Le Canada is preparing to take a major step towards simplifying document authentication procedures by introducing the Apostille Convention from 11 January 2024. This new system will unify the authentication process for various Canadian public documents, such as birth certificates, diplomas and notarised documents. A single certificate, theApostillewill now be required to make these documents valid internationally, making it easier to accept them in some countries. 120 countriesincluding major nations such as France and the United Kingdom. This change is particularly significant for Canadian citizens wishing to travel, work or study abroad.
From 11 January 2024Canada will be introducing a newdocument authentication called Apostille Convention. This initiative aims to simplify the authentication process for Canadian public documents, such as birth and marriage certificates, academic transcripts and other government-issued documents. This system will enable approximately 120 countrieswhose Francethe Belgium and the United KingdomA single Apostille certificate is required to accept these Canadian documents as valid.
Main purpose of the Apostille
The main purpose of introducing the Apostille is to simplify document authentication public documents. Before this reform, Canadians often had to go through complicated steps to have their documents recognised abroad, which led to significant delays and costs. With the Apostille, only one certification will be required, which will help to streamline the process.
The role of the Canadian provinces
In this context, certain Canadian provinces, namely theAlbertathe British Columbia, l'Ontariothe Quebec and the Saskatchewanwill be responsible for issuing Apostilles for documents issued or notarised in their respective territories. This division of responsibilities is designed to ensure effective adoption of this convention in the various Canadian jurisdictions.
Impact on travellers and immigrants
For travellers and immigrants, the adoption of the Apostille represents a real step forward. This system should considerably reduce deadlines and costs related to the authentication of public documents for use abroad. For example, residents of British Columbia will now be able to authenticate their documents locally with an Apostille before presenting them to a foreign consulate, simplifying the necessary procedures.
Reactions from the authorities and the public
According to Niki Sharma, Attorney General of Canada, the system is intended to ease the burden of authenticating public documents. "Anyone who has ever needed to authenticate documents knows that the process can be daunting," she said. The tight deadlines and concerns about the potential impact on job opportunities orstudies were often a source of stress for Canadians.
The story of Wyatt Matthews, a former international exchange student at the University of Victoria, is a good illustration of this situation. When preparing to study in China, he had to travel to Vancouver to have his documents authenticated in person at the embassy. The new agreement will ease these kinds of constraints for future students, enabling them to better plan their stay abroad.
Reasons for document authentication
There are many reasons why Canadians may wish to have their documents authenticated, whether it be for a movea workor a study abroad. This also includes more personal situations, such as registering vital events (such as marriages, births or deaths) in their country of origin, managing international affairs, or settling inheritance matters.
Apostille certificate management
In addition to the provinces mentioned, Global Affairs Canada will take care of apostilles for documents federal or from other provinces and territories, such as Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and many others. This organisation will ensure continuity and consistency in the issuing of apostilles across the country.
Comparison of document authentication methods
| Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Date of introduction | 11 January 2024 |
| Authentication system | Apostille |
| Documents concerned | Birth certificates, marriage certificates, educational documents, etc. |
| Member countries | Approximately 120 countries, including France, Belgium, the United Kingdom |
| Participating provinces | Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan |
| Reducing lead times | Acceleration of the authentication process for residents |
| Cost of authentication | Lower costs for users |
| Role of Global Affairs Canada | Apostille management for federal documents and certain provinces |
An agency service 