For Chinese citizens in Canada, notarization of documents is often required to deal with domestic legal matters. The traditional way of notarization requires one to travel in person to the Chinese Embassy, Consulate General or Notary Public in Canada, which is time-consuming and laborious. Nowadays, with the advancement of technology, remote video notarization services have been developed to provide great convenience to Canadian immigrants.
What is remote video notarization?
Remote Video Notarization is an online notarization service that allows Chinese citizens abroad to have their identity verified, documents signed and notarized by a notary public in China through real-time audio and video communication technology. This service allows you to complete the required notarization procedures without having to travel long distances.
Who can perform remote video notarization?
  • Residents of mainland China with Chinese nationality.
  • Live in Canada permanently (with a valid school, work or permanent resident card).
  • The notary certificate needs to be used within China.
  • Notarized matters that cannot be handled by the Chinese Embassy or Consulates in Canada, such as declarations and commissions involving major property matters such as transfer of property rights, shareholdings and inheritance.
Circumstances in which remote video notarization is not appropriate:
Remote video notarization is usually not appropriate in the following situations:
  • A person who is incapable of civil behavior or limited civil behavior and does not have a guardian to represent him/her in the application.
  • The applicant has no interest in the matter for which notarization is sought.
  • There is a dispute between the applicants on the matter to be notarized.
  • Falsification or concealment of facts, or provision of false supporting materials.
  • Insufficient and unsupportable supporting documentation provided, or refusal to supplement the supporting documentation.
  • The application for notarization is untrue and unlawful.
  • The matter for which notarization is requested is contrary to public morality.
  • Refusal to pay the required notary fees.
Processing Flow:
  1. Contacting a Notary Public in China: First, you will need to contact the relevant notary public in China to find out the specific requirements and make an appointment.
  2. Preparation of materials: Prepare the relevant materials according to the requirements of the notary public, e.g. identity documents, supporting documents, etc.
  3. Embassy or Consulate Pre-screening (upon request): Some embassies and consulates may require pre-screening of your application.
  4. Proceed to the Visa Center: Proceed to the designated China Visa Center at the appointed time for identity verification and video notarization.
  5. Signing of documents: Communicate with the domestic notary via video in the presence of the visa center staff and sign the relevant documents.
  6. Payment of fees: Payment of notary fees and other fees that may be incurred in accordance with the fees charged by the notary public.
  7. Receive a notary public certificate: Once the notary public has completed its review, a notary public certificate will be issued and mailed to you.
Advantage:
  • Convenience and efficiency: No need to travel to China in person, saving time and money.
  • Safety and reliability: The legal effect of notarization is ensured through official channels.
  • Wide range of services: Covers a wide range of notarial matters.
Caveats:
  • Contact a domestic notary in advance to find out the exact requirements and process.
  • Ensure that the materials provided are true, legal and complete.
  • Comply with visa center regulations and immunization requirements.
If you need legal services related to Canadian immigration, including legal notarization, you are welcome to contact JZW Law. We provide professional legal advice and services to help you solve all kinds of legal problems.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you need legal help, please consult a professional lawyer.