Following the changes that came into effect on January 11, 2024, documents may now qualify for authentication by a provincial Competent Authority. If you wish to withdraw a request that is pending processing at Global Affairs Canada to submit it to a provincial office that would now be able to authenticate your document, please follow the instructions outlined in the Changes to authentication services in Canada page under “ Withdrawing a request for authentication at Global Affairs Canada to submit to a different authentication authority ”.

Before submitting your request to the Authentication Services Section at Global Affairs Canada, given our higher than normal processing time you we recommend you to explore the options listed on the Alternatives to authentication page.

On June 1, 2024, we were processing requests received: 4 months ago

You must add up to 5 business days for mailing time.

Please note that the processing time posted above is an average estimate at a point in time. Please also note that processing time may fluctuate depending on work volume and operational factors. This turnaround applies to all the requests submitted prior to the current date.

We do not offer expedited services. For that reason, please send your request with as much notice as possible and ensure to take into consideration all the timelines and deadlines that apply to your case. If you have exceptional and urgent circumstances (generally defined as an unexpected event outside of your control that makes it impossible to wait the regular processing time) and want us to consider processing your document in priority, you may contact us. Please note that we are unable to consider a request for emergency processing if one or more options of the ones listed in Alternatives to authentication by the Authentication Services Section at Global Affairs Canada are available to you.

Please be advised that you do not need to hire a third-party company to submit your request to Global Affairs Canada. Processing times are the same whether you submit their request to our department directly or via a third-party service provider.