their own requirements, such as notarization before authentication, and more. For someone who is unfamiliar with the process of apostille, this can be very confusing and hard to follow. We, at LSC Canada, are here for you every step of the way. With our rush service, we can get your documents authenticated and legalized in just 2 business days! Tight deadlines are not a problem for our experienced agents, with more than 10 years of experience in the world of Canadian document apostille.  

CANADIAN CORPORATE DOCUMENTS: APOSTILLE, AUTHENTICATION & LEGALIZATION  

In Mexico, emphasis has been put on the democratization of health care in the recent years, with the quality of said healthcare increasing. Thus, Mexico became an attractive place for expansion and/or partnership of pharmaceutical and other health-related companies. If you’re venturing for a corporate business opportunity, the documents you need to get authenticated and legalized depend entirely on the requesting party. They may include powers of attorney, certificates of incorporation, various certificates such as SCC, CPP, GMP, ISO, certificates of incorporation, certificates of origins, commercial invoices, tax residency letters, permits, etc. In addition to the two-step authentication and legalization process, a lawyer or a notary public must validate your documents. Notarization is often a prerequisite for apostille. If you’re unsure about any of these steps, don’t hesitate to contact us and an agent will be with you shortly!

CANADIAN DOCUMENTS: PERSONAL WORK IN MEXICO

The documents needed for non-corporate (personal) work are different from corporate documents. In fact, they include “vital statistics”. They’re simply your birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce certificates and death certificates. You will need the aforementioned if you’re planning to retire or to marry in Mexico, as well. They will need to go through the process of authentication and legalization. However, Global Affairs Canada recognizes the signatures in the provincially issued vital statistics, so there’s no need for notarization.

CANADIAN DOCUMENTS FOR RETIREMENT IN MEXICO

If you’re planning to retire in Mexico, in addition to submitting your vital statistics, you will have to include a criminal record check and proof of pension. Our experts at LSC Canada recommend obtaining an RCMP police check instead of a local police issued one. An RCMP police check is always more thorough, as it’s based on fingerprints. Global Affairs Canada recognizes the check, meaning that clients don’t need to spend extra money on hiring a notary. This also saves you time, as the GAC may take up to 20 business days to process your documents. If you wish to speed the process along, we will be more than happy to oblige with our three different offered service times. Always double check to see if you have all the required documents. If you’ve ever lived or worked in Mexico, you may be eligible for certain pension benefits. This information can be found here.

CANADIAN DOCUMENTS FOR WEDDINGS IN MEXICO

If you’re planning to marry in Mexico, firstly, you picked a beautiful place! Secondly, clients need to authenticate and legalize marriage certificates, in addition to vital statistics. Always refer back to the Mexican embassy for a comprehensive list of all you need for the ceremony. If you were born in Canada, widowed, divorced, or born abroad, you’ll also have to submit a Statement in Lieu of Certificate of Non-Impediment to Marriage Abroad. You must directly request for this document, and then authenticate it. If you don’t know how or where to start, don’t hesitate to contact us! 

NEED HELP? WE ARE HERE FOR YOU

It can be difficult to keep track of all the demands of the Mexican Embassy as a client! We understand more than anyone, especially if this is your first time having to authenticate and legalize your documents. Our experts at Legalization Service Centre Canada (LSC Canada) have more than 10 years of experience with document authentication and legalization of Canadian documents, so we’re always working tirelessly to ensure the easiest process for you. Our client’s 5 star reviews will assure you of our quality, reliable and fast service, and our solid interpersonal relations with each embassies and consulates in Ottawa and Canada will provide you further confidence.

Image Credit: Traveller World Guide

Destination Panama: Authentication and Legalization of your documents for Panama

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This beautiful central American country is a well known destination for many Canadians. Its warm, tropical climate is a stark difference from the cool North winds of Canada. The recent economic boom also adds to Panama’s appeal. Whether you are looking to retire or looking for business opportunities, you will most likely need to take part in authentication and legalization of your documents.

The Authentication of your Documents in preparation for use in Panama

Panama has signed the Hague agreement while Canada has not. This means that the authentication of documents in both countries is very different. Canada follows the two-step authentication and legalization process, also called apostille. Rest assured that your documents will be viable in any country after the two-step process! This will be true regardless of whether or not your target country is part of the Hague agreement.

Every document has specific requirements in order to start the authentication process, double checking with the Embassy of Panama located in Ottawa is therefore very important. Generally, as the first step, your document should contain an authorized signature confirming its authenticity. Notaries and lawyers have the legal authority to do it. If you’re unsure of this step, we can help! Your documents will then be taken to Global Affairs Canada, where they will be stamped, sealed and signed, therefore authenticating it. The final step is legalization, done in the Embassy of Panama in Ottawa. The consul will sign and seal your documents once all the requirements have been met.

Retirement in Panama: Authentication and Legalization of Documents

Many Canadians dream of retiring in Panama. Depending on your personal history, you may need to prepare some or all of the following: a birth certificate, marriage certificate, a criminal record check, and proof of pension. All of the outlined documents will need to go through authentication and legalization. The process is outlined above. The experts at Legalization Service Centre Canada recommend our clients get an RCMP police check instead of a locally issued police check.

