General Information for Attestation / Legalization of Documents

The High Commission attests documents such as Affidavits, Power of Attorney, Wills, public documents issued by Indian Government authorities, etc. as a part of Miscellaneous Consular services.

Please note all applications for attestation have to be submitted at the respective BLS centres in Montreal and Ottawa and not directly at the High Commission.

Applicants can book appointment with BLS (https://www.blsindia-canada.com/) or use Postal/walk-in facility for submission of application for documents requiring attestation.

All applicants have to follow  prescribed guidelines for each type of services – fill up the relevant form, enclose the requisite documents and pay the fees. please use new link for checklist: https://www.hciottawa.gov.in/pdf/menu/Check-list-Attestation-SEPT_16_2024.pdf

The High Commission reserves the right to reject attestation of documents, the contents of which are objectionable or contrary to the rules. The High Commission may call the applicant/witnesses for verification of identity or contents of the document requested for attestation.

The High Commission of India has not appointed any agents for providing attestation services.

Note: " India is a signatory to The Hague Apostille Convention, 1961 since 26 October 2004. Canada became a member of the Convention on 11 January 2024. In accordance with the Convention, any Apostille Certificate (including e-Apostille) issued by a competent authority in Canada requires no further attestation/legalization by High Commission of India, Ottawa/Consulate General of India, Toronto/Consulate General of India, Vancouver.

Relevant information in this regard can be seen at the following links:

Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi: https://www.mea.gov.in/Images/amb/apostille_circular_new.pdf

Global Affairs Canada, Ottawa: https://www.international.gc.ca/gac-amc/about-a_propos/services/authentication-authentification/apostille-convention.aspx?lang=eng

The full text of the Hague Apostille Convention and list of its member countries are available at: https://www.hcch.net/en/instruments/conventions/specialised-sections/apostille .

A declaration for NON-REQUIREMENT OF ATTESTATION OF APOSTILLED CANADIAN DOCUMENTS may be downloaded at the link: (Click here)"

Please make sure the documents as prescribed under the “Checklist for Attestation” are complete. All the information provided in the application form, documents must be correct in all respects. Incomplete/false information/misrepresentation could lead to delays and/or refusal of service.

II. DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

• Documents to be attested in original along with one photocopy of the entire set, including the first page.
  
  
• Self attested copies of valid passport and PR/study permit/work permit/valid visa as applicable, and proof of address{copy of DL / utility bill / rent agreement/Provincial Photo ID (any one)}under our consular jurisdiction in Canada.
  
  
• Duly filled up miscellaneous service form by all applicant (s). In case of joint POA/Affidavit/Document, all signatories have to fill Misc service form and should provide self attested copies of all supporting documents.

• The High Commission does not prescribe any specific format/type of for Power of Attorney. The same should be as per service seeker’s requirements, on a plain paper. Power of attorney should begin with the name (strictly as per passport), passport number and present residential address of the executant along with his/her photograph affixed at the end of subject matter. It should contain local Canadian address in the first paragraph of the document. The locally notarized document should not be more than three months old.

III. PROCEDURE TO BE FOLLOWED: -

1. INDIAN PASSPORT HOLDERS:

1A. In-person applications:

• Original + one copy of the Power of attorney (POA), Affidavit, Declaration, or other civil documents must be brought to the BLS Centre along with the copies of ‘supporting documents.’ The documents are required to be signed in presence of authorized officials in the BLS Centre.

• Download miscellaneous application form (https://hciottawa.gov.in/pdf/Application-2024.pdf), fill it completely, paste photograph and sign it. Attach filled in Misc form with photocopy of the original document/POA and self-attested copies of all supporting documents (passport, address and status proof of the executant (s) in Canada). In case of joint POA/Affidavit/Document, all signatories have to fill Misc service form and should provide self attested copies of all supporting documents.

• These two sets (original and copy), along with the required fee, can be presented to the BLS Centre by the executant(s) and witnesses, if any required.

• Indian Passport holders are not required to notarize/authenticate POA/Affidavit from designated Provincial Authorities or Ministry of Foreign Affairs Canada, if submitting documents in-person at BLS Centre. Witness, if any, to the document has to sign in presence of authorized official at the BLS Centre.

1B. Mail/courier applications:

• Power of Attorney (PoA) in original, Affidavit, Declaration, or other civil documents should first be attested by the local notary. Then get these notarized documents authenticated by the concerned Provincial Authority/Global Affairs Canada.

• After the documents are received back from the Provincial Authority/Global Affairs Canada, photocopy of the entire set should be made, including the first page (authenticated by Provincial Authority). Please ensure that the seal affixed by the provincial authority is not tampered/broken. Documents with broken/tampered seal will be rejected.

• Download Miscellaneous application form (https://hciottawa.gov.in/pdf/Application-2024.pdf), fill it completely, paste photograph and sign it. Attach filled in Misc. Application form with photocopy of the original document/POA and self-attested copies of all supporting documents (passport, address and status proof of the executant (s) in Canada). In case of joint POA/Affidavit/Document, all signatories have to fill Misc service form and should provide self attested copies of all supporting documents.

• These two sets (original & copy), along with the required fee, can either be presented in person by executant or a person authorized by the executant, or mailed to the BLS Centre.

• Do not mail any original supporting documents.

• High Commission does not take responsibility for delay caused due to return/refusal of the documents by the mail.

2. FOREIGN PASSPORT HOLDERS

2A. Canadian Passport Holders

• Please note that if your public document (civil or commercial), Power of Attorney (PoA)/ Will carries an Apostille (or e-Apostille) issued by provincial authorities authorised in Canada/Global Affairs Canada, there is no requirement for further legalization/attestation of your document by the High Commission.

"Note:

1. Fee reflected above applies to attestation of one document on one application form. If attestation is required on copies of the original document, same fee would be applicable for such service on a separate application form.

2. This fee is exclusive of BLS Service Fee."