Authentication Of Documents In Canada

Canadian public document authentication confirms that a Canadian public official's signature, stamp or seal is genuine.

 

Even though authentication does not relate to the integrity of a document's content, officials reserve the right to decline your request for authentication if it is believed that the document's content is fraudulent or misrepresenting. In that case, you will be informed and the document will be forwarded to the police. If you are planning a trip abroad, below are some of the documents that may need to be authenticated:

• Educational documents –This is the authentication of documents in Canada like diplomas, degrees and transcripts that are issued by a Canadian educational institution and approved by the provincial/territorial ministries of education. All transcripts or letters have to be signed and sealed by the appropriate office of the registrar. The full name and title of the bearer must also appear on the document.

• Birth, marriage, divorce or death documents - Only marriage or death certificates issued by the office of vital statistics are authenticated. The Province of Ontario might need the document notarized before authentication. Also, note that if you only have photocopies of marriage, birth, or death certificates, then you will have to notarize as true copies before they can be authenticated.

• Documents originating in Canada that is in a foreign language - These types of documents have to be translated into French or English before certification by a Canadian-certified translator, and then by a notary public or commissioner of oaths.

• Documents originating in a foreign country - When a document is issued in a foreign country, it must be signed, stamped and sealed by a consul from the embassy or consulate attributed to Canada. If perhaps translation is needed, then it must be certified properly by a certified Canadian translator and Canadian public Notary or Commissioner of Oaths.

• Statements In-Lieu Canada of Certificate of Non-Impediment to Marriage Abroad - In some countries a "Certificate of non-impediment to marriage" is required before a non-resident can marry. Issuance of this certificate implies that the bearer is free to wed.  In Canada, a "Statements In-Lieu of Certificate of Non-Impediment to Marriage Abroad" is issued.

• Criminal record checks (police clearance) or fingerprint certificates - A Canadian notary public or a Commissioner of Oaths has to certify as a true copy of all criminal record checks, fingerprint certificates and any other documents from a local or provincial police station in Canada. Remember to contact the foreign office that the documents are to be presented to confirm if a notarized copy will be accepted.

 

It is your responsibility to have your documents authenticated before traveling outside of Canada. Do not depend on Canadian missions or embassies overseas, as they may be unable to validate your Canadian documents. Also, ensure that you find out what the requirements are because each country might have its special standards that an authenticated document has to meet.

Source : articlesbase.com