Legalising Thai Documents for Canada (2026)
Apostille Convention status of Canada: party. The Convention enters into force for Thailand on 28 February 2027.
Certification chain (before 28 February 2027)
- Obtain a certified extract from the issuing authority (district office, school, court or DBD)
- Translate into the language the destination requires, with the translator named and signing a statement of accuracy
- File for legalisation of the translation and/or the official signature at the Legalization Division, Department of Consular Affairs
- File with IRCC or the provincial authority, adding Canadian embassy attestation only where required
Timeline and fees: Certified translation 1–2 working days; MFA legalisation 2–3 working days (THB 200 per stamp) or same-day express when filed before 11:30 (THB 400 per stamp); the destination embassy queue is separate and typically 3–10 working days.
Destination-specific requirements
IRCC requires an affidavit sworn before a commissioner of oaths or notary when the translator is not certified; civil-status documents used in Quebec are commonly asked to be legalised.
What these documents are used for
Spousal sponsorship, study permits, Express Entry, marriage in Canada
Common reasons for rejection
- No translator affidavit as IRCC requires
- Thai documents filed without an English or French translation
- English translations where Quebec requires French
When the Apostille Convention applies to Thailand
The Apostille Convention has been in force for Canada since 11 January 2024 and enters into force for Thailand on 28 February 2027; from that date a single Apostille will replace embassy attestation for Thai public documents used in Canada.
FAQ — documents for Canada
What are the steps to legalise a Thai document for use in Canada?
Obtain a certified extract from the issuing authority (district office, school, court or DBD) → Translate into the language the destination requires, with the translator named and signing a statement of accuracy → File for legalisation of the translation and/or the official signature at the Legalization Division, Department of Consular Affairs → File with IRCC or the provincial authority, adding Canadian embassy attestation only where required
Is Canada a party to the Apostille Convention?
Yes. Canada is a party to the HCCH 1961 Apostille Convention, but Thailand is not yet bound until 28 February 2027, so Thai documents still need MFA legalisation plus attestation at the Canada mission in Thailand.
What changes once the Convention applies to Thailand?
The Apostille Convention has been in force for Canada since 11 January 2024 and enters into force for Thailand on 28 February 2027; from that date a single Apostille will replace embassy attestation for Thai public documents used in Canada.
Any specific requirements from the destination authority?
IRCC requires an affidavit sworn before a commissioner of oaths or notary when the translator is not certified; civil-status documents used in Quebec are commonly asked to be legalised.
What can these documents be used for?
Spousal sponsorship, study permits, Express Entry, marriage in Canada
Why are documents commonly rejected?
No translator affidavit as IRCC requires · Thai documents filed without an English or French translation · English translations where Quebec requires French
How long does it take and what does it cost?
Certified translation 1–2 working days; MFA legalisation 2–3 working days (THB 200 per stamp) or same-day express when filed before 11:30 (THB 400 per stamp); the destination embassy queue is separate and typically 3–10 working days.
Should the document be translated before or after legalisation?
The Legalization Division's practice is to start from a fresh certified extract issued by the source authority, translate that, and then file the translation with the original. Translating an old photocopy is the most common cause of rework.
Can your team file on my behalf?
Yes. We work from a power of attorney bearing a THB 10 duty stamp together with certified copies of the grantor's and agent's ID. If you are outside Thailand, a Thai embassy or consulate must witness your signature first.
Other destination countries
Sources: consular.mfa.go.th · canada.ca · hcch.net — information current as of August 2026. Thai legalisation steps and fees follow the Legalization Division, Department of Consular Affairs; Apostille Convention status follows hcch.net (in force for Thailand on 28 February 2027). Always confirm current requirements with the embassy and the receiving authority before filing.