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The Apostille Convention Comes Into Force in Canada: What Does It Change?

The Apostille Convention in Canada

Canada is recognized as a top-leading country in multiple aspects: Education, infrastructure, quality of life, trade, and many other key areas. Nevertheless, the North American giant is not exempt from bureaucratic issues that interfere with the effectiveness of government processes and civilian endeavors.

On May 16, 2023, Canada joined the Apostille Convention of The Hague. This will allow Canadian citizens to submit any type of document for an apostille, which is an official certificate that allows the use of a national document in another country. Simultaneously, it will be useful in every 124 nations that are members of the agreement.

How to get an apostille?

Getting an apostille requires a couple of things. First, you need to get the document notarized. The notary public signs and stamps the document before being submitted to the office of authentications. Second, the department must verify that both the signature and the stamp are genuine. Once this is carried out, they will issue the apostille.

If you want to verify that you meet all the requirements to get an apostille, visit https://www.onesourceprocess.com/ for more information. They will make sure that the filing is valid for the apostille. Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, and Saskatchewan have the authority to issue apostilles for documents originating from or notarized within their respective jurisdictions.

Cutting through the red tape

Bureaucracy can be a very complicated process when it comes to verifying documents to be valid abroad. The person must go to an office where it can be stamped, and then take it to a foreign consulate for the legalization of the file. Additionally, these processes are likely to be conducted in a limited time frame according to the country where the document is supposed to be used.

Thanks to the implementation of the apostille in Canada, the processes will be simpler and easier to execute. Now, it will be easier to get authentication for your birth certificate, driver´s license, school diploma, degrees, marriage licenses, business contracts, and a wide variety of documents.

What are the benefits of getting an apostille?

The Hague Apostille Convention covers several member countries, allowing the use of apostilles regardless of the user’s location. This form of authentication streamlines international recognition and legalization of documents, avoiding bureaucratic processes. Obtaining an apostille saves time and money for both individuals and companies by avoiding traditional legalization processes.

The process to follow to get a document legalized is tedious, complicated, and often frustrating. Not to mention the paperwork and long waiting times to get a stamp and a signature. The implementation of the apostille in Canada means a significant improvement in streamlining these processes to obtain the authentication of a certification in record time, which can be issued in two days at the latest. This simplification not only benefits citizens and businesses but also promotes efficiency in international transactions and in the management of legal matters, thus promoting a more dynamic and agile environment for documentary procedures. The introduction of the apostille in Canada marks a pivotal step towards enhancing global cooperation and facilitating cross-border interactions. 

Helper

Helen is a multi-published, award-winning author of over 30 books, including the delightful Ivy & Bean series. She has written novels for young adults, including YA romantic comedies, and has written BBC drama.

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