Apostille Service Canada

Published on February 06, 2024 . Last updated on October 05, 2026

Canada Apostille Guide 2026: Everything You Need to Know

Summary

Understand the complete Canada apostille process with this detailed guide covering eligible documents, issuing authorities, application requirements, costs, processing timelines, and submission methods. Learn how Canada’s Hague Convention membership changed document authentication, when you need an apostille or legalization, and the steps required to prepare your documents for international use.

A Canada apostille is an official certificate issued by a designated Canadian authority that confirms the authenticity of a signature, seal, or stamp on a public document. It allows Canadian documents to be legally recognised abroad in any of the 130 countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention - without needing additional verification from an embassy or consulate.

Before January 11, 2024, getting a Canadian document accepted internationally required two separate steps: authentication by a Canadian government authority, followed by legalization at the foreign embassy of the destination country. Canada's accession to the Hague Apostille Convention replaced that two-step chain with a single apostille certificate.

This guide covers the complete Canada apostille process for 2026 - which documents qualify, where to send them, what each provincial authority charges, current processing times, which countries require authentication and legalization instead, and how Globeia's Canada apostille service manages the entire submission on your behalf.

Canada's Participation in the Hague Apostille Convention

On May 16, 2023, Global Affairs Canada announced that Canada would be joining the Hague Apostille Convention. The change came into effect on January 11, 2024 - and it was a significant one. Before this, getting a Canadian document recognized abroad meant going through a lengthy two-step process: authentication by a Canadian authority, followed by legalization at the embassy or consulate of the destination country. That process could take weeks and involve multiple offices, fees, and points of failure. For more on what this change means in practice, read what Canada joining the Hague Convention means for your documents.

Now, a single apostille certificate covers both steps for documents going to any of the 130 Hague Convention member countries. Documents that require notarization still need to be notarized first by a licensed notary in the relevant province or territory - but once that is done, the apostille request goes directly to the appropriate provincial or federal authority. The result is a faster, simpler, and more reliable process for students, professionals, families, and businesses who need Canadian documents accepted internationally.

If you would rather not navigate the process yourself, Globeia coordinates document review, notarization where needed, and submission to the correct authority on your behalf.

Role of Global Affairs Canada in the Apostille Process

Global Affairs Canada is the key authority for the Canadian Apostille process, formally overseeing the authentication of federal documents issued in Canada. It serves as the official point of contact for implementing the Hague Apostille Convention nationally and issues authentication seals on documents destined for both Hague and non-Hague member countries.

Notarization Requirement for Apostille Canada

Certain documents, such as powers of attorney, notarized copies, and public certificates, may require notarization before apostille. Notarization ensures that your documents are legally verified and accepted for international use.

For a smooth and hassle-free experience, you can have your notarization and apostille services handled easily through Globeia, which manages the entire process from document verification to apostille.

Where Should I Send My Canadian Documents for Apostille?

When applying for an Apostille Canada, it’s important to know exactly where to send your documents for proper authentication.

Federal Canadian Documents

Federal documents such as RCMP criminal record checks, citizenship certificates, and documents issued by federal departments are apostilled by Global Affairs Canada. Provincial documents, such as birth and marriage certificates, go to the relevant provincial authority.

Provincial and Territorial Documents

Provinces with their own apostille authority -submit to your provincial office:

Province	Authority
Ontario	Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery of Ontario)
British Columbia	Ministry of Attorney General of British Columbia)
Alberta	Ministry of Justice of Alberta
Quebec	Ministère de la Justice du Québec)
Saskatchewan	Ministry of Justice and Attorney General of Saskatchewan)

Documents issued or notarized in the following provinces and territories should also be sent to Global Affairs Canada for apostille processing:

Manitoba
New Brunswick
Newfoundland and Labrador
Northwest Territories
Nova Scotia
Nunavut
Prince Edward Island
Yukon

Using the correct authority ensures your documents are fully recognized internationally. For a faster, hassle-free process, Globeia can handle your Apostille Canada submissions from start to finish.

