Embassy Authentication/
Legalization Information
Why Do Documents Need Authentication and Legalization?
Many foreign countries will not accept documents before they have been authenticated by Global Affairs Canada. Once authentication has been completed, we send the documents on to the respective embassy in Ottawa, which then verifies Global Affairs’ signature, legalizing the document. This process is sometimes referred to as ‘apostille’ in other countries; as Canada is not a member of the apostille convention, this is the process that needs to be performed instead. Should you require clarification on the authentication and legalization process, speak with one of our specialists who will be happy to assist you.
Eligible Documents That Can Be Authenticated
Reliability Screening in Ottawa authenticates and legalizes documents in conjunction with criminal record verifications (e.g. educational documents, birth certificates, pension income certificates, etc.).
The Authentication and Legalization Process
Document authentication and legalization can often be a lengthy process. Choosing Reliability Screening Solutions means you can expect your authentication and legalization to be completed in our industry-leading turnaround time. Located in the nation’s capital, our Ottawa office is just minutes away from RCMP Headquarters, Global Affairs Canada, and numerous embassies. Should your document require notarization, our in-house notary can complete that process in moments.
During the authentication and legalization process, your documents will be taken to Global Affairs Canada in Ottawa – along with a Request for Authentication form. We don’t employ runners or local shipping providers. Whenever your document needs to leave our Ottawa office, it is transported by our staff in a secure container to ensure the fastest and most secure experience available.
Accredited by the RCMP, and in partnership with the Cobourg Police Service, we are able to process any necessary background checks or fingerprints required by the country where you’ll be residing. We take the stress out of this complex process, so you can receive the documents you need on time and error-free.
How it works
Prompt Service
Choosing Reliability Screening means you can expect your authentication and legalization to be completed in keeping with our industry-leading turnaround time. Located in Ottawa, our office is just minutes away from RCMP Headquarters, Global Affairs Canada, and numerous embassies.
Security is Our Priority
Once we receive your documents at our Ottawa office, we handle them with the utmost of care in ensuring that security and privacy standards are met. One of our team members will always transport client docs to and from Global Affairs Canada in a secure case. We prioritize fast and safe handling.
Additional Services
Reliability Screening Solutions Inc. can also process any necessary background checks or fingerprints required by the country where you’ll be residing. We take the stress out of this complex process, giving you peace of mind to receive the documents you need on time and error-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
When documents need to be authenticated in Canada, most of the time this is done by Global Affairs Canada. Documents can also be authenticated by a provincially appointed authentication agency.
Document authentication is a process that confirms the legitimacy or genuineness of a document and the signatures found on it. Sometimes the authentication of documents is required before you can use a Canadian document abroad.
After a document is authenticated, it needs to be submitted and legalized by authorities, the appropriate embassy, or consulate. In this case, at Reliability Screening, we’re able to send the authenticated documents to the respective embassy in Ottawa. From there, the Global Affairs’ signature will be verified, legalizing the document.
If you need to use a Canadian document in another country, not all countries require them to be authenticated or legalized before use. For these situations, your first step is to confirm the requirements by reaching out to the authority that is requesting the document from you. They should be able to confirm whether or not the official documents need to be authenticated and legalized before use.
The document authentication process can vary widely. Because documents sometimes need to be mailed, depending on where in the world you’re located and what time of year, this can lengthen or shorten the processing time significantly. If you’re looking to get a better time estimate, give our team a call today. We’d be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Trust Reliability Screening
We are fully accredited by the RCMP to submit electronic fingerprints to CCRTIS in support of criminal record checks.
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International Source for Background Checks
We have served hundreds of organizations & thousands of people in Ottawa and around the world with background checks, fingerprinting, notarization, authentication and more.
Client Testimonials
Explained Perfectly
I needed a Canadian Criminal Check. With the help of Reliability Screening, it was easy! They answered all my questions right away and explained everything perfectly. They are very patient and helpful. Thank you so much!
– Karen MacArthur
Fast & Effective Service
They showed a perfect customer service at a distance! Their staff answered several questions by email/company contact form in minutes or a few hours later, or in less than 24 hours at most, helping me throughout the whole process.
– Marilla Assiz
Simple & Quick Process
From start to finish, I was kept informed about my case, and I found email … communication to be prompt, friendly and very clear. I don’t usually write reviews, but want to help reassure anyone out there in the same position.
– Phoebe Moffat
Have Any Questions?
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