Embassy Closure Notice
Your Path Forward
Option 1: Apply in Paraguay (Recommended)
Fly to Asunción, enter visa-free (90 days), and apply directly at Migraciones with your authenticated documents.
- ✓ Most straightforward approach
- ✓ No detours to other countries
- ✓ We handle local logistics
Option 2: Third-Country Consulate
Apply through Paraguay's consulate in Washington D.C., New York, or Buenos Aires before traveling to Paraguay.
- • Requires visiting the US or Argentina
- • Additional travel expenses
- • May suit those already traveling south
Document Requirements for Canadians
1. Canadian Passport
- • Valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay
- • Photocopy of data page (to be certified)
- • Passport itself doesn't need authentication
2. Provincial Birth Certificate
- • Long-form birth certificate from your province of birth
- • Must be certified by provincial authority first
- • Then authenticated by Global Affairs Canada
3. RCMP Criminal Record Check
- • Apply through RCMP Canadian Criminal Real Time Identification Services (CCRTIS)
- • Requires certified fingerprints from accredited company
- • Processing: 3-10 business days (electronic)
- • Cost: ~CAD$25 plus fingerprinting fees (~CAD$50-100)
- • Must be authenticated by Global Affairs Canada
- • Valid for 6 months
4. Global Affairs Canada Authentication
- • Cost: CAD$55 per document
- • Apply online at international.gc.ca
- • Documents must be certified provincially first
- • Processing: 20 business days (standard)
Timing Tip
RCMP vs Provincial Police Checks
Important: Only RCMP Checks Are Accepted
Paraguay requires a national-level police clearance. Provincial police checks (OPP, SQ, etc.) are not accepted, even if authenticated.
Not Accepted:
- • Ontario Provincial Police check
- • Sûreté du Québec check
- • Local police clearance letters
Required:
- • RCMP Criminal Record Check
- • Through CCRTIS system
- • Then authenticated by GAC
Global Affairs Canada Process
Provincial Certification First
Your birth certificate must first be certified by your provincial authority. RCMP documents are federal, so skip this step for them. Quebec documents go through the Ministry of Justice.
Submit to Global Affairs Canada
Apply online at international.gc.ca. Upload scans of certified documents. Pay CAD$55 per document. Standard processing: 20 business days.
Receive Authenticated Documents
GAC returns documents with authentication certificate attached. This serves the same purpose as an apostille (Canada isn't in the Hague Convention, so it uses authentication instead).
Canada Isn't in the Hague Convention
FAQ
Is there a Paraguay embassy in Canada?
No. Paraguay closed its embassy in Ottawa in 2024. Canadian citizens now apply for residency either through Paraguay consulates in third countries (like the US or Argentina) or directly at Migraciones in Asunción, Paraguay.
How do I get an RCMP background check for Paraguay?
Submit fingerprints to an accredited fingerprinting company, then apply to the RCMP Canadian Criminal Real Time Identification Services (CCRTIS). Processing takes 3-10 business days. The certificate must then be authenticated by Global Affairs Canada.
How do I apostille Canadian documents for Paraguay?
Canada uses "authentication" rather than apostille. Apply through Global Affairs Canada. Documents must first be certified by the issuing province, then authenticated federally. Cost is CAD$55 for authentication plus provincial fees.
What provincial documents do I need?
You need a birth certificate from your province of birth (Vital Statistics), which must be certified before federal authentication. Quebec birth certificates go through the Ministry of Justice; other provinces through their Vital Statistics offices.
Can I apply for Paraguay residency directly in Asunción?
Yes. This is the most practical option for Canadians. Enter Paraguay visa-free (90 days), then apply at Migraciones with your authenticated documents. Total processing takes 60-90 days.
Why doesn't Canada use apostilles?
Canada is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention. Instead, Canada uses a two-step process: provincial certification followed by Global Affairs Canada authentication. Paraguay accepts Canadian authentication as equivalent to apostilles for immigration purposes.
What is the total cost for Canadian document preparation?
Approximate costs: RCMP check CAD$25 + fingerprinting CAD$50-100 + Provincial birth certificate CAD$50-75 + Two GAC authentications CAD$110 (2 × $55) = Total approximately CAD$235-310 for documents. This is separate from our service fees ($2,290-$4,495).