Australian Embassy in Canada

The Australian Embassy in Ottawa (officially known as the Australian High Commission) and its consulates in Toronto and Vancouver provide consular assistance to Australian citizens residing in, visiting, or conducting business in Canada. The Embassy also serves foreigners who want to live, work, study, or travel in Australia.

This guide provides all you need to know about the services offered by the Australian Embassy in Ottawa, including processing times, fees, procedures you will need to follow, and the documents to submit.

If you are planning to relocate to Australia, apply for a visa, study, or work there, it is helpful to know in advance what documentation you will need and the steps to follow.

The Australian Embassy in Canada

The Australian Embassy in Ottawa, along with the consulates in Toronto and Vancouver, offers consular services for Australians. These include passport applications, renewals, notarial services, and notarial acts on Australian documents.

The consulates provide regional services, helping Australians and Canadians who need local consular support.

For Canadians and other nationals, visa applications for work, study, family or tourism are handled entirely online through the Australian Department of Home Affairs.

The Australian Embassy also helps with police clearances, educational document checks and citizenship matters. It works closely with Canadian schools, government offices, and businesses to assist Australians living, working, or studying in Canada.

It also promotes Australian interests and strengthens ties between Australia and Canada in trade, security and culture.

Contact details

Opening Hours

Australian Embassy (High Commission), Ottawa:

Australian Consulate-General and Trade Commission, Toronto:

Australian Consulate and Trade Commission, Vancouver:

Visas, Immigration and Citizenship (Telephone service hours):

Payment methods

Payments for consular services must be made in CAD only.

All offices accept payment by credit card (Visa or MasterCard only) or by debit card, payable to “Australian Embassy.” Cash and cheques are not accepted.

List of Consular Services at the Australian Embassy in Canada

Australian passport applications and renewals (by appointment only).
Notarial services (certifications, witnessing of signatures, affidavits; by appointment only).
Guidance on how to obtain apostilles for Canadian documents.
Assistance for Australians in Canada during emergencies.
Support with police clearance certificates for Australian visas or employment purposes.

Australian Documents Apostille

As of January 11, 2024, Canada is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, joining Australia.

This means public documents (e.g., birth certificates, marriage certificates, police checks) to be issued in Australia must now carry a Canadian apostille, not an embassy legalization.

However, some documents require notarization before an apostille can be issued. In these cases, a Canadian notary public must first certify or notarise.

If you want to use your Australian documents in Canada, they must first be apostilled in Australia by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

Once apostilled, these documents are legally recognized in Canada without requiring further legalization from the Australian Embassy or the Canadian government.

Apostille Process for Canadian Documents Intended for Australia

All Documents
When is an apostille needed?	Canadian public documents to be used in Australia require a single-step apostille issued by Global Affairs Canada.
Description	Birth Certificate Adoption Certificate Certification of Will Certification of Maturity Inheritance Enumeration Certificate Marriage Contract Certificate of Divorce No-objection to Marriage Marital Approvals Educational Documents Business and Commercial Documents Legal Documents Immigration and Travel Documents
Who can apply?	Canadian citizens and foreign nationals (including Australian expats) residing in Canada who intend to use Canadian-issued documents in Australia.
Fee (in CAD $)	Apostille issuance from Global Affairs Canada itself is free. However, notarial charges may apply, ranging from CAD 80 to CAD 160 per document.
Processing Time	5 business days (this refers to notarial processing by the Embassy, if required, not the apostille itself). Global Affairs Canada apostilles may take 10–20 business days to process.
Criteria for Apostile	The document must: Be originally issued in Canada, authenticated by Global Affairs Canada with an apostille certificate, and does not contain content that violates Australian legal principles.
How to submit	Determine the appropriate apostille authority: Global Affairs Canada – Handles apostilles for documents issued by the federal government and for documents from provinces or territories without their apostille authority. Provincial Authorities – Handle documents originating from British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, or Ontario, respectively. Documents should be mailed to the respective authority. For Global Affairs Canada, address to: Global Affairs Canada Authentication Services Section (JLAC) 2421 Lancaster Road Ottawa, ON K1B 4L5 Canada. Clearly written name, address, and phone number should be included inside the package. Once processed, the documents will be returned using the prepaid envelope provided.
Submission Notes	Include a self-addressed, prepaid return envelope with your submission. Courier waybills with account numbers are not accepted; only prepaid shipping labels. If a Notary Public’s seal is on the document, it has to be visible on all pages, the impression, and/or the seal. The Embassy will not process improperly submitted documents. You will either have to pick up the unprocessed application in person or the documents will be mailed back to you in the prepaid return envelope. The Embassy does not keep an application file for improperly submitted documents.

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Notarial Services Provided by the Australian Embassy in Canada

The Australian Embassy (High Commission) in Canada offers notarial services by appointment, including witnessing signatures, certifying true copies, administering oaths or affirmations, and issuing certificates such as the Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage (CNI). The costs for these services vary based on the type of document and processing required.

