APOSTILLE FOR CANADA
Apostille Services for Canada
Moving to Canada for work, marrying a Canadian, settling an estate, or doing business there? Since January 2024, Canada accepts apostilles, which replaced the old multi-step authentication process. We get your U.S. documents ready for Canada from Boston.
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CANADA AT A GLANCE
Hague Convention member
Apostilles accepted since 2024.
- Work and study permits
- Estates and property
- Corporate documents
- French translation for Quebec
Canada now accepts apostilles
Documents we prepare for Canada
- FBI background checks for work permits and immigration
- Birth and marriage certificates
- Diplomas and transcripts for credential assessment
- Powers of attorney for property and banking
- Death certificates and probate documents for estates
- Corporate documents for Canadian subsidiaries and partners
What Canada usually requires
| Document | Where the apostille comes from | What else to plan for |
|---|---|---|
| FBI background check | U.S. Department of State | Follow the receiving office's instructions on format and recency |
| Birth or marriage certificate | Secretary of the Commonwealth or issuing state | Certified copy |
| Power of attorney | Secretary of the Commonwealth, after notarization | Ask your Canadian lawyer or notary about format |
| Corporate documents | Issuing state | Certified copies or notarized certificates |
Requirements change and can differ by consulate, city and purpose. Always confirm the exact requirements with the office receiving your documents. We're happy to review what they sent you.
How we handle it
- 1
Tell us what the recipient asked for
Send us the list or the email from the consulate, school, employer or attorney. We review it and confirm exactly what each document needs.
- 2
We prepare each document
Certified copies, notarization by appointment, or retrieval of records you don't have yet.
- 3
Apostilles from the right offices
Massachusetts documents go to the Secretary of the Commonwealth, other states' documents to that state, and federal documents, like FBI checks, to the U.S. Department of State.
- 4
French translation, if needed, and shipping
We arrange certified translation when it's needed, then ship everything back with tracking, to you or directly abroad.
Good to know
Old instructions may be outdated
Many checklists still describe the pre-2024 consular process. If a Canadian office asks for "authentication," an apostille usually satisfies it now. Confirm with them.
Quebec
Quebec often requires French. See Certified Translation.
Estates across the border
Families with property in both countries often need apostilled death certificates and probate documents. See Court Records.
Businesses
See Corporate Documents.
Common reasons clients need documents for Canada
Work and study permits
FBI checks, degrees and family records, when the application asks for them.
Marrying a Canadian
Birth certificates, divorce decrees and proof of single status.
Settling a Canadian estate
Death certificates, wills and probate documents for Canadian banks and courts.
Property in Canada
Powers of attorney for purchases, sales and banking.
Business in Canada
Good standing, resolutions and powers of attorney for Canadian entities.
Credential assessment
Diplomas and transcripts for professional bodies and employers.
Mistakes we help you avoid
- Following pre-2024 instructions. The old consular legalization step usually isn't needed anymore.
- Apostilling documents that don't need it. Some Canadian offices accept U.S. documents as they are. Ask first.
- Skipping French for Quebec. Quebec offices often require French.
- A state apostille on an FBI check. FBI checks need the federal apostille.
- Uncertified court copies. Probate and divorce documents must be certified by the court.
For families and businesses on both sides of the border
What to have ready
- The document, or a clear photo of it
- The Canadian office, lawyer or bank that will receive it
- Their instructions, including whether they want an apostille at all
- Whether the document is going to Quebec
- Your deadline
Not sure? Send us what you have, and we'll confirm the route.
Official sources
Requirements change, and the receiving office always has the final word. We link to official sources so you can check the current rules yourself.
Frequently asked questions
Does Canada accept apostilles?
Yes, since January 11, 2024.
Do Canadian immigration applications need apostilles?
Not always. Follow the specific instructions for your application. When authentication is requested, an apostille is usually what's needed now.
Do you translate into French?
Yes. We arrange certified French translations.
Can you notarize documents a Canadian lawyer sent me?
Yes, at your home or office, then apostille them if needed.
Do Canadian banks accept apostilled U.S. documents?
Usually, yes, when they ask for authentication. Some accept documents without it. Ask your bank.
What if my document is from another U.S. state?
Each document is apostilled by the state that issued it. We coordinate it for you.
Do you ship to Canada?
Yes, with tracking, to you, your lawyer or the receiving office.
Can you notarize a document for a Quebec notary?
Yes. We notarize your signature, apostille it if requested, and arrange a French translation if needed.
Do you work with clients outside Massachusetts?
Yes. Clients mail us documents from across the U.S., and we coordinate apostilles from all 50 states.
Sending documents to Canada?
Tell us the documents, the purpose and your deadline, and we'll map out every step.