An RCMP check is always more thorough, as it is based on fingerprints. The RCMP is also globally recognized, including Global Affairs Canada. This means that you don’t need to hire a notary to notarize your local police check. This saves you time and money, which is very welcome! Global Affairs Canada may take up to 20 business days to process your documents, on average. If you wish to speed the process along, we will be more than happy to oblige with our three different offered service times. 

If you are interested in learning more about the requirements and conditions needed for your specific documents, feel free to browse our “Document Types” category on our website and to visit the official Embassy of Panama website or contact us! 

Business in Panama: Authentication and Legalization of Documents

Panama is a great attraction to those looking for work. Whether you are a future employer or a future employee, your documents will have to go through authentication and legalization. Which documents you will need to authenticate, however, will depend on whether you’re a company or an employee. 

As an Employee

If you were hired to work, you will need to provide a diploma, a Canadian university degree, and, preferably, an RCMP certified police check. RCMP police checks are usually more thorough than any other background checks available. Thus, they are more fitting for international use. Your degree, transcript and/or diplomas are obtainable directly through your alma maters. 

As a Company

If you are a Canadian company, you will need to present corporate documents. A certificate of incorporation, articles of incorporation, a CPP certificate, a GMP certificate, an ITC, a manufacturer’s certificate, and/or a corporate power of attorney are just some of them. Your potential partner/s in Panama will request the specific documents needed. The documents will have to be notarized and Global Affairs Canada staff will authenticate them. Finally, the Embassy of Panama will legalize them. In other words, they will go through the same authentication process as any other non-corporate documents.

Our Guarantee

It can be difficult to keep track of all the demands of the Panamanian Embassy as a client. Especially if this is your first time having to authenticate and legalize your documents! Our experts at Legalization Service Centre Canada (LSC Canada) have more than 10 years of experience with document authentication and legalization of Canadian documents. We are always working tirelessly to ensure the easiest process for you. Our client’s 5 star reviews will assure you of our quality, reliable and fast service, and our solid interpersonal relations with each embassies and consulates in Ottawa and Canada will provide you further confidence.

Source of picture: Viva Tropical 

Degree Authentication China

Going to China? What’s next? – Document Authentication and Document Legalization for your trip abroad

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Our company has processed hundreds of documents for clients like you, whose final destination is the Land of the Dragons. Whether you are a tourist or a Canadian company branching out or were hired to teach, there is no doubt that this is an exciting opportunity for everyone involved. However, document legalization, document authentication and the varying processing times can be complicated and hard to keep track of, especially for first timers. We are here today to present a succinct summary of what you need to do and how we, the experts at Legalization Service Centre Canada, can help the process of authentication of documents and legalization of documents for use in China as smooth as possible for you.

Preliminary Preparation: What to do before starting the Authentication of Documents and Legalization of Documents (Apostille) process in Canada

A fair amount of our clients decide to work abroad in China, whose large population allows for a growing demand of new jobs. If this is your case, you will need to provide an authenticated Canadian College Diploma or a Canadian University Degree, and a Canadian Criminal Record Check Certificate in order to apply for a Chinese Z Visa (Work visa). The RCMP police checks are usually more thorough than any other background checks available, and thus more fitting for international use, especially in educational institutions. Your degree, transcript and diplomas are obtainable through the appropriate educational institutions from which the documents originate from in Canada.

If you are just visiting as a tourist, a Chinese Embassy in Ottawa usually demands your passport, the application form, your photos, travel tickets and a hotel reservation for your entire stay in China. Be mindful of your deadlines, as the process of application and processing can take more than 2 weeks in total, however, as a tourist, you do not need to authenticate and legalize your documents.

Canadian businesses and corporations will need their corporate documents authenticated and legalized by Chinese Embassy in Ottawa such as certificates of corporations, director’s resolution or articles of incorporations, as a start. Always ensure that you have the needed documents ready to go through the Authentication of documents process by using the Chinese embassy’s guidelines.

Once you made sure that you have all the needed documents to apply for a Chinese Z visa, you must notarize them. A notary public or a a lawyer is responsible for notarization. If you are unsure on how to proceed with this step, contact us and we will be happy to help.

Next Step: Document Authentication at Global Affairs Canada

Global Affairs Canada Authentication of documents, also called Apostille in countries that have signed the Hauge Apostille Convention, is a process that validates your documents for international use. Document authentication and document legalization is important and required for all employees to be heading to China. Sadly, Global Affairs Canada may take up to 20 days to process your paperwork. However, we at the Legalization Service Centre Canada can authenticate your documents within 2 business days if you choose rush service, in order to speed things along for you.

Final Step: Authentication of Documents atChinese Embassy in Canada

Once your documents have been authenticated by Global Affairs, the final step you have to complete in Canada is to have the Chinese embassy in Ottawa authenticate them, as well. Each document that you may have has specific requirements to be met before they can be processed by the embassy, especially corporate documents. It can be very frustrating for our clients. Please don’t hesitate to contact us to help you with this step for that reason.

