02.10.2025
Where to Get Your Single Status Certificate in Canada – Complete Guide
Learn how and where to get a Single Status Certificate in Canada. Find requirements, documents, and steps to apply for marriage or use abroad.
If you are planning to marry abroad, apply for immigration, or complete certain legal procedures, you may be asked to provide proof that you are not currently married. In Canada, this document is often referred to as a Single Status Certificate, though it may also take the form of a sworn affidavit, a provincial marriage search letter, or a Statement in Lieu of a Certificate of Non-Impediment to Marriage Abroad. Each serves the same essential purpose: confirming that you are legally free to marry or that no marriage is recorded in your name. The challenge for many Canadians is that there isn’t one standard certificate issued across the country, as requirements vary depending on the authority or country requesting it.
This variation often creates uncertainty for individuals preparing for important milestones, such as an overseas marriage ceremony, a spousal visa application, or international adoption. Understanding which document applies to your situation—and knowing exactly where to obtain it—is critical to avoiding costly delays and complications. Depending on your circumstances, the process may involve notaries, provincial vital statistics offices, or even Global Affairs Canada.
This guide provides a complete overview of where to get a Single Status Certificate in Canada, which documents are available, and how to prepare them for use abroad. By the end, you will have a clear, step-by-step understanding of the process and the confidence to move forward without uncertainty. And if you’d like hands-on support, we offer not only document translation services, but also assistance with getting Single Status Certificates and their legalization for a wide range of needs. Find out more and contact us for a quote.
This variation often creates uncertainty for individuals preparing for important milestones, such as an overseas marriage ceremony, a spousal visa application, or international adoption. Understanding which document applies to your situation—and knowing exactly where to obtain it—is critical to avoiding costly delays and complications. Depending on your circumstances, the process may involve notaries, provincial vital statistics offices, or even Global Affairs Canada.
This guide provides a complete overview of where to get a Single Status Certificate in Canada, which documents are available, and how to prepare them for use abroad. By the end, you will have a clear, step-by-step understanding of the process and the confidence to move forward without uncertainty. And if you’d like hands-on support, we offer not only document translation services, but also assistance with getting Single Status Certificates and their legalization for a wide range of needs. Find out more and contact us for a quote.
What is a Single Status Certificate?
A Single Status Certificate is an official document that confirms a person is not married and is legally free to marry. While many countries issue a single standardized certificate, Canada does not. Instead, Canadians may be asked to provide different types of documents that serve the same purpose. These can include a notarized affidavit of single status, a provincial marriage search letter issued by a vital statistics office, or a Statement in Lieu of a Certificate of Non-Impediment to Marriage Abroad issued by Global Affairs Canada.
This document is most often required when a Canadian citizen or permanent resident plans to marry abroad, but it may also be requested for immigration, residency applications, or certain legal processes such as adoption. The exact type of document you need depends on the country where it will be used and the requirements of the local authorities.
This document is most often required when a Canadian citizen or permanent resident plans to marry abroad, but it may also be requested for immigration, residency applications, or certain legal processes such as adoption. The exact type of document you need depends on the country where it will be used and the requirements of the local authorities.
Why Do I Need a Single Status Document?
A single status document is often required when getting married abroad. It serves as proof that you are not already married and are legally free to marry. Many countries request this type of document, sometimes called a certificate of non-impediment to marriage abroad, to ensure the marriage complies with their laws and can be officially recognized. Without proper proof, your marriage overseas may not be recognized locally, which could also affect its recognition later in Canada. The Government of Canada accepts foreign marriages if they are legally valid where they took place and meet Canada’s federal requirements.
Since Canada does not issue certificates of non-impediment, Canadians may instead need a notarized Single Status Affidavit, a provincial Marriage Search Letter, or a Statement in Lieu of Certificate of Non-Impediment. The Statement in Lieu is issued by Global Affairs Canada in Ottawa and is often used alongside an affidavit or search letter to satisfy foreign authorities. Having the correct documents in advance helps avoid delays, legal issues, or rejection of your marriage application abroad.
Since Canada does not issue certificates of non-impediment, Canadians may instead need a notarized Single Status Affidavit, a provincial Marriage Search Letter, or a Statement in Lieu of Certificate of Non-Impediment. The Statement in Lieu is issued by Global Affairs Canada in Ottawa and is often used alongside an affidavit or search letter to satisfy foreign authorities. Having the correct documents in advance helps avoid delays, legal issues, or rejection of your marriage application abroad.
What Types of Single Status Documents Can I Acquire in Canada?
Single Status Affidavit / Declaration
A Single Status Affidavit is a sworn statement where you declare that you are not married. To make it valid, you must sign it in front of a notary public or commissioner. The affidavit usually includes your full legal name, date of birth, home address, and a clear statement of your current marital status.
This document is often required by foreign embassies or authorities when Canadians plan to marry outside the country. Because it is notarized, it acts as an official declaration but does not involve a government search of marriage records.
This document is often required by foreign embassies or authorities when Canadians plan to marry outside the country. Because it is notarized, it acts as an official declaration but does not involve a government search of marriage records.
Provincial Marriage Search Letter
Your province’s vital statistics office issues a Marriage Search Letter. It confirms whether or not there are any marriages registered under your name within that province. To obtain one, you must submit an application, provide identification, and pay the required fee.
Foreign governments may accept this letter as official proof of your single status, since it comes directly from a Canadian government authority. However, it only covers the province where it is issued, not the entire country.
Foreign governments may accept this letter as official proof of your single status, since it comes directly from a Canadian government authority. However, it only covers the province where it is issued, not the entire country.
