| Document type | Private document (signed by a physician) |
| Notarization | Usually required — a Canadian notary certifies the doctor's signature |
| Government fee | $0 (Global Affairs Canada) up to $66.50 (Québec), at cost |
| What gets apostilled | The notarized medical certificate |
Notarize the doctor's signature first
A medical certificate is a private document signed by a physician, so an apostille can't go on it directly. A Canadian notary certifies the doctor's signature first; the apostille then verifies the notary. The authority is set by the province where it was notarized.
Use the destination's form if there is one. Many countries require their own medical or fitness-to-work template, completed and signed by the physician, and sometimes the doctor's registration confirmed. Get the exact form from the receiving authority before signing — we then arrange the notarization and apostille around it. We coordinate the authentication; we don't provide medical or legal advice.
Which Canadian authority handles it
The authority is decided by where the document was issued or notarized — never by where you live now.
- Québec records and notarizations → Québec's designated authority. Québec notarizations are verified by the Chambre des notaires first, so build in lead time.
- Ontario → Official Document Services; British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan → each province's own authority, usually on a notarized certified true copy.
- All other provinces and territories, plus federal documents → Global Affairs Canada (no government fee, roughly 20 business days).
See each authority's fee and timeline on the by-province overview, or start the free pre-check and we'll confirm the exact routing for your document and destination.
A certified translation is often required for non-English/French destinations. The receiving authority sets the rule; we flag it at pre-check.
Common questions
Why does a medical certificate need a notary?
Because a physician signs it privately. An apostille verifies an official signature, so a Canadian notary certifies the doctor's signature first; the apostille then verifies the notary.
Should I use the destination's medical form?
Usually yes — many countries require their own template, completed by the physician. Get it from the receiving authority before signing, then we handle the notarization and apostille.
Which authority apostilles it?
The one for the province where it was notarized: Québec, Ontario, BC, Alberta and Saskatchewan each have their own; all others go to Global Affairs Canada.
Do I need a translation?
Often, for non-English/French destinations. The receiving authority sets the rule; we flag it at pre-check.
Apostille a medical certificate
Tell us the destination and purpose — we'll arrange the notarization, confirm the routing, and send a fixed all-in quote within one business day.
Free pre-check