Breaking News: Canada Joins Apostille Convention, Streamlining Document Authentication

In a significant development, the Canadian Office of International Affairs, also recognized as Global Affairs, made a groundbreaking announcement on May 16, 2023. Canada has taken a monumental step by formally becoming a part of the Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents, famously known as the Apostille Convention.

Legalizing Foreign Public Documents Will Be Replaced By An “Apostille” Certificate

Commencing January 11, 2024, the Apostille Convention will come into full effect within Canada. This pivotal move signifies a remarkable shift for Canadian citizens and businesses alike.

Now, the cumbersome process of legalizing foreign public documents will be replaced by the issuance of an “apostille” certificate. This coveted certificate of authenticity will empower the utilization of Canadian public documents, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, criminal records, and name changes, on an international scale.

Canada’s accession to the 1961 Apostille Convention elevates the total number of Contracting Parties to an impressive 125. This collective commitment to eliminate the legalization requirement for foreign public documents promises to simplify intricate legal procedures for their overseas application.

A New Era of Efficiency and Ease

Although comprehensive details regarding the document apostilling process and the transitional measures during the shift from legalization to apostille authentication are yet to be disclosed, this change undoubtedly ushers in a new era of efficiency and ease.

It is important to note that until January 11, 2024, when the new regulations take effect, Canadian documents will continue to undergo authentication in accordance with the prevailing legalization requirements of their respective destination countries.

At Blue Zone Legal, we have been steadfastly assisting numerous clients with their document legalization procedures in Canada. Rest assured, we remain dedicated to providing unwavering support as soon as the guidelines for apostille authentication are unveiled.

Embarking On The Costa Rican Residency Process

As a pertinent reminder, for those embarking on the Costa Rican Residency Process, certain documents that are currently subjected to the authentication and legalization process will transition to the apostille authentication process starting January 2024. These documents include:

• Birth Certificate (long form)
• Criminal Background Check based on fingerprinting issued by the RCMP (Royal Canadian Mountain Police): Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered – you can conveniently get fingerprinted at our offices!
• Marriage Certificates
• Documents Supporting the Name Change

Should you have any inquiries or require assistance with document procurement, our dedicated team is here to support you. Reach out to us at info@bluezonelegal.com. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter by filling out the form below to stay informed about the latest updates.

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