Authenticate your documents - After you send your document (Step 5)
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Checking the status of your request
If you submitted your request for authentication using our triage portal or you received a Service Request Number beginning with R-, you can check the status of your request on the status update portal.
If you do not have a Service Request Number beginning with R-, you will find information about checking the status of your request on this page.
- Due to the high volume of authentication requests we receive, our office is unable to confirm receipt of your request or provide a status update of your request before the minimum wait time has lapsed. Therefore, if you wish to obtain confirmation of delivery, we strongly encourage you to send your application using registered mail or courier, which will allow you to track the delivery status. If the tracking information indicates that your mail was delivered, then you may assume that it has been received by our office and is awaiting processing.
- We can only provide status updates for requests that were submitted to our office. If your document was sent to a provincial competent authority, please contact them directly about the status of your request.
- We can provide a status update regarding a request only after a minimum wait time has lapsed. If you have asked us to forward your documents to an embassy, high commission or consulate, check the status of your documents with them first.
- We do not offer expedited services. If you have urgent circumstances and cannot wait the regular processing time, please check the information found under Processing times.
For information on the minimum wait time to request a status update and to access the status update form, please visit Check the status of your request to authenticate documents.
Withdrawing a request for authentication
If you wish to withdraw a request that is pending processing at Global Affairs Canada, please email the Authentication Services Section at docs@international.gc.ca with the following details.
In the subject line of your email, write:
- Request to withdraw
In the body of your email, include:
- the name of the applicant as it appears on the envelope and on the Authentication Request form
- the date you mailed your document and, if available, the date it was delivered
- the tracking code (if you sent your documents by registered mail)
- the address to which you wish have your documents returned
We will return your documents using the mailing method indicated in your online submission or on your Authentication Request form. If you provided a prepaid envelope or a shipping label, even if intended to be used to forward your documents to an embassy or consulate after authentication, we will use it to send them back to you. If you did not include a prepaid return option but want your documents sent by courier, you can purchase a prepaid shipping label online and email it to us. If you do not choose either of these options, your documents will be returned by regular mail.
Contact us
Notice
Our office may refuse to provide service to anyone showing behaviour deemed disrespectful, violent or abusive.
Before contacting our office, please read the information on the triage portal or read the steps 1, 2, 3 and 4.
Please note that if you email us, you will receive an automated response. We encourage you to read this message carefully, as it may answer your question. Our office receives a high volume of emails and voicemails. As a result, we will not be able to respond to inquiries when the information is already available on this website or in the automated reply.
We are also unable to answer inquiries about the status of your request. Please consult Checking the status of your request.
Mailing address
Global Affairs Canada
Authentication Services Section
2421 Lancaster Road
Ottawa, ON K1B 4L5
Canada
Email and phone number
Email: docs@international.gc.ca
Voicemail: 1-833-928-1551
Related services and information
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