Globeia coordinates document submission on your behalf. All apostilles are issued exclusively by the designated Canadian government authority - not by Globeia.

Processing Times and Fees by Authority - 2026

Processing times and fees vary significantly by province. The table below reflects current information; always verify with the relevant authority before submitting, as times can change based on application volume.

Authority	Processing Time (Mail / Standard Service)	Processing Time (In-person)	Government Apostille Fee
Global Affairs Canada	5–6 weeks	Not available	Free
Ontario ODS	Within 1 week	1 business day expedited available	$16 (notarized documents) / $32 (original or certified government-issued documents)
British Columbia	3–4 weeks	Not available	$20 per document
Alberta	1–2 weeks	Available	$25 per document
Quebec	3–4 weeks	Available	$66.50 per document
Saskatchewan	2–3 weeks	Available	$50 per document

Quebec note: Notarized documents in Quebec require an extra step before apostille. A notary's signature must be verified by the Chambre des notaires (20 business days standard, or 72 hours for $75–$201 expedited). A lawyer's signature must be verified by the Barreau du Québec ($50 + tax, 5 business days). This verification step is separate from and precedes the apostille.

Global Affairs Canada note: GAC does not charge a government fee to issue an apostille, but applicants are responsible for all courier and return shipping costs. GAC does not offer expedited processing.

Processing times above do not include mailing time to or from the authority. Always factor in additional days for courier delivery in each direction. Globeia contacts you for a quote based on your specific documents and destination country.

Types of Documents that You Can Get Apostilled

Personal Documents

Birth certificates
Marriage certificates
Death certificates
Adoption certificates
Divorce certificates
Power of Attorney documents

Educational Documents

Diplomas
Transcripts
Degrees
Letters of consent for minor children traveling abroad

Business Documents

Certificates of incorporation
Articles of incorporation
Commercial invoices
Certificates of good standing
Powers of Attorney for business transactions

Legal Documents

Affidavits
Statutory declarations
Notarized documents

Government Issued Documents

Police clearance certificates
Health certificates
Court documents

Do You Need Notarization Before a Canada Apostille?

Not every document requires notarization before apostille. Whether you need it depends on the document type.

Notarization is NOT required for:

Government-issued vital records (birth, marriage, death, divorce certificates issued by a provincial registry)
RCMP criminal record checks
University transcripts and diplomas issued directly by the institution with an official seal

Notarization IS required for:

Powers of attorney
Affidavits and statutory declarations
Private agreements and contracts
Board resolutions and corporate minutes
Any document that is not directly issued by a government office or institution

For notarized documents, the notary must be licensed in the relevant province. Their signature and seal must be registered with the provincial apostille authority, or the application will be returned. This is particularly relevant in Ontario, where the notary must be registered with ODS specifically.

Countries Where a Canada Apostille Is Valid

A Canada apostille is accepted in all 129 Hague Convention member countries as of 2026. These include:

Americas: USA, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Chile, and most of South and Central America
Europe: All EU member states, UK, Switzerland, Norway, Serbia, Ukraine, Turkey
Asia-Pacific: India, China (mainland, Hong Kong, Macao), Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Bangladesh
Middle East: Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Israel, Oman
Africa: South Africa, Morocco, and several others

Apostille vs. Authentication vs. Notarization - Key Differences

These three terms are frequently confused. They refer to three different things.

Term	What It Is	When You Need It
Notarization	A licensed notary verifies a document's authenticity or the identity of a signatory	Required BEFORE apostille for private documents (POA, affidavits, contracts)
Apostille	A government-issued certificate confirming the authenticity of a signature or seal on a document	Required when using a Canadian document in a Hague Convention country
Authentication + Legalization	A two-step process: Canadian government authenticates the document, then the destination country's embassy legalizes it	Required when using a Canadian document in a non-Hague country (UAE, Qatar, etc.)

A notary cannot issue an apostille. An apostille is not the same as authentication. If the destination country is not a Hague member, an apostille will not be accepted — authentication and legalization are required instead.

