This is certainly the right step to take as Canada is possibly the best country to move to in the 21st century. However, if you are new to the immigration process, you may be confused by the complex guidelines and the online system. In order to help you in this regard, we are sharing a few key steps to prepare your file for Canadian immigration.
Legalizing documents for Canada may require additional steps to be accepted by the Canada Embassy or Consulate office.
Additional Information: Why Has Canada Not Signed the Apostille Convention?
Initially, Canada was not satisfied with the Apostille Convention. This was mainly because of the absence of a Federal State clause which would allow individual provinces to introduce the conditions of the Convention at the local level at their own pace.
Since 1961, most countries have signed the agreement. Chile signed on to the convention in August 2016. In that country there was a call from international interested parties in Chilean enterprises to simplify what they considered unpleasant and laborious rules.
There are currently barriers to implement the apostille process in Canada. The new system requires resources, and existing specialists can lose income or even their work. In addition, officials in the certification chain may not allow them to be streamlined from the process. The current process of authentication and legalization in Canada can be a little complicated.
Do you need to get a vital document ready for use in Canada?
Depending on the document, a specialized process must be followed to have your document officially recognized in Canada.
What exactly is document validation?
The different terms can create a lot of confusion about what you must do to prepare your document for international use. You may need to have an international document recognized in Canada for personal reasons, for immigration purposes, or when doing business abroad. Regardless of the reason, you may be told you need to have the document “authenticated and legalized”.
In Canada, all of these terms refer to validation. Document validation means that the authenticity of the document has been officially confirmed.
What types of documents require legalization?
Common examples of documents that may require authentication and legalization include Citizenship and Immigration documents, powers of attorney, birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, diplomas, degrees, transcripts, affidavits, and statutory declarations.
How do you start the international document legalization process?
If your documents need to be authenticated or legalized or if you need to submit a declaration in lieu of unavailable documents, we would be happy to put you in touch with licensed notaries in the greater Vancouver area. We can also assist in the preparation of Affidavits or Declarations to be notarized.
Many people use the term “notarization” or “notarize a document” without understanding what it means. There is one type of acts that is considered notarizations:
Certified copies
Witnessing your signature on a legal document to be used before an authority. To certify a copy, the notary must have the original document in front of them and compare it to the copy to get it notarized.
Now that many documents are issued electronically, it is possible to certify an electronic copy only if the notary feels certain that the electronic document is downloaded directly from the official website, printed out by the notary and that it is the only way to access such a document.
Why is it necessary to notarize a document?
Notarization is a fraud-deterrent process ensuring a document is authentic and trusted. Authorities rely on the notarization process to complete important legal transactions. Notaries are honorable professionals and trustworthy individuals whose signatures on a document mean a document has the value required for the next step within a legal transaction.
CLICK here to learn more about the Types of immigration documents
How does the immigration process for Express Entry work?
- An expert will evaluate your profile based on the information you provide about your work experience, education and language abilities and check your eligibility in the express entry system or other programs for Canadian permanent residence that you may be eligible for
- A case manager will be appointed to look after your case
- If your Comprehensive Ranking System score is low, the case manager will offer to apply for alternative PNP programs, if you are eligible
- Your file will be prepared in accordance with the necessary documents, that is, IELTS test results, Education Credential Assessment and other similar documentation.
- The case manager will assist you in the submission of your Express Entry profile online.
- As soon as ITA is received, the case manager will review, compile and prepare your documents and complete the Permanent Residence forms based on your inputs.
- You will be guided on any tricky immigration processes like: applying for Police Certificates, passport stamping, IRCC Medical Exams, landing procedures etc.
- Documents will be prepared on your behalf such as submission letters, affidavits, work letters formats etc.
- After the application is submitted by the case manager, they will follow up with the visa office to check the status of your application, work with you to respond to any queries or requests from IRCC and keep your records up to date with them until the a final decision is made on your application
You need to have certain documents at different steps of the Express Entry application process.
Click here to learn more about Documents for Express Entry
1. Get your documents translated into French or English
When you arrive in Canada and talk to immigration service employees, be ready to provide your documents and show the certified translations if requested.
2. Find out if your occupation is regulated in Canada.
Teachers, engineers, architects, accountants, social workers, medical professionals, and trades such as electricians, plumbers and welders will need a Canadian license or certification before they are eligible to work in Canada. It differs by province.
3. Purchase private health insurance.
You will need private health insurance if you need to pay for emergency medical treatment until you receive Canadian government insurance (3 months or longer).
4. Learn about the province where you plan to settle.
It is very important to understand that various provinces have different laws and rules, including those that apply to healthcare, education, licensing of work and other issues that directly affect the life of immigrants. Do not explore Canada as a whole – explore your specific province you are planning to settle in.
5. Collect and bring to Canada all the official documents belonging to you and your family members:
- birth certificates
- passports
- marriage/divorce certificates; death certificates for a deceased spouse
- adoption records for adopted children
- educational diplomas and certificates; transcripts that list the courses you took to obtain your degree or certificate
- vaccination records
- medical records (prescriptions, test results, x-rays, allergies) and dental records
- driver’s license and/or IDP (International Driving Permit)
6. Be ready to show your Proof of Funds (Federal Skilled Worker applicants)
7. Learn about the Cost of Life in Canada in advance:
Find out how much items cost(rent, utility services, food, transport, car insurance, etc.) Most newcomers are surprised when they learn the details about Sales Tax and Pay Cheque Deductions.
8. Prepare yourself for the Five Stages of Culture Shock
99% of all immigrants go through the five stages after their arrival: Honeymoon/Tourist Stage, Crisis Stage, Coping/Adjustment Stage, Independence Stage and Reverse Culture Shock. This is normal and to be expected when leaving you friends, family, culture and traditions back home. Once you start building a life in Canada and work through the complexities of starting over in a new country, you may find yourself relating to Canadian culture more than you ever expected.
To learn more about adapting to cultural differences in Canada as an international student: CLICK HERE
If you are looking for more information, you can contact us at inquiries@adventureimmigration.com. Don’t forget to leave your comments below in the comment section.
You can also book an appointment with us to speak to our Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant or one of our immigration representatives.
We are a leading immigration consultancy in Canada with 1000+ successful clients associated with 100+ Canadian institutions, with over 90% success ratio with five ratings from 100+ clients.