As of 2025, the fees are as follows:

Service Type	Description	Fee (CAD)
Certifying a true copy	A copy of an original document is certified as accurate	$80
Witnessing signatures	A signature is witnessed on a document, such as a power of attorney	$80
Administering an oath or affirmation	Typically used in statutory declarations or affidavits	$80
Certifying an Australian public document with an Apostille or Authentication Certificate	Applies only to Australian-issued public documents for international use	$92
Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage (CNI)	Confirms that an Australian citizen is legally free to marry	$160

Immigration and Citizenship Services Provided by the Australian Embassy in Canada

Visa Applications for Australia

The Australian Embassy (High Commission) in Ottawa does not process visa applications. All visa applications, including those for tourism, work, study, or migration, must be submitted online through the Department of Home Affairs.

Common Visa Types for Canadian Passport Holders

Additional Costs to Consider:

Health Examinations: Required for most visa applicants.
Police Certificates: May be required to prove good character.
Translation of Documents: If your documents are not in English, they must be translated by a certified translator.
Biometrics Collection: Some applicants may be required to provide biometrics.

Visa Application Reminders for Canadian Citizens

Submit your application early to account for potential delays.
Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned travel.
You may be required to provide biometrics, undergo health checks, or submit police certificates, depending on the visa subclass (explained above).
Be cautious of third-party websites charging exorbitant fees for visa services. The official Australian ETA app charges a service fee of AUD 20 only.

Visa Type	Purpose	Application Method	Fee (AUD)	Processing Time	Key Notes
Electronic Travel Authority (ETA)(Subclass 601)	Short-term tourism or business visits	Through the official ETA app (App Store/Google Play)	20 (service charge via app)	Minutes to 72 hours	Must apply from outside Australia. Only available to specific nationalities, including Canadians.
Visitor Visa(Subclass 600)	Extended stays, family visits, or if not eligible for ETA	Online via the Department of Home Affairs portal	190	Typically 2–4 weeks	Multiple entries may be allowed. Suited for tourism or short-term business.
Student Visa(Subclass 500)	Full-time study in Australia	Online application after receiving the CoE	– Principal Applicant: 1,600 – Additional (18+): 1,190 – Additional (<18): 390	Usually 4–8 weeks	Requires CoE, OSHC (health insurance), and proof of funds.
Skilled Migration Visas(Subclass 189, 190, 491)	Work and residency for skilled professionals	Varies by subclass; application via the Home Affairs portal	4,115	Varies – from a few weeks to several months	Covers employer-sponsored and independent skilled pathways. Fee is the same for each subclass.

Dual Citizenship

Australia recognizes dual citizenship. If you hold both Australian and Canadian citizenships:

Use your Australian passport to enter and exit Australia.
Use your Canadian passport to enter and exit Canada.
Ensure both passports are valid for the duration of your travels.

Travel and Passport Services Provided by the Australian Embassy in Canada

Australian Passport Services in Canada

The Australian Embassy (High Commission) in Ottawa, along with the Consulates-General in Toronto and Vancouver, offers passport services to Australian citizens in Canada. Services include:

Issuance of New Passports
Passport Renewals
Replacement of Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Passports
Emergency Travel Documents

Application Process

Determine the Appropriate Application Form: Form PC7 is for adult renewals meeting specific criteria, while Form PC8 is for first-time applicants, children, or those not eligible for PC7.
Complete the Application: Fill out the application online at the Australian Passport Office website, print the form on letter-sized paper, ensuring no sections are cut off, then sign and date the form using the Australian date format (DD/MM/YYYY).
Prepare Supporting Documents: Two recent passport-sized photos meeting Australian specifications, proof of Australian citizenship (e.g., previous passport, citizenship certificate), and any additional documents as required (e.g., birth certificate, name change documents).
Lodgment Options: By Mail – Eligible PC7 applicants can submit applications via mail, or In Person – PC8 applicants must lodge applications in person. Schedule an appointment at your nearest mission.

Fees (Effective 1 May 2025)

Adult Passport (10-year validity): $538 CAD
Child Passport (16–17 years, 10-year validity): $453 CAD
Child Passport (Under 16, 5-year validity): $269 CAD
Senior Passport (75+, 5-year validity): $354 CAD

(Fees are payable in Canadian dollars only)

Processing Times

Standard Processing: Allow a minimum of 6 weeks, excluding mailing time.
Urgent Applications: If you have urgent travel needs, contact your nearest passport office before applying.

Other Consular Services Provided by the Australian Embassy in Canada

Certificates of No Impediment to Marriage (CNI)

A CNI confirms that there is no legal barrier to marriage under Australian law.

It is required by some foreign authorities before a marriage involving an Australian citizen can proceed overseas. The application must be lodged in person, accompanied by a valid passport and supporting documents. This service costs CAD 160.

Note on Civil Status Certificates

The Australian Embassy (High Commission) does not issue birth, death, or marriage certificates.

These must be obtained directly from the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages in the Australian state or territory where the event occurred.

Similarly, certificates confirming single status or “no record of marriage” must be requested from that same authority.

Emergency Assistance for Australians in Canada

The Australian Embassy (High Commission) in Ottawa provides emergency support to Australian citizens during crises such as accidents, hospitalizations, arrests, or cases of lost or stolen passports.

