Easier method coming for authenticating international documents

B.C. residents will soon have a quicker, less costly option to authenticate public documents for use in 125 countries, as a new method will launch in January 2024.

In May 2023, Canada joined the Apostille Convention, which will come into force country-wide on Jan. 11, 2024. B.C. residents who need B.C. public documents authenticated for use in a country that is part of the convention will soon need to obtain only a single certificate, called an apostille, from the B.C. Authentication Program.

People with documents for member countries will no longer be required to send these documents to a consulate or embassy for the additional step of legalization.

“Those who have needed public documents authenticated before know that the process can be daunting,” said Niki Sharma, Attorney General. “People often have tight timelines to get documents authenticated locally before sending off to an international consulate, and we know that submitting late can impact job or study opportunities. I’m pleased Canada has joined the Apostille Convention. Now this process will be easier and less stressful for all B.C. residents.”

Since an apostille certificate is internationally recognized, having documents authenticated this way increases the probability that the documents will be accepted as valid by other member countries.