In order to obtain a work visa, you will probably need to present specific documentation, such as your employment contract and academic transcripts, when you decide to take a leap of faith and relocate abroad. Before these documents may usually be accepted, they also need to be apostilled. Continue reading to learn how Canadian careers overseas are boosted by apostilles.
What is an apostille for Canadian documents?
A Canadian document can be formally acknowledged in other apostille signatory countries by proving its legitimacy through the apostille process. Canada and all other countries that have ratified the Hague Apostille Convention are able to issue apostille certificates and accept those issued by other countries.
Your documents will need to go through an extra process known as document legalization if the nation you are traveling to is not a signatory to the Hague Apostille Convention. The destination country’s embassy or consulate is where documents are finalized for legalization. Visit our website and useful links for additional information about document legalization in Canada: Canadian document legalization.
How does one obtain an apostille in Canada?
As of January 2024, Canada has ratified the Hague Apostille Convention, which streamlines the authentication and legalization procedure and makes it easier to get Canadian documents accepted outside.
The procedures for obtaining an apostille on your Canadian documents are as follows:
Determine the required documents: Choose the kind of documents that require an apostille. The receiver to whom you are providing your documents should verify this. Commonly requested documents required for employment abroad that typically require apostille include a certificate of employment (often in the form of a letter), University/College degrees and transcripts, birth and marriage certificates, criminal record checks, and professional experience certificates.
Choose the proper apostille office: The relevant Canadian government offices are responsible for issuing apostilles all around the country. These consist of the provincial offices in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Quebec, or Ontario, as well as Global Affairs Canada. You will need to look into how to prepare and submit your documents after you have determined where to have them apostilled. Every apostille office has different protocols, specifications, costs, and lead times.
Submit your document for an apostille: Submit your prepared documents to the apostille authority with your prepared documents and any necessary forms and fees. Once completed, your documents are ready to use in the destination country.
Remember, though, that legalization of your documents can still be necessary as a last resort if they are going to a nation that is not a signatory to the Hague Apostille Convention. If so, it is advised that you ascertain the prerequisites from the target country’s embassy or consulate prior to initiating the procedure.
To make sure that inaccurate or lacking evidence won’t prevent your work visa from being granted, familiarize yourself with the Canadian document apostille procedure beforehand.
How may a certificate of employment be apostilled?
Typically, a letter from your prior employer detailing your work experience is prepared on letterhead and serves as a proof of employment. This employment certificate is sometimes required, but it can also be helpful when you apply for a new job overseas.
But, as was previously said, the employment certificate must first be properly completed in order for it to be apostilled. This implies that the following procedures must be completed for your certificate of employment.
You must have a Canadian Notary Public notarize your document. The employment certificate will be accurately duplicated by the Notary Public, who will also add their signature and an embossed seal. Although the original letter can be kept with you unmarked for future use, the actual copy will go through the apostille procedure.
Keep in mind that not every nation accepts reproductions of documents. Make sure a true copy will be accepted by making sure to confirm with the receiver overseas and, if relevant, the embassy or consulate of the destination nation.
You must deliver your paper to the relevant apostille office. The document’s original source or place of notarization will determine which offices to use. Apostilled documents notarized in or from British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Alberta, and Quebec are presented to the appropriate province. Global Affairs Canada oversees all other provinces. Make sure your documents for apostille include all necessary forms and fees.
The embassy or consulate of the destination country must legitimize your job certificate if it is going to be used in a non-apostille country. You can examine the list of members of the Hague Apostille Convention if you are unsure if the country you are visiting is a signatory or not.