Countries Where an Apostille Is NOT Accepted - Authentication and Legalization Required

If your destination country is not a Hague Convention member, a Canada apostille will not be recognised. You must complete the authentication and legalization process instead.

Major non-Hague countries as of 2026:

UAE - not a Hague member; requires full authentication + embassy legalization + MOFA attestation after arrival
Qatar - not a Hague member; requires authentication + embassy legalization
Kuwait - not a Hague member; requires authentication + embassy legalization
Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, Iran, Syria, Yemen - not Hague members
Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Ethiopia - not Hague members

Important: Mainland China joined the Hague Convention effective November 7, 2023. Canadian documents destined for mainland China now require an apostille, not authentication and legalization. Hong Kong and Macao are also covered under China's accession.

When Is a Canada Apostille Needed?

A Canada apostille is required whenever you need your documents to be legally recognized in another country that is part of the Hague Apostille Convention. This helps ensure your documents are accepted for official, legal, or professional purposes abroad. Typical circumstances include:

Employment

If you plan to work overseas, foreign employers may require apostilled documents such as employment records, diplomas, professional certifications, or reference letters to verify your qualifications and background.

Education

Students applying to universities or educational programs abroad often need to apostille academic records, transcripts, diplomas, or letters of recommendation to meet foreign academic and admission requirements.

Marriage or Divorce

Apostilled marriage or divorce certificates are necessary if you plan to marry, register a marriage, or finalize divorce proceedings in another country.

Business and Corporate Purposes

Business professionals expanding internationally need apostilled documents such as contracts, incorporation certificates, commercial invoices, or powers of attorney to validate legal and commercial transactions abroad.

Immigration and Visa Applications

Many countries require apostilled documents for immigration, residency, or visa applications. Birth certificates, police clearance certificates, and other personal documents may need an apostille to satisfy foreign authorities.

Adoption

International adoption requires apostilled birth certificates, marriage certificates, and court documents to satisfy the legal requirements of the receiving country.

Legal Proceedings

Apostilled documents are important in international legal matters since they include court cases, affidavits, and statutory declarations, thus ensuring the recognition of the documents by foreign courts or government authorities.

Healthcare and Medical Licensing

Healthcare professionals who want to work abroad may require their diplomas, certificates, and licenses to be apostilled to meet the licensing board requirements of another country.

A Canada apostille confirms the authenticity of your documents for use in Hague Convention member countries, meeting the international standard required by most foreign authorities. Globeia carries out the Apostille Canada service by providing expert guidance for the quick and secure authentication and apostilling of all your documents.

Steps to Get a Canada Apostille in 2026

To apply for an apostille in Canada in 2026, you need to follow these simple steps.

Step 1: Identify Where Your Document Was Issued

The first step in the Canada apostille process is determining whether your document was issued by a federal or provincial authority. This will determine which government office is responsible for issuing your apostille.

Step 2: Confirm Whether Notarization Is Required

Some documents, such as powers of attorney, affidavits, declarations, and private agreements, typically require notarization before apostille. Government-issued documents and vital records may not. Always verify the requirements before submitting your application.

Step 3: Gather the Correct Documents

Prepare the original document or an approved certified copy if permitted by the issuing authority. If your document is in a language other than English or French, you may also need a certified translation as part of the apostille process.

Step 4: Complete the Apostille Application

Fill out the required apostille request form provided by the relevant federal or provincial authority. Be sure to include the destination country, as apostille certificates are issued for use in specific countries.

Step 5: Submit Your Documents and Payment

Submit your completed application with the appropriate method, mail, in-person, or using services like Globeia, supporting documents, payment, and a prepaid return envelope or courier label. Providing a return shipping option can help ensure faster and more secure document delivery.

Step 6: Track Processing and Receive Your Apostille

Once your documents are submitted, processing is handled by the relevant government authority. Times vary by authority and submission method. Globeia will keep you updated on submission status and coordinate return delivery once your apostilled documents are ready.

