Authentication is verifying that official documents are genuine and accurately reflect the facts. In the context of immigration, documents are typically authenticated so that foreign officials or embassies can use them.
For your China work visa applications, these are the Canadian documents you’ll need to have authenticated:
- Copy of your passport
- Your Bachelor’s Degree (or a higher award)
- Your TEFL Certificate
- Your Criminal Background Check
NB: If you are NOT Canadian but have gained any of the above three IN Canada, you must also get them authenticated in Canada.
In Canada, document authentication is a two-step process.
Step 1 – Notarization
Get your documents notarized by locating the nearest public notary, solicitor, or Commissioner of Oaths of Canada. A notary public is a court officer who’s authorized to acknowledge and attest documents legally. The notary public must verify your identity and witnesses the signing. The notary public signs the document and stamps it with the official seal, confirming its authenticity.
Make sure to make an appointment, and bring along both the original document and its photocopy.
Step 2 – Authentication
The Global Affairs Canada Authentication Office can authenticate your documents. You can’t do this in person and must do everything by mail. Visit their Offical Website to learn more about the process.