Step-by-step guide to authenticating and legalising Canadian documents for use abroad — Global Affairs Canada authentication, apostille, and consular legalisation.
The three-step framework
Notarization in Ontario. Authentication by Global Affairs Canada (GAC). Legalisation by the destination country’s consulate. For Hague Apostille Convention countries (Canada became a party in January 2024), a single GAC apostille replaces consular legalisation.
Step 1: Notarization
Start with an Ontario notary. For most international work the notary prepares a notarial certificate alongside the document.
Step 2: GAC authentication
Submit the notarized document to GAC’s Authentication Services. Processing times vary by intake channel; mail intake is slower than in-person. After authentication, GAC affixes its own certificate or apostille.
Step 3: Apostille or consular legalisation
Hague countries: GAC apostille is sufficient. Non-Hague countries: take the document to the destination country’s consulate or embassy in Canada for legalisation.
Common destinations
United States: many recipients accept Ontario notarization directly; some federal agencies request GAC authentication. UK, EU: apostille usually sufficient. India, Pakistan, China: GAC authentication plus consular legalisation typically required. UAE, Saudi Arabia: often require both.
Frequently asked questions
Can I do authentication myself?
You can submit to GAC yourself. Many notaries offer to handle it for you as an added service.
What if the country is not on the Hague list?
You will need traditional consular legalisation after GAC authentication.
Does apostille mean my document is automatically valid abroad?
An apostille confirms the notarization is genuine. It does not certify the content. The receiving party still decides whether to accept it.