Getting Married Abroad? Proof of Single Status in Canada

Key Takeaways

• Canadians may need Single Status Documents to prove they are legally free to marry or relocate abroad.
• These documents are often required for marriage, immigration processes, legal matters, and  property sales overseas.
• Common documents include Statutory Declarations, Single Status Affidavits, Marriage Search Letters, and a Statements in Lieu of Certificate of Non-Impediment.
• You may also need divorce or death certificates to prove the end of a previous marriage.
• Certain documents must be authenticated by Global Affairs Canada and legalized by a foreign embassy or consulate for international use.

As a Canadian, you may need to prepare single status documents when life presents exciting opportunities, like marrying abroad or relocating internationally. Understanding which documents you need can reduce stress, save you time, and help avoid delays during these important milestones.

Whether you plan to celebrate love beyond borders or embark on a new overseas adventure, having the right paperwork makes everything smoother. In this guide, you’ll learn about various single status documents, when you’ll need each one, and how to complete them.

What is a Single Status Document in Canada?

A single status document officially confirms that, according to Canadian law, you’re not married or in a legally recognized relationship. It essentially shows that you aren’t in any legally recognized relationships that would prevent you from getting married.

Single status documentation is required when Canadians get married abroad, apply for residency in another country, or navigate certain immigration processes. ​These documents include Certificates of No Impediment, Single Status Affidavits, and more.

When Do You Need a Single Status Document?

You may be asked to present Canadian single status documents for a variety of reasons. The most common among them is that you’re getting married outside of Canada. See a list of situations that may require you to submit a single status document:

• Marriage Abroad: Popular countries for destination weddings, like Mexico, Dominican Republic, and Costa Rica, often require proof that you are legally free to marry. Here is a full list of countries that require proof of single status.
• Immigration Applications: When applying for residency or citizenship in another nation, foreign authorities may request evidence of your marital status.
• Legal Procedures: Some legal proceedings, like adoption or estate matters in foreign jurisdictions, might require proof of single status.
• Selling Assets: If you’re selling a significant asset, like property abroad, you may be asked to provide a single status document.

Types of Single Status Documents in Canada

In Canada, you can use four main documents to prove your single status. Take a look at them below:

Statement in Lieu of Certificate of Non-Impediment to Marriage Abroad

Canada doesn’t issue certificates of non-impediment to marriage; instead, Global Affairs Canada can provide a Statement in lieu of such a certificate. You can also obtain this statement from a Canadian embassy or consulate. This statement confirms that no legal objections exist to a proposed marriage or civil partnership.

You’ll need to provide a commissioned Statutory Declaration and sign it in front of a notary public or other authorized official. You can meet with a notary public near you to commission your declaration with NotaryPro. See our guide to learn more about the Statement in Lieu of Certificate of Non-Impediment to Marriage Abroad.

Marriage Search Letter

A provincial government agency writes a Marriage Search Letter after conducting an official search to confirm you’re not or have never been married. Certain countries might require this document alongside a declaration to be fully satisfied

Single Status Affidavit

A Single Status Affidavit is a sworn or affirmed statement confirming that you’re not married and are legally free to marry. You must have this document commissioned, which means that you sign the Affidavit in front of a notary public or other authorized official. You must swear or affirm that the statements you’ve made in your Affidavit are true, and sign it before the official. 

You can find a notary public near you to have your Single Status Affidavit commissioned at a location near you. We have a network of over 300 notary services locations across Canada. Start by drafting your document with NotaryPro’s free Single Status Affidavit template.

Divorce or Death Certificate

These documents confirm the end of a marriage, by way of divorce or if one spouse has passed away. They prove that you’re not in a legal marriage, ensuring compliance with foreign marriage laws.

Authenticating Single Status Documents for International Use

In some cases, single status documents must be authenticated by Global Affairs Canada and legalized by the destination country’s consulate or embassy before they are recognized internationally (international.gc.ca). It’s important to check specific requirements early, as obtaining and authenticating these documents can take several weeks.

NotaryPro can notarize your single status documents per the requirements of Authentication, Legalization and Apostille. We work with Provincial Competent Authorities, Embassies, and Consulates across Canada to process documents for international use..

Commission Single Status Documents

Whether you’re getting married abroad or relocating overseas, these exciting new milestones come with important paperwork. Having the right single status document ensures your next chapter is free of unexpected complications. Preparing the correct document ahead of time will save you time, stress, and uncertainty.

Find a notary public near you to have single status documents commissioned by our trusted network of notaries. See how easy notary public services can be with NotaryPro today!