U.S. Embassy in Ontario, Canada: Apostille and Authentication Services

Specific documents, particularly private documents or copies of documents, must be notarized by a notary public before being authenticated by a competent government authority. Official government-issued documents typically do not require notarization.

The region or area in which your document is issued or notarized determines the authority responsible for issuing the apostille, as both federal and provincial authorities now provide apostille services in Canada.

Notarizing your document does not necessarily reduce processing time, but it ensures that it meets the requirements for authentication and apostille. Our company assists in facilitating the notarization process, making it easier to work with official notaries.

Documents that are not in English may need to be translated for use in the United States. In such cases, translations should be completed by a certified translator who is a member of a recognized provincial translators association or be properly notarized.

Alternatively, one may consider working with a Canadian notary public who is fluent in English, French, and the original language of the document. The notary may issue a certification to confirm the accuracy of the translation.

The best approach for document verification in a foreign language is determined individually for each case. Our team ensures that your documents meet all apostille requirements and are thoroughly prepared for use in the United States of America.

As of late September 2024, the authentication branch of Global Affairs Canada processes apostille requests within 10 working days. Please add five business days for the return shipment of your documents. 

Since January 11, 2024, the Hague Apostille Convention has allowed provincial authorities to authenticate documents issued in Canada. The waiting time may vary by provincial office. 

The Legalization Service Centre (LSC) understands the need to obtain apostilled documents promptly for use in America. We strive to improve process efficiency through our skills and collaborations, as seen by our successful completion of an apostille certificate within one business day. 

The cost of apostille services depends on the type of document and where it was issued. To get the most up-to-date pricing information and a request form, please contact our experts. We focus on document authentication for use in the USA and comply with all applicable rules.

Does an apostille prove that the information in the document is real? An apostille certificate does not verify the contents of a document. It proves that the signature is genuine and that the signer has the right to sign it, making it recognized in the US. Countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention, such as the US, require only an apostille certificate. Non-member countries continue to depend on traditional authentication and legalization methods.

In Canada, apostille certificates are issued by Global Affairs Canada and designated provincial authorities, including Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec, and Saskatchewan.

An apostille certificate is generally valid indefinitely. The appropriate American authorities may still evaluate the legal validity of the certified document. It is crucial to verify the specific regulations that govern the use of your documents. Our experts are prepared to assist with the submission of essential documents to Global Affairs Canada or other relevant authorities as needed.