How to Apostille Birth Certificate in Canada

A birth certificate is one of the most important personal documents, required for immigration, employment, education, and legal matters abroad. However, a standard Canadian birth certificate is not automatically recognized internationally. To ensure your document is legally valid in Hague Apostille Convention countries, you need an Apostille Birth Certificate.

Since Canada joined the Hague Convention in 2024, obtaining an apostille for your birth certificate has become the most reliable way to get international acceptance without embassy legalization. This guide provides step-by-step instructions for apostilling your birth certificate in Canada, ensuring it meets all international requirements.

Before starting the process, confirm whether your destination country accepts an apostille for birth certificates:

• If your destination country is part of the Hague Apostille Convention, an apostille is required.
• If it is not a member, your birth certificate will need authentication and legalization instead.
• Check with the foreign authority (immigration office, university, employer, or legal body) for specific requirements.

Tip: Confirming the need upfront prevents unnecessary submissions and processing delays.

Only certified copies issued by the provincial or territorial vital statistics office are accepted for apostille purposes. Photocopies or unofficial copies are not valid.

• Request a certified copy from your province of birth (e.g., Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta).
• Ensure the document includes official stamps, seals, or signatures.
• For historical or older records, check if a reissued or updated certificate is needed.

Some authorities or countries may require your birth certificate to be notarized before it can be apostilled.

• Use a licensed Canadian notary for notarization.
• Notarization verifies the authenticity of signatures and seals on the document.
• Some provinces and online notary services are accepted depending on the issuing authority.

After obtaining a certified (and notarized, if required) copy:

• Submit the birth certificate to the provincial apostille authority or Global Affairs Canada, depending on the issuing province.
• Complete the application form with destination country details and document information.
• Pay the apostille fee as per the authority’s requirements.

Your birth certificate will then be reviewed, verified, and stamped with the official Apostille Birth Certificate, making it valid for international use.

Once processed, your birth certificate will be returned with the apostille attached. Always check:

• Correct spelling of names, dates of birth, and signatures.
• The apostille is accepted in your intended destination country.

A verified Apostille Birth Certificate ensures smooth processing for visas, immigration, education, employment, or legal matters abroad.

• Start early: Processing can take days to weeks, depending on the province and authority.
• Certified originals only: Photocopies are rejected.
• Notarization: Confirm if your destination country requires notarization beforehand.
• Professional assistance: Using expert apostille services reduces errors, saves time, and ensures global acceptance.

Obtaining an Apostille Birth Certificate in Canada is essential for anyone planning to use their birth certificate internationally. Following the correct steps - confirming the need, obtaining a certified copy, notarizing if required, submitting to the appropriate authority, and verifying the apostille, ensures your Canadian birth certificate is legally recognized in Hague Convention countries. Proper preparation avoids delays, costly mistakes, and ensures your document is accepted smoothly for immigration, visas, education, employment, or legal matters.