A: An apostille is a certification attached to Canadian public documents after they have been authenticated. It may be required when using Canadian documents outside of Canada for purposes such as visas, immigration, or employment. Before January 11, 2024 documents must be authenticated/legalized by the relevant country embassies and consulates in Canada. After January 11, 2024 the apostille replaces this traditional embassy and consulate authentication/legalization procedures, allowing for a simpler and faster international document legalization process in Canada. Apostille, authentication, legalization all have the same meaning.