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Apostille by document type

Each kind of document has its own rules, which authority handles it, whether it needs notarization, and what format the receiving country expects. Start with the document you have.

Guide

RCMP criminal record check

Federal document, apostilled by Global Affairs Canada, no notarization, no government fee. The most-requested document for visas and immigration abroad. →

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University degree & transcript

Ontario public post-secondary since 2019 apostilles directly; most others need a notarized certified true copy. For study, work and licensing abroad. →

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Marriage certificate

The civil certificate from the provincial registrar, not the church record. For sponsorship, name change and proving status abroad. →

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Birth certificate

Usually the long-form, which names parents, the short-form wallet card is often refused. For citizenship and family files. →

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Death certificate

For settling an estate, releasing a pension or insurance, or remarriage abroad. Issued by the provincial registrar. →

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Power of attorney

A private document: notarized first, then apostilled. For property, banking and representation in another country. →

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Corporate & commercial

Certificate of status, articles, resolutions, plus the customs/commercial exception the Apostille Convention doesn't cover. →

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Divorce certificate

The certificate or full judgment, court-certified then apostilled. For remarriage abroad or proving marital status. →

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Adoption documents

The adoption order, court-certified then apostilled, authenticating the signature, not deciding the adoption abroad. →

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Medical certificate

Signed by a physician, so notarized first then apostilled. For work visas, residency and insurance abroad. →

Working through a specific goal? See our guides for immigrating abroad, studying abroad and getting married abroad.
Not sure which authority applies? Routing depends on where the document was issued or notarized, not where you live. Our by-province overview shows each authority's fee and timeline, and the pre-check confirms it for your exact document.
Heading to a specific destination? See requirements country by country on the apostille by country page, including which countries still need embassy legalization instead of an apostille.

Have a document to apostille?

Upload a scan, we'll confirm the routing, screen it for refusal risks and send a fixed quote within one business day.

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