ALSC, the leading provider of international document certification services, is marking its 30th anniversary in 2022. Throughout the years, one of the most commonly asked questions we receive is regarding the availability of Apostille for Canadian documents.
To clarify, obtaining an Apostille for a Canadian document is not possible as Canada is not a signatory to the Hague Apostille Convention. The Government of Canada does not provide the certification required for international use. As a result, individuals who have been instructed to obtain an Apostille for their Canadian document are often left confused and frustrated.
It's important to understand that although Canada does not issue Apostilles, the country follows a two-step process of Authentication and Legalization to validate documents for international use. Global Affairs Canada Authentication Services Section, located in Ottawa near the ALSC National Office, is responsible for authenticating the document. After authentication, the document must be legalized by the relevant embassy in Canada of the country where it will be used. Once the authentication and legalization processes have been completed, the document is considered valid for international use, fulfilling the equivalent role of an Apostille.
ALSC is committed to helping clients navigate this process with ease. If you require assistance in obtaining a Canadian document for international use, reach out to our team of experts. We are here to make the process simple and stress-free for you.