Notarization of the documents

[diana90]

I'm going to file the sponsorship application (sponsoring my daughter) and I wonder if the copies of supporting documents (copies of passports, PR confirmation, birth certificates, etc.) have to be notarized, or I can just enclose the copies without any notarization? I tried to read the guide to sponsorship but couldn't find anything about it.

[uncychopper]

Just do it .... its free isn't it??

[Swede]

As far as I know they don't have to be notarised. I asked the CIC hotline about the passport copy specifically, and it does not have to be notarised.

[diana90]

Thanks a lot!

I've just read the guide all over again and I found it in Document Checklist - in most cases only photocopies (except - police certificate, medical).

[Suin]

they do not require notarized copies for Canadian citizen.

[ariell]

Just do it .... its free isn't it??

No, getting documents notarized is definitely not free!

And it's not just Canadian citizens that do not require notarized copies. Applicants from most countries do not require notarized photocopies. Check what it says in the Document Checklist for your region.

[nvr]

You all are right that the instruction guide does not ask for notarised copies of all documents. However, be careful while reading the visa office instructions for yor respective country.

In case of India the visa office instructions on the Appendix A Checklist says "Gather documents as listed. Check () each item on the checklist and attach the checklist to your documents (a paper clip will do). Place all documents in a sealed envelope. Do not send originals unless otherwise stated. Send notarized photocopies of all documents except the police certificates, which must be
originals. If your documents are not in English or French, send a notarized (certified) translation with a copy
of the originals.

[Suin]

No, getting documents notarized is definitely not free!

it's free to have them notarized in MP's office - they don't charge anything at all and their stamp is quite more valuable than just ordinary notary public.

[diana90]

No, getting documents notarized is definitely not free!

it's free to have them notarized in MP's office - they don't charge anything at all and their stamp is quite more valuable than just ordinary notary public.

Thanks a lot - it's a good idea to have them notarized in MP's office. I would never think about that. I'm not a Citizen - I'm a Permanent resident and my daughter is in Sweden. I've read the guide and document checklist again - it doesn't say that it has to be notarized but I think it looks more official when it's notarized. Don't know if it'll make any difference for CIC.

As far as I know notaries take approx. 5$ for each page.

[ariell]

You all are right that the instruction guide does not ask for notarised copies of all documents. However, be careful while reading the visa office instructions for yor respective country.

In case of India the visa office instructions on the Appendix A Checklist says "Gather documents as listed. Check () each item on the checklist and attach the checklist to your documents (a paper clip will do). Place all documents in a sealed envelope. Do not send originals unless otherwise stated. Send notarized photocopies of all documents except the police certificates, which must be
originals. If your documents are not in English or French, send a notarized (certified) translation with a copy
of the originals.

I'm not sure where you've quoted that from. The instructions that I read on Appendix A of the Document Checklist for India - IMM 3904 E say:

Send the following documents with your application and check (􀀻) each box when they are enclosed.
• Send originals of the immigration forms (item 1) and police certificates.
• Send photocopies of all other documents, unless instructed otherwise.
• If your documents are not in English or French, send a notarized (certified) translation
with a copy of the originals.
• Check that each form is complete and signed, where applicable. Once completed, send the
forms to your sponsor with all your supporting documentation.
If any of the documents listed below are missing, your application will be returned.

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/fc.asp#region

We applied through New Delhi and did not send notarized photocopies and were approved without issue.

[Karlshammar]

Unless a document is specifically requested to be notarized, plain old photocopies are fine. I applied through Buffalo and except for the police certificates which were sent in as originals, all my other documents were simple photocopies.

[nvr]

As per the link given in the CIC mail http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/guides/E37029.pdf for visa office documents

[ariell]

As per the link given in the CIC mail http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/guides/E37029.pdf for visa office documents

Those are the  country specific instructions for Skilled Workers. Family class applicants need to follow the instructions in IMM 3904E (available here: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/guides/3904E.PDF) which do not require notarized photocopies.

[nvr]

I have applied under killed worker category..My err not to mention it before and assume that notarisation formalities would be same.
Rgds

[ariell]

Well, and it's also a little confusing since you're posting in the Family Class Discussion Board. ;-)