A document issued in one country must be authenticated or legalized before it can be used in another. There are two types of legalization for international use: full legalization (a two-step process) and streamlined legalization (a one-step process requiring an apostille). The Hague Apostille Convention is a key breakthrough in this system since it allows member countries to recognize each other's public documents without requiring additional consular legalization.
On January 11, 2024, the Canadian government introduced a simplified document legalization process, known as an apostille. This change occurred when the Canadian government joined the Hague Apostille Convention, which established an essential process of document authentication and legalization that allowed countries to recognize each other's public documents more effectively. An authentication certificate known as an "apostille" now certifies the origin of Canadian public documents for use outside of Canada.
Previously, utilizing Canadian public documents in another nation required a two-step legalization process (first authentication at the Canadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, followed by legalization at the consulate), which was time-consuming and costly. On January 11, 2024, Canada joined the Hague Apostille Convention, introducing a one-step process and issuing apostille certificates.
After receiving an apostille, your document is acceptable and thoroughly prepared for use in any other country that has signed the Convention, like Canada. That means you no longer need to visit the consulate. This undoubtedly shortens and lowers the cost of legalization.
If the destination country for which your document is intended is not a signatory to the Hague Convention (such as the UAE, Cuba, Jordan, and others), you must still undergo the consular legalization process after receiving the apostille certificate.
The
official website displays all 128 countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention, indicating that they accept apostilles.