How to Apostille Educational Documents in Ontario
If you are planning to work, study, immigrate, or conduct business outside Canada, you may be asked to provide an apostilled copy of your Canadian educational documents.
Educational documents such as degrees, diplomas and transcripts may need to be authenticated before they can be accepted by a foreign government, university, employer or other organization.
Since Canada joined the Hague Apostille Convention on January 11, 2024, Ontario-issued public postsecondary degrees, diplomas and transcripts issued since January 1, 2019 has gotten much simpler.
Do I Need to Notarize My Diploma or Transcript First?
If your document is not eligible for direct authentication, notarization may be required before it can be authenticated.
This is why it is important to check the document requirements before having your educational documents notarized.
What If My Educational Document Is From Outside Canada?
Ontario cannot generally authenticate a document simply because you are now living in Ontario.
Documents issued outside Canada generally need to be authenticated by the jurisdiction where they were issued. Ontario's rules specifically state that foreign-issued documents are not eligible for authentication, subject to limited circumstances involving an Ontario-notarized signature.
For example, if you received your university degree in another country, you may need to have it authenticated in that country rather than through Ontario.
Apostille vs. Authentication: What's the Difference?
The final certificate depends on the country where your document will be used.
If the destination country is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, Ontario issues an apostille.
For countries that are not members of the Hague Apostille Convention, Ontario issues a certificate of authentication, and additional legalization requirements may apply.
It's important to check with the receiving authority, consulate or other end recipient to determine exactly what they require.
If you're not sure whether your diploma, degree or transcript needs to be notarized before authentication, DG Notary can help you determine the appropriate notarization step and assist with the apostille process.
DG Notary provides notary, apostille and document authentication services in Ontario, including assistance for documents that will be used internationally.
Before starting the process, clients should confirm the requirements of the foreign government, school, employer, consulate or other organization receiving the document.
Need help with an educational document? Contact DG Notary to get started.
