A single status certificate is a declaration of unmarried status. In short, this certificate proves that you are not married. Foreign entities may ask for this document if you’re getting married abroad, or if you’re purchasing a property. Some countries also ask for this certificate for employment purposes.
There are three different documents issued in Canada, all of which prove single status. These are a single status document, a provincial marriage search certificate, or a statement in lieu of non-impediment of marriage abroad. Other countries may refer to this document using different terms.
A single status certificate must be ‘apostilled’ or – in the case of Canada – authenticated and legalized, before it can be accepted by foreign countries. In this guide we’ll go over the single status certificate authentication process in Canada.
Authenticating a single status certificate involves a three-step process:
Let’s go into each of these in more detail:
The first step is to confirm exactly what is needed. Contact the embassy of the country that requested your single status certificate to see what has to be included and the format. Countries refer to single status certificates using many different terms, including:
There are also different terms for ‘authentication’. Some countries may ask for an attestation, others ask for a single status apostille. Since Canada did not sign The Hague Apostille Convention, you cannot get documents apostilled in Canada. Instead, the process is called authentication and legalization and it is an acceptable equivalent.
Once you’ve determined the certificate format needed, it’s time to prepare it for authentication. Single status affidavits, like all private legal documents, must be notarized before being submitted to Global Affairs Canada.
Some embassies also ask for a certified true copy, a translation, and supporting documents. It’s important that you consult the Embassy and prepare everything in advance to avoid your request being rejected.
The next step is to submit your Canadian single status certificate to Global Affairs Canada.
The next step is authentication at Global Affairs Canada Ottawa. Global Affairs Canada will not authenticate a single status certificate that:
To submit your single status certificate to Global Affairs Canada:
In case of any questions, you can also call the Global Affairs Canada authentication services phone number: 1-833-928-1551. In-person visits are not possible at the moment.
The final step is to obtain a legalization stamp from the Embassy or Consulate of the country where you will be using your single status certificate. As an example, if you’re getting married in Italy, then you must request a legalization stamp at the Embassy of Italy in Ontario.
As already indicated, a number of embassies may ask for supporting documents, some of which may also need to be notarized or authenticated, to process your request.
While completing Step 2 (Authentication) you have the option to ask Global Affairs Canada to forward your documents to an Embassy or consulate in Ottawa on your behalf, for them to complete the legalization step. To do this:
If you choose this option, it’s very important that you get in touch with the Embassy or Consulate before you mail your documents to Global Affairs Canada. Failure to follow Global Affairs Canada’s or the Embassy’s instructions may result in your documents being returned to you without having been legalized.
At Document Authentication Canada, we can help you determine what’s needed for each specific Embassy, so that your request will not be turned down and lead to unnecessary delays. We have the expertise to complete the entire authentication and legalization process on your behalf, saving you time and money.