Services are available 24/7 by contacting the Consular Emergency Centre in Canberra or the High Commission directly.

This support is provided free of charge, but the citizen is responsible for covering third-party costs (e.g., medical evacuation, legal fees).

Police Clearance Support

Australians or applicants for Australian visas who require a National Police Clearance can access guidance through the Australian Embassy.

While the police check itself is issued by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) in Canberra, the High Commission may assist with fingerprinting services or document certification if required for the application.

Fees for fingerprinting or notarial services may apply (typically CAD 75–160). The clearance certificate must be applied for online through the AFP website.

Legal and Arrest Assistance

If an Australian citizen is arrested, detained, or faces legal proceedings in Canada, the Australian Embassy (High Commission) can provide limited consular assistance.

This includes notifying family members, providing a list of local lawyers, attending court hearings upon request, and ensuring the individual is treated in accordance with both local and international laws and regulations.

However, the Australian Embassy cannot offer legal advice, pay for legal representation, or intervene in judicial matters.

This service is provided free of charge, but the individual must cover external costs (legal fees, interpreter services, etc.).

Voluntary Consular Registration

While not mandatory, Australians residing or travelling in Canada are strongly encouraged to register their details with the Australian Government’s online registration portal (SmartTraveller.gov.au).

Registration ensures that the Australian Embassy (High Commission) can quickly contact individuals during emergencies, such as natural disasters, civil unrest, or personal crises. It also facilitates the provision of essential consular services, including passport renewal, emergency evacuation coordination, and communications with next of kin.

This service is free and can be updated or cancelled at any time.

Australian Documents for Use in Canada
Australian-issued documents that need to be officially used in Canada must generally be authenticated in Australia through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

The Australian Embassy (High Commission) in Canada does not provide apostilles for Australian documents but may offer limited notarial services such as certifying copies or witnessing signatures.

Australian Embassy Q&A

Do I still need to legalize my Canadian documents at the Australian Embassy?

No. As of January 11, 2024, Canada is a full member of the Hague Apostille Convention, which means Canadian public documents only require an apostille from Global Affairs Canada to be valid in Australia. The Australian Embassy no longer provides legalization for these documents.

What is an apostille, and who issues it in Canada?

An apostille is a simplified form of document authentication used between countries that are members of the Hague Convention. In Canada, Global Affairs Canada is responsible for issuing apostilles.

Can the Australian Embassy authenticate my Australian documents with an apostille?

No. Only the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) can issue apostilles on Australian documents.

If you need to use an Australian document in Canada, you must have it authenticated by an Australian authority before presenting it in Canada.

How much does it cost to get a document apostilled in Canada?

Apostille issuance from Global Affairs Canada itself is free.

Provincial apostille is done at a cost, CAD 10–65, depending on the province

However, notarial charges may apply, ranging from CAD 80 to CAD 160 per document.

When does my document need to be notarized before getting an apostille?

You’ll need notarization when:

The document is not government-issued (e.g., letters, contracts, or educational credentials from private institutions).
You are submitting a photocopy instead of an original.
The document is a statutory declaration, affidavit, or other personal or business statement that must be legally verified.

A Canadian notary public must notarize the document first, after which it can get apostilled.

How can I work in Canada from Australia?

To work in Canada, Australians may need to provide legalized documents for visa applications. Australian documents used in Canada must first be authenticated by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) through the apostille process. If applying for a Canadian visa or work permit, some documents may also need to be authenticated by Global Affairs Canada.

Do I apply for a visa via the Australian Embassy?

No, Visa, immigration, and citizenship services are handled exclusively through the Australian Department of Home Affairs via the Global Service Centre.

Neither the Embassy in Ottawa nor the Consulates in Toronto and Vancouver process or advise on visa, immigration, or citizenship matters.

Can DAC help with preparing my Canadian documents for use in Australia?

Absolutely. DAC can assist with the full process, from reviewing and notarizing your documents to submitting them for apostille in Ottawa. We also offer certified translations and nationwide courier return to ensure your documents are accepted in Australia without delay.

How long does it take to get a document apostilled for Australia?

Typical turnaround times are:

Notarization: 2–5 business days
Apostille by Global Affairs Canada: 10–20 business days

Cumulatively, 15-25 business days. Expedited handling may be available depending on your location and document type. DAC can assist with timelines and tracking.

Conclusion

You should now have a better understanding of the apostille and authentication process at the Embassy of Australia in Ottawa and its Consulates, as well as the other consular services offered by them.

At Document Authentication Canada, we help simplify the Australian authentication process by guiding you through each step and handling the paperwork, so you avoid unnecessary delays and stress.

Get in touch with our expert team at 613-229-6674 to request a quote and a free document evaluation!

About The Author

Muna Hasen, Director of Customer Experience

Muna Hasen brings a strong background in legal support and community engagement. Born and raised in Ottawa, she has gained valuable experience both across Canada and internationally. Muna is committed to client-centered service, ensuring every interaction is guided by clarity, professionalism, and trust.

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