Apostille for Foreign Documents Intended for Use in Canada

Canada is a participant in the Hague Convention of 1961, having joined the treaty on January 11, 2024.  Commonly referred to as the “Apostille” Convention, this international agreement outlines specific criteria for document legalization. To ensure recognition and acceptance in  Canada, documents originating from the USA or those notarized by an American Notary must undergo a finalization process that includes obtaining an Apostille Certificate (Apostille Stamp). This process streamlines the legalization of documents, as apostilled documents do not require additional legalization by Canadian consular authorities. The Apostille is an official certificate issued by a state or federal authority, featuring a unique identification number and a specific issuance date. The procedure for obtaining an Apostille may differ based on the type of document and the state in which it was issued in the USA.

Many individuals mistakenly believe that the Apostille process can be completed at the Canada Consulate for American documents or at the consulate of another country located in Canada. However, it is important to note that foreign embassies and consulates do not provide Apostille services for documents such as Vital Records, FBI Background Check Certificates, or Police Clearance Certificates. These documents must be legalized by the appropriate authorities in the issuing county, state, and country.

For those unfamiliar with the Apostille process, it is highly recommended to seek the assistance of experienced Apostille Agents. These professionals can guide clients through the entire procedure. By utilizing their expertise in document preparation and Apostille services for Canada, clients can save both time and money, while ensuring that their documents are accurately and efficiently prepared. Additionally, this will guarantee that the documents are accepted by official authorities, government agencies, and private institutions in Canada.

Document Apostille for  Canada

The process of obtaining a County Clerk Certification and Apostille is straightforward. However, each document requires specific attention, as various types of documents undergo different processing methods. For instance, obtaining an apostille for documents such as statements, powers of attorney, or affidavits involves two simple steps, requiring verification from two competent authorities. In contrast, documents like Birth Certificates, Marriage Certificates, Death Certificates, Judgments, corporate documents, or FBI Background Check Certificates demand a higher level of expertise, as the legalization process may involve up to four local and federal agencies.

When seeking an Apostille for Canada, Apoling Solutions is proud to offer the expertise of our skilled Notaries Public, Apostille Agents, and certified French language translators. As a leading provider of Apostille and Legalization services in Brooklyn and New York, we deliver high-quality assistance to clients nationwide, helping them prepare any official, business, or legal documents intended for use in Canada and at Canada Consulates in the USA and other countries. According to the Hague Convention, the following documents are classified as public use documents and require an Apostille if they are to be presented in  Canada

Common Documents require Apostille

1. Documents issued by organizations or official departments, local and federal courts and tribunals, etc. . These kinds of documents include:
– Birth Certificate Apostille
– Marriage Certificate Apostille
– Death Certificate Apostille
– Judgment of Divorce or Divorce Decree Apostille
– Judgment of Name Change Apostille
– Single Status  / Non-Impediment Certificate Apostille

2. Documents issued by administrative authorities:
– Diploma signed by a School Director or Principal
– Academic Record certified by a Rector
– Hospital Reference signed by a hospital administrator, etc.

3. Notarized personal documents such as:
– Certified and notarized copies of documents (Passports, Driver Licenses, copies of school records and diplomas)
– Power of Attorney Apostille
– Affidavits (including Affidavit of Single Status)
– Consents including Parental Consent for Travel of their Children
– Inheritance Documents, Last Wills, Testament Apostille

3. Official validating endorsements, placed on documents signed by individuals acting in a personal capacity. They are usually Corporate documents such as By – Laws, certificate of Incorporation, Business Contract and Agreements.

In light of the aforementioned considerations, it is recommended that documents intended for use in Canada be processed in accordance with international legal standards and the official regulations of Canada

Retrieving Official and Personal Documents

If you require an Apostille for vital records, please note that the original document cannot be apostilled. It is essential to first obtain a certified long-form copy of these documents before proceeding with their legalization. Currently, most Apostille agencies do not offer document retrieval services. Therefore, you will need to determine which documents to obtain, where to request them, and how to place your order. Apoling Solutions is a comprehensive service agency. We are here to assist you in acquiring the correct documents, authenticating and apostilling them, as well as translating any English certificates and documents into French.

Official Translation of Authentication and Apostille Certificates

When submitting documents to officials in Canada, in some cases, the document shall bear French translation. At Apoling, we provide all necessary services in one location—document retrieval, authentication, Apostille, certified translation, and notary services. You can rest assured that each document you request will be handled accurately and promptly by our specialists.

Ordering Apostille for Documents Intended for Use in Canada

To request a free quote, please fill out the form on our website, email us or bring your documents for Apostille to our office in Brooklyn, NY. Are you worried because you reside out of state? Has your document been issued in a state where you no longer live? We can assist with any document you need for  Canada, regardless of the county or state of issuance, and provide Apostille services for clients from other states – AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT,VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY.