Travelling with Youth
We strongly recommend that Canadian children carry a consent letter if they are travelling abroad alone, with only one parent/guardian, with friends or relatives or with a group. For the purposes of this consent letter, a Canadian child is defined as anyone who is under the age of majority (18 or 19, depending on the province or territory of residence).
A consent letter is not a legal requirement in Canada, but it can simplify travel for Canadian children, as it may be requested by immigration authorities when entering or leaving a foreign country or by Canadian officials when re-entering Canada. The letter demonstrates that Canadian children have permission to travel abroad from parents or guardians who are not accompanying them.
We recommend that you talk to a lawyer about the legal issues that apply to you and your children’s unique situation, particularly if your parenting arrangement has special terms governing international travel. Carrying a consent letter does not guarantee that children will be allowed to enter or leave a country, as every country has its own entry and exit requirements.
What is Document Authentication?
In Canada, a Notary Public delivers many services which ensure the integrity and accuracy in the operations of many aspects of society. One of these important services is Document Authentication.
Authentication of a document provides assurance that the document has been genuinely signed/marked, that any attestations and/or affirmations have been made in adherence to any requirements, and that any witnessing has been performed. In some jurisdictions, Document Authentication may also be referred to as "Legalization" or "Apostille".
Canada offers a look-up service, to help you determine if your document requires Notarizing to be accepted by the intended-recipient.
For more information about Document Authentication in Canada, please visit https://www.international.gc.ca/gac-amc/about-a_propos/services/authentication-authentification/step-etape-1.aspx?lang=eng
For more information about Document Authentication in Saskatchewan, please visit https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/notarized-documents-legislation-maps/authenticating-notarized-documents
Common Documents requiring Authentication
Adoption Papers (agreements, certificates, etc.)
Apprenticeship & Trade Certificates
Bank Documents (bank statements, financial records)
Burial or Cremation Documents (burial permits, cremation certificates, funeral home documents)
Business or Corporate Records (commercial invoices, corporate bylaws, articles of incorporation, provincial business registration documents, letters of employment, letters of invitation, reference letters, packing slips)
Canadian Intellectual Property Office Certificates (trademark registration certificates, industrial design registration certificates, copyright registration certificates)
Certificate of Free Sale
Post-Secondary Documents/Transcripts/Diplomas
Corporations Canada Documents (certificates not already bearing an original seal or signature)
Court Documents (any Court documents not bearing a seal of the Court)
Criminal Record Check (documents issued by Provincial or Municipal Police Agency)
Divorce Certificate
Elementary or Secondary Diplomas & Transcripts
Fingerprint Forms/Fingerprint Identification
Health Canada Licenses (drug establishment licenses, medical device licenses)
Record of Employment
Shipment Document (for the transport of human remains, the death-certificate original must accompany the notarized Shipment document(s))
Vaccination Attestation (ensure your country-of-destination requires authentication and legalization)
This is not to be considered an exhaustive list; there are many other forms which require Authentication & Notarization. If you are uncertain about your document, or circumstances, reach us by telephone or email now.
