
Check whether your documents need to be authenticated

Unless otherwise indicated, you must submit your documents in paper format by following the instructions outlined in steps 1, 2, 3 and 4. To explore alternatives to authentication by Global Affairs Canada, please visit our Alternatives to authentication section. To find out if your document requires authentication, see the section below. To be authenticated, your document must bear an original, recognized signature (and seal, if applicable). After being authenticated, your document may need to be legalized by the authorities of the country of destination (for example, by their embassy, high commission or consulate in or accredited to Canada). In other countries, authentication is also known as apostille. Authentication speaks to the genuineness of the signature of a public official found on a document.


Reasons we cannot authenticate your document.Check whether your documents need to be authenticated.