If you are in need of document authentication and document notarization, we can help you save time and ease your mind with our fast and reliable service, and around the clock experts available to answer your questions. Get an early start with our online order form!

The Chinese embassy in Ottawa has recently made certain changes to their authentication of documents process. Specifically, the processing of Canadian documents has become more difficult for our clients. However, our experts at Legalization Service Centre Canada (LSC Canada) have more than 8 years of experience with document authentication and legalization of Canadian documents, so we are always working tirelessly to ensure the easiest process for you. Our client’s 5 star reviews will assure you of our quality, reliable and fast service, and our solid interpersonal relations with each embassies and consulates in Ottawa and Canada will provide you with further confidence.

Source of picture: SoumeiWang

Authentication and Legalization Service Centre CanadaLSC Canada

Document Legalization Process Made Easy

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Document Apostille, Document Authentication, Document Legalization process made easy with Legalization Service Centre Canada

You’re excited about relocating to a new country for a new job or maybe you’ve been accepted to the school of your dreams in another country.  Or maybe you’re trying to do business in a foreign country, and you get asked for an Apostille…

What’s that?

Don’t worry, it’s nothing to stress about and at Legalization Service Centre Canada we help people just like you get this question figured out every day.

The first thing to know is that an Apostille is a way to authenticate something like a Birth Certificate, Marriage Certificate, Degree, Power of Attorney, Incorporation Certificate, etc.  Back in 1961, multiple nations convened and agreed to terms outlined in the Apostille Hague Convention, in which they established a shortened process for the validation and legalizing of documents for use in other countries.

But…  Canada has not signed the agreement yet, and therefore does not issue Apostille certificates. There’s no such thing as an Apostille Canada.

So, what does that mean if someone is asking for a document apostille?  The answer is: Canada has an equivalent document authentication and document legalization process that will be accepted in any country.

In Canada, we call the “Apostille Certification process” by another name – Authentication and Legalization.  It’s the exact equivalent of the Apostille process and is recognized by all countries who have signed the Hague Apostille Convention.

Going through this process is doable on your own, but with our help it’s much easier.  Here are just a few reasons why:

WE KNOW THE PROCESS – We’ve done this thousands of times for our clients.  We know what’s needed, when it’s needed and where it needs to be.  That alone can save you precious time and energy!  Whether it’s confirming the embassy requirements or knowing where to find the best notary, we can help.

STEP BY STEP GUIDANCE – We’ll be there through the entire process to answer all of your questions and make sure you’re following the proper procedures for expedited authentication and legalization.  From making sure you have the right documents, to securing the fastest shipping, and then confirming receipt at the destination, we’ll handle all of the details.

The bottom line is that when it comes to such an important and time sensitive process, it’s nice to know you have an expert in your corner.  At Legalization Service Centre Canada it’s our mission to ensure your documents are properly authenticated and legalized in a timely manner.  Our team will help expedite the verification process, and make sure your documents reach the destination country in which it will be used.

So, if you are looking for Authentication and Legalization Services in Canada, don’t hesitate to contact us today!

Marriage Certificate Apostille, Authentication, Legalization

Marriage Certificate Authentication

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Your marriage certificate is an important document, and if you plan to move to another country with your spouse, you must make sure that you have it ready so you can take advantage of the benefits of marriage.

Even so, the process is a little bit more complex than arriving in the country and showing the embassy your Canadian marriage certificate. You must go through a verification process known as authentication and legalization. If these terms confuse you, it’s okay! Today, we’ll discuss the steps you need to take to ensure that the entire process is smooth and fast.

Canadian Marriage Certificate Apostille

If you’ve lived in a different country before, you might have heard about apostille. The marriage certificate apostille process derives from The Hague Apostille Convention. This was a piece of legislation signed by multiple countries in the Netherlands as a standardized way of verifying foreign documents. It makes the process easy and quick.

However, Canada was not a signee of this treaty and follows a slightly different process known as authentication and legalization. Yes, it means that you need to jump through a few more legal hoops to apostille your documents, but the end result is the same as marriage certificate apostille.

Marriage Certificate Authentication

The first step is to do your marriage certificate authentication service in Ottawa. This happens at Global Affairs Canada in Ottawa. They’ll review your Canadian marriage certificate and ensure that it meets all of the legal requirements. They’ll check its legitimacy, and once it passes, they’ll provide you with a stamp that means it is ready to move onto the next step, legalization.

Canadian Marriage Certificate Legalization

The final stage of this process is marriage certificate legalization. This essentially converts the document and ensures that your destination country will recognize it. Failing to complete this stage can lead to headaches and trouble down the road, so make sure you don’t forget it!

You’ll need to go to the embassy of your destination country here in Canada. Make sure that your marriage certificate is original and in long-form. They’ll review it and ensure that it is correct and will provide you with their seal of approval. From there, you’re ready to use it in your new country!

We Can Help

This entire process can be long, stressful, and confusing in many cases, but we’re here to help! Simply bring us your Canadian marriage certificate, and we’ll handle the entire process for you saving you time and worry. To get started, get in touch with us today!

Source of picture: www.servicealberta.ca