Do You Know All Details of Canadian Same Person Affidavit Notarization Authentication? A Comprehensive Guide!

Do You Know All the Details About the Same Person Declaration in Canada? A Comprehensive Guide

In today's increasingly globalized world, more and more people travel between countries for work, study, or immigration. To ensure the authenticity and consistency of personal identity information, many countries require a Statement of Identity also known as a Same Person Declaration, along with notarization and authentication. In Canada, this document is widely used in visa applications, academic credential verification, banking matters, immigration applications, and more.

What Is a Same Person Declaration?

A Same Person Declaration is an official document in which applicants explain discrepancies such as former names, differences between passport names and other documents, and formally declare that these variations refer to the same person. For example, if someone has used different names over time - due to marriage, spelling errors, or legal name changes - but needs to confirm that all documents belong to the same individual, a Same Person Declaration becomes necessary.

This declaration is typically a written statement signed by the individual and notarized by a qualified authority to ensure its legal validity. In Canada, it is usually notarized by a lawyer or Notary Public, followed by federal authentication through Global Affairs Canada, and sometimes further authenticated by the embassy or consulate of the destination country.

Common Use Cases

The Same Person Declaration has broad applicability, including

Visa Applications When applying for a visa, if the name on the current passport differs from that on previous passports, academic certificates, or other important documents, a certified Same Person Declaration may be required.

Banking and Real Estate In Canada, when opening bank accounts or handling property transactions, individuals with a history of name changes may be asked to provide this document.

Immigration Matters Particularly for immigrants coming from China or other countries, discrepancies between Chinese and English names often necessitate this declaration to smoothly complete various administrative procedures.

How to Prepare a Same Person Declaration in Canada

1. Gather Supporting Documents

Collect all relevant identification documents, including

Current and expired passports

National ID card

Marriage certificate

Court-issued name change documents

Birth certificate

These documents help prove your identity across different names.

2. Draft the Declaration

Write a clear and concise statement explaining the name differences or former names, and affirm that they all refer to you. The language can be either English or French, depending on the context. It’s highly recommended to seek professional assistance to ensure proper format and compliance with legal standards.

3. Get the Document Notarized

Visit a licensed notary public or lawyer to sign the declaration in their presence. They will verify your identity and affix their official seal and signature.

4. Federal Authentication at Global Affairs Canada

After notarization, send the document to Global Affairs Canada for federal-level authentication. This step is typically done by mail and may take several weeks.

5. Consular Authentication if required

If the document is intended for use abroad, it may also need consular authentication from the embassy or consulate of the target country in Canada. Requirements vary by country, so check ahead of time.

Important Notes

Accuracy Is Critical False statements can lead to serious legal consequences.

Translation Issues Some documents may require certified translations.

Varying Requirements Different institutions may have slightly different requirements. Always confirm with the receiving party beforehand.

Supporting Evidence Include relevant supporting documents like marriage certificates or court orders for major name changes.

Keep Records Retain all receipts and confirmation letters to track progress and handle unexpected issues.

Recent Developments as of August 2025

According to an announcement by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada IRCC in August 2025, as international credential evaluation processes become more standardized, more applicants are being asked to submit additional proof of identity consistency - including Same Person Declarations.

Chinese students returning home for employment or further education have also faced obstacles in verifying academic credentials due to name mismatches, prompting them to retroactively obtain notarized declarations.

Earlier this year, Toronto’s The Star reported a significant increase in demand for notary services within the Chinese-Canadian community, driven by cross-border marriages, rising immigration rates, and growing awareness of documentation requirements. Many law firms now offer tailored services to streamline the process.

Conclusion

Whether you're preparing for immigration, employment, or daily legal affairs, understanding how to prepare a Same Person Declaration in Canada is essential. Through this guide, you should now have a thorough understanding of its importance, use cases, and the steps involved.

If you find yourself needing one, start gathering your documents early to avoid delays in critical processes.