Statement in Lieu of Certificate of Non-Impediment to Marriage Abroad (Global Affairs Canada)
Canada does not issue a formal “Certificate of Non-Impediment to Marriage", which many countries request. Instead, Global Affairs Canada can provide a Statement in Lieu, which, when translated, means “Statement Instead” (“instead” of something that the Government of Canada does not provide), which explains that Canada does not issue this type of certificate.
This statement does not confirm your marital status. Its purpose is simply to explain Canada’s policy. Some countries accept it, while others require additional documents, such as an affidavit or a marriage search letter, to meet their legal requirements.
This statement does not confirm your marital status. Its purpose is simply to explain Canada’s policy. Some countries accept it, while others require additional documents, such as an affidavit or a marriage search letter, to meet their legal requirements.
Determining Which Document You Need
The type of document you need depends on the laws of the country where it will be used and the purpose it serves. Requirements vary widely: some countries will accept a notarized affidavit, others may require a provincial marriage search letter, and some may request a Statement in Lieu of a Certificate of Non-Impediment from Global Affairs Canada. Since rules differ, it’s essential to confirm the exact requirements with the foreign embassy, consulate, or local government authority before preparing your paperwork. Doing this ensures that the document you provide will be recognized and helps you avoid processing delays.
Typical situations where proof of single status may be requested include:
Typical situations where proof of single status may be requested include:
- Planning to marry abroad – many countries require proof that you are free to marry before issuing a marriage license.
- Immigration or residency applications – authorities may ask for confirmation that you are not married in another country.
- Legal proceedings – such as adoption or property matters, where your marital status must be verified.
Apostille, Authenticate, and Legalize: What You Need for a Single Status Document
Canadian documents are not consistently recognized abroad without extra steps. Many countries require either an apostille or the older authentication and legalization process to confirm that the document was properly signed and issued by an authorized Canadian official. This ensures foreign authorities will accept the document.
Which process you need depends on the rules of the country where you plan to use the document. Hague Apostille Convention countries require an apostille, while non-Hague countries require authentication followed by legalization through their consulate or embassy in Canada.
Effective January 11, 2024, Canada became a member of the Hague Apostille Convention. Since this date, documents issued in Canada for use in a Hague member country can obtain an apostille and do not require further legalization at an embassy or consulate. Apostilles are issued by Global Affairs Canada at the federal level and by designated provincial or territorial authorities (currently Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Quebec). For provinces and territories without their own authority, Global Affairs Canada remains responsible for issuing apostilles.
Which process you need depends on the rules of the country where you plan to use the document. Hague Apostille Convention countries require an apostille, while non-Hague countries require authentication followed by legalization through their consulate or embassy in Canada.
Effective January 11, 2024, Canada became a member of the Hague Apostille Convention. Since this date, documents issued in Canada for use in a Hague member country can obtain an apostille and do not require further legalization at an embassy or consulate. Apostilles are issued by Global Affairs Canada at the federal level and by designated provincial or territorial authorities (currently Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Quebec). For provinces and territories without their own authority, Global Affairs Canada remains responsible for issuing apostilles.
Apostille Process (for Hague Convention countries)
If your document is for a country that is part of the Hague Apostille Convention, it will need an apostille. In Canada, the apostille verifies the signature and authority of the notary or government official who signed the document.
Once the apostille is attached, the document is considered valid abroad. No additional legalization is required if the destination country is a Hague member.
Please contact me if you require services for the apostille of any documents for use outside of Canada.
Once the apostille is attached, the document is considered valid abroad. No additional legalization is required if the destination country is a Hague member.
Please contact me if you require services for the apostille of any documents for use outside of Canada.
Authentication and Legalization Process (for non-Hague countries)
For countries that are not part of the Hague Apostille Convention, documents must go through both authentication and legalization. Authentication confirms that the document was properly signed in Canada. After authentication, legalization is completed by the foreign embassy or consulate in Canada.
This extra step is necessary because non-Hague countries do not recognize apostilles. Without legalization, the document will not be accepted abroad by a foreign authority.
Please contact me if you require services for the legalization of any documents for use outside of Canada.
This extra step is necessary because non-Hague countries do not recognize apostilles. Without legalization, the document will not be accepted abroad by a foreign authority.
Please contact me if you require services for the legalization of any documents for use outside of Canada.
Legalization Processing Times
The time it takes to authenticate or apostille Canadian documents depends on several factors, including the number of people requiring them, the issuing authority, and any additional steps that need to be taken. Since January 2024, apostilles in Canada have been processed more quickly than the old authentication system. Global Affairs Canada’s service standard is up to 20 business days (plus mailing), while some provinces and territories can issue apostilles in just a few days.
However, if your document also requires notarization, mailing, or embassy legalization for non-Hague countries, the overall process can extend to several weeks or even a couple of months. Because of these possible delays, it is important to begin the process well in advance of when the document is needed. Early preparation helps avoid setbacks that could affect important events such as weddings, immigration applications, or legal proceedings abroad.
However, if your document also requires notarization, mailing, or embassy legalization for non-Hague countries, the overall process can extend to several weeks or even a couple of months. Because of these possible delays, it is important to begin the process well in advance of when the document is needed. Early preparation helps avoid setbacks that could affect important events such as weddings, immigration applications, or legal proceedings abroad.
Get Your Single Status Document in Canada with Confidence
Need help legalizing your Single Status Certificate in Canada? We provide full-service support to guide you through the entire process. Our team ensures your documents are correctly prepared, apostilled, authenticated or legalized for use abroad. Avoid costly delays or rejections by letting us handle the paperwork for you. Contact me today to get a quote and secure your Single Status Certificate legalization with ease and accuracy.
Submit the request now and get your translations tomorrow
I'll confirm the price quote today