Among the thousands of Ukrainians currently living in Calgary, questions constantly arise about notarizing documents — for immigration, university admission, real estate purchases, inheritance, or confirmation of Ukrainian diplomas. This is where the need for professional, and most importantly, Ukrainian-language legal support arises. If you need advice, clarification of procedures, and legal support in a language you understand, Halyna Miller — a leading Ukrainian-speaking immigration lawyer in Calgary and founder of Miller Immigration Law Firm — is the person to turn to.
Halyna Miller — your Ukrainian-speaking support in notary and immigration matters
Halyna Miller works daily with issues related to notarization of powers of attorney, translations, affidavits for immigration processes, certification of copies of passports and documents, as well as all related services associated with the legalization of certificates, Ukrainian diplomas or certificates for use in Canada. She will clearly explain in which cases notarization is mandatory and when it is an unnecessary expense and formality.
Phone: 587-392-5199
Email: [email protected]
In particular, Galina will help in the following cases:
- filing immigration applications;
- certifying affidavits of marital status, adoption, confirmation of residence;
- certifying translations of Ukrainian documents (birth certificates, marriage certificates, diplomas, certificates of no criminal record) — for universities, employers, IRCC;
- preparing powers of attorney for residence, sale of property, or representation in court, etc.
Her deep knowledge of the Ukrainian language, local law, and keen focus on the interests of Ukrainian clients allow Galina to resolve even complex issues as quickly as possible.
Notarization of documents in Canada: general principles
Regardless of whether you associate your future with Canada temporarily or permanently, life will inevitably confront you with the procedure of notarization — a key tool for confirming the authenticity of signatures, the reliability of copies, and the legality of transactions.
In Alberta, as in Canada as a whole, a notary is a licensed lawyer or official appointed by the provincial government. The main functions of a notary public are to identify individuals, verify the voluntary nature of signatures, hold individuals accountable for forgery, and confirm that a document or translation complies with Canadian law.
Depending on the province, the role of notaries may vary: in Alberta, for example, in addition to traditional notaries, there are also Commissioners for Oaths, who have limited powers (mainly certifying signatures on affidavits or sworn statements).
When is notarization required?
In Canada, notarization is required for:
- concluding a contract for the sale of a house or apartment, obtaining a mortgage, and transferring ownership (registration in the land registry);
- drawing up a power of attorney for banking, real estate transactions, car sales, representation of interests in government agencies or court — this is a guarantee of the authenticity of the signature and the legal capacity of the signatory;
- submitting immigration applications, confirming identity, marital status or adoption, registering inheritance — especially during IRCC procedures;
- confirming translations of Ukrainian diplomas, certificates, and certificates of no criminal record — immigration services, Canadian universities, and employers usually require not only an apostille, but also notarization of the translation within Canada;
- drafting a will: for legal validity, in addition to the testator's signature, two witnesses and a notary are required. This procedure ensures that the document will not be contested;
- registering companies, drawing up articles of association, shareholder agreements, and amendments to corporate protocols.
When a notary is not needed
Most personal domestic agreements — such as declarations of residence, letters of intent, personal receipts, social housing rental agreements, and applications for medical services — can be drawn up without notarization. However, in doubtful circumstances or large financial transactions, it is better to play it safe and consult a lawyer, in particular a Ukrainian-speaking specialist such as Galina Miller.
Features of certifying Ukrainian and Canadian documents
Special attention should be paid to the translation and certification of Ukrainian documents (diplomas, certificates, certificates of no criminal record) for submission in Canada.
- Apostille: Since Canada is not a party to the 1961 Hague Convention, the apostille is only recognized as an international standard for Ukrainian documents, which are then translated, and the translation itself is certified by a notary in Canada.
- Notarization of translation: After apostille, the Ukrainian document is translated by a licensed translator, then the translator's signature is certified by a notary (or Commissioner for Oaths, depending on the requirements of the institution).
- Notarization of copies: True copies of passports, diplomas, or other originals certified by a notary are accepted by universities, banks, governments, and courts.
Cost, terms, and procedure
The standard procedure for certifying a single document in Calgary takes 10-15 minutes (up to an hour, depending on the queue). The cost ranges from $49.99 to $65 for the first document (consult your own lawyer for more details). Affidavits, powers of attorney, or translations usually cost more if consultation or text composition is required.
To certify an electronic document, you can use specialized platforms (which comply with PIPEDA) — but your notary/lawyer or online services will help you with this.
Summary
Notarization is a guarantee of authenticity and protection of your rights in Canada. If you need assistance in Ukrainian regarding immigration, apostille, translation, or resolution of legal disputes, don't hesitate to contact Galina Miller (Miller Immigration Law Firm) in Calgary. Her expertise, humanity, and clear communication in a language you understand will help you avoid mistakes, wasted time, and unnecessary expenses in any legal proceedings.
Contact Galina Miller:
- Phone: 587-392-5199
- Email: [email protected]
Your confidence in legal matters starts with the right support!