If you desire to have your wedding oversea or abroad, generally, it may be necessary to get a certificate stating there is no legal obstacle(s) to your prospective marriage abroad – this certificate is known as a certificate of non-impediment to marriage abroad. It is worthy of note that, a certificate of non-impediment is not issued by the Canadian government, however, Global Affairs Canada can prepare a statement in lieu of a certificate of non-impediment to marriage abroad. This serves the same purpose as obtaining a certificate of non-impediment to marriage abroad.
4 Steps For A Statement In Lieu of a Certificate of Non-Impediment to Marriage AbroadÂ
In order to obtain your Statement in Lieu of Certificate of Non-Impediment to Marriage Abroad, you must do the following 4 steps:
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Step 1: Fill out the  Authentication Request Form
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Step 2: Provide a notarized statutory declarationÂ
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Step 3: Submit extra documents
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Step 4: Send your documents to Global AffairsÂ
What Is a Statement In Lieu of a Certificate of Non-Impediment to Marriage Abroad?
This is a notarized or certified document that attests that there is no impediment to the intended union or marriage abroad and is used instead of a certificate of non-impediment to marriage abroad. Kindly note that some countries demand that this document be produced in Canada. Therefore, a document issued by a Canadian embassy, high commission, or consulate overseas may not be accepted. There are several steps to be taken to get a statement in lieu of a certificate of non-impediment to marriage abroad, these steps will be elucidated in the form of a questionnaire ad seriatim.
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To download a copy of statement in lieu of non-impediment to marriage abroad, please click here.Â
Why Do You Need to Fill Out an Authentication Request Form?
You need to complete an authentication request form before you can use a Canadian public document abroad. Official documents such as a statement in lieu require authentication to speak to its legitimacy or otherwise. Authentication proves that the signature and the seal on the document is genuine. Hence, you will be required to fill out the appropriate section on the authentication request form. To be authenticated, your document must be an original document bearing a recognized signature (and seal, if applicable).
Do You Need a Statutory Declaration For a Statement In Lieu of a Certificate of Non-Impediment to Marriage Abroad?
Yes, you will also be required to provide a notarized statutory declaration stating your:
- Full name;
- Present marital status; and
- Permanent address in Canada (P.O boxes are not accepted)
What Other Documents Do You Need For the Statement In Lieu of a Certificate of Non-Impediment to Marriage Abroad?
You may be required to submit additional notarized documents, depending on your circumstance:
- If you are born in Canada: you must submit a certified true copy of your birth certificate or passport.
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- If you are a widow: you must submit a certified copy of the death certificate of your deceased spouse.
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- If you are divorced: you must submit a certified copy of the divorce certificate.
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- If you are born abroad: you must submit a certified copy of your Canadian citizenship certificate, permanent resident card, or passport.
What Do You Need to Do Once You Have Completed These Processes?
Once you have completed all these steps, you can mail your documents to Global Affairs. All-Canada Notary Services can help you transit your documents to Global Affairs and also guide you along the way.
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For more information regarding statements in lieu of non-impediment to marriage abroad, please click here
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How Can All-Canada Notary Help You?
All-Canada Notary is a network of notaries public who can help you notarize your statement in lieu of a certificate of non-impediment to marriage abroad, draft and certify your statutory declaration, get your certified true copies, and help you submit your documents to Global Affairs. We also operate physical and virtual notary services. You can book your appointment online and certify these documents with All-Canada Notary Services.