Apostille for Documents Issued Outside Canada

A Canadian apostille authority can only apostille documents that originate in Canada. If you need a foreign document apostilled - for example, an Indian degree or a US birth certificate - you must contact the apostille authority in the country where that document was issued. Canadian authorities have no jurisdiction over foreign documents.

What a Canada Apostille Certificate Contains

Every apostille issued under the Hague Convention must include exactly ten standard fields:

Country of issue
Name of the person who signed the document
Title or capacity of the signatory
Name of the authority whose seal or stamp appears on the document
Place of issue
Date of issue
Name of the authority issuing the apostille
Apostille reference number
Seal or stamp of the issuing authority
Signature of the issuing authority

The apostille is attached to, or printed directly on, the original document. It does not verify the content of the document - only that the signature, seal, or stamp on it is genuine.

Using Canadian Documents in Non-Hague Countries

An Apostille Canada is only valid in countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention. If you plan to use your Canadian documents in non-signatory countries, the standard apostille will not be recognized. In these cases, an authentication and legalization process is required to make your documents legally valid abroad.

In non-Hague countries, a two-step process is followed:

Authentication by Canadian Authorities: Your documents must first be verified by a competent Canadian authority -Global Affairs Canada to confirm their authenticity.
Legalization at the Foreign Embassy or Consulate: After authentication, the document must be legalized at the embassy or consulate of the country where it will be used. This step ensures compliance with that country’s legal requirements.

This process applies to a wide range of Canadian documents, including birth certificates, marriage certificates, diplomas, police clearance certificates, powers of attorney, and more.

For a smooth and hassle-free process, Globeia can handle both authentication and legalization services for you, ensuring your Canadian documents meet international standards for non-Hague countries. Our secure platform and expert team make the process fast, reliable, and fully compliant.

Common Mistakes That Delay or Reject Canada Apostille Applications

Sending to the wrong authority

One of the most common Canada apostille mistakes. Federal documents must be submitted to Global Affairs Canada (GAC), while provincial documents must go to the correct provincial authority. Incorrect submission leads to rejection and delays.

Missing notarization requirements

Documents such as powers of attorney, affidavits, and private legal agreements often require notarization by a licensed Canadian notary public. Academic documents may also require certification. Missing notarization is a frequent cause of apostille rejection.

Submitting incorrect document types

Most authorities require original documents or certified true copies for an apostille in Canada. Photocopies, scanned copies, or uncertified documents are not accepted.

No prepaid return courier label

Without a prepaid return envelope or courier label, documents are typically returned only within Canada via standard mail, which can delay international applicants.

Not specifying the destination country

Apostilles are country-specific under the Hague Apostille Convention. If documents are required for multiple countries, separate apostille applications are needed.

Using outdated processing timelines

Processing times for GAC and provincial apostille services can change frequently. Always confirm current timelines before submitting your application to avoid delays.

How Globeia Handles Canada Apostille Submissions

Globeia reviews your documents, identifies the correct authority based on where your document was issued, coordinates any required notarization, and submits your application on your behalf. If your document is destined for a non-Hague country, Globeia handles the full authentication and legalization process including embassy coordination.

All apostilles are issued exclusively by the designated Canadian government authority - not by Globeia. Globeia does not issue apostilles or perform apostille services on behalf of any government authority.

Processing times are controlled entirely by the issuing authority and may vary without notice. Globeia tracks submission status and arranges return delivery once your documents are ready.

[Get Your Canada Apostille with Globeia]

Conclusion

Whether you need an apostille or the full authentication and legalization process, getting your Canadian documents ready for international use comes down to one thing - knowing which process applies to your situation and submitting correctly the first time.

Since Canada joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2024, the apostille route is now available for 130 countries. For the rest, authentication and legalization still apply. Getting this wrong costs time and money. Globeia handles the entire process on your behalf - document review, submission, and return - so your Canadian documents are accepted wherever you need them.

[Get Your Canada Apostille with Globeia Today]

Frequently Asked Questions About Canada Apostille

What is an Apostille and why do I need one?

An Apostille Canada certificate authenticates Canadian documents for use in countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention. It verifies the signature and seal on your document, making it legally recognized abroad for purposes like work, study, marriage, business, or immigration.

Does Canada participate in the Apostille Convention?

Yes. Canada officially joined the Hague Apostille Convention on January 11, 2024, allowing Canadians to obtain apostilles for documents to be used in over 130 member countries. This simplifies international document authentication and eliminates the need for embassy legalization.

Where can I get an Apostille in Canada?

Apostilles for Canadian documents are issued by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and certain regional authorities. You can submit requests online or by mail. For a faster and hassle-free process, using a professional service like Globeia ensures accurate submission and expedited processing. For Ontario-specific steps, see Globeia's Ontario apostille process guide.

What documents can I get apostilled in Canada?

Most public documents issued by Canadian authorities can be apostilled, including: Birth certificates, Marriage and divorce certificates, Adoption certificates, Diplomas, transcripts, and academic records, Power of Attorney and legal documents. Exceptions: Passports, commercial invoices, and certain private contracts may not be eligible.

Do I need to get my document notarized before the apostille?

Not all Canadian documents require notarization prior to apostille. Public certificates typically do not. However, business letters, powers of attorney, and certain legal documents may need notarization to meet apostille requirements.

Do I need a separate Apostille for each country?

Yes. Each country where you plan to use your Canadian document requires its own apostille certificate. Ensure you specify the destination country when applying for your apostille.

Are Apostilled documents accepted worldwide?

No. Apostilles are only valid in Hague Apostille Convention member countries. Using an apostilled document in non-member countries requires a separate authentication and legalization process.

Can I get a foreign document apostilled in Canada?

No. Apostilles are only issued for documents originating in the country where the authority is based. For foreign documents, you must contact the relevant authorities in the issuing country.

Are there companies that provide Apostille services in Canada?

Yes. Trusted agencies like Globeia assist Canadians with the entire apostille process, including document preparation, notarization guidance, submission to Global Affairs Canada, and other provincial authorities, and follow-up on submission status on your behalf.

Why should I choose Globeia for Apostille Canada services?

Globeia handles document review, correct authority identification, notarization coordination, and submission - so your application reaches the right place, correctly prepared, the first time.

How Much Does a Canada Apostille Cost?

Apostille fees vary by province and authority. Ontario ODS charges $16 per notarized legal document and $32 per government-issued, court, or postsecondary document. Global Affairs Canada and other provincial authorities have their own fee schedules. Additional costs may include notarization, certified translation, and return shipping. Contact Globeia for a quote based on your specific documents and destination.

How Long Does a Canada Apostille Take?

Processing times vary by authority. Global Affairs Canada typically takes up to 20 business days by mail, not including mailing time in either direction. Ontario ODS processes mail-in requests in up to 15 business days (plus mailing time) and in-person submissions in about 30 minutes. Other provinces have different timelines, so confirm directly with the relevant authority. Return shipping time is not included. These timelines may vary and can sometimes be extended, as Globeia does not control government processing times. All timelines depend solely on the relevant issuing authorities and may change without prior notice.

What is the difference between a federal and provincial apostille in Canada?

Federal documents such as RCMP criminal record checks, citizenship certificates, and documents from federal departments must be apostilled by Global Affairs Canada in Ottawa. Provincial documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, university degrees, and court records must be apostilled by the designated authority in the province where the document was issued. Sending to the wrong authority will result in your application being returned unprocessed.

Can I get a Canada apostille while living outside Canada?

Yes. Both Global Affairs Canada and most provincial authorities accept mail-in submissions from outside Canada. You must include a prepaid international courier label for return delivery - without it, documents will only be returned to a Canadian address. Many applicants outside Canada use a professional service like Globeia to manage submission and return shipping on their behalf.

Does a Canada apostille expire?

An apostille does not have a fixed expiry date. However, the destination country or receiving authority may have requirements about how recently the underlying document was issued. Always confirm with the consulate or institution that requested the apostille whether they have a recency requirement.

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