Statement in lieu of certificate of non-impediment to marriage abroad

On this page

• What is a certificate or letter of non-impediment?
• Does Canada issue certificates of non-impediment?
• Getting a statement in lieu of a certificate of non-impediment

What is a certificate or letter of non-impediment?

A certificate (or letter) of non-impediment to marriage abroad is a certificate that confirms there are no objections to a proposed marriage or civil partnership.

Some countries may ask you to get this document to get married in their territory, but it is not always required. Confirm the requirements with the appropriate authorities of the country in which you plan to get married.

Does Canada issue certificates of non-impediment?

Canada does not issue certificates or letters of non-impediment to marriage.

If necessary, you can get a statement in lieu of a certificate of non-impediment to marriage abroad.

This is a letter that states that Canada does not issue certificates of non-impediment. It will not contain any additional details, such as an individual’s civil status or their ability to get married abroad.

The authorities at the country of destination may also decide to ask you for other types of documents instead.

These could include:

• A marriage search record from the Vital Statistics office in your province or territory of residence.
• A single status affidavit.

If you are asked for a certificate of non-impediment to marriage abroad, explain that Canada does not issue this certificate and ask about alternative documents you could submit.

Getting a statement in lieu of a certificate of non-impediment

Email elecdocs@international.gc.ca to get a statement in lieu. We will send you back an electronic document indicating that in Canada, only statements in lieu of certificates of non-impediment are issued, which you can present to the appropriate foreign authorities.

Some Canadian offices abroad can also prepare this statement for a fee.

If the authorities at the country of destination have told you that they will not accept the electronic version of the statement in lieu or a paper copy of the statement from a Canadian office abroad, please email us with proof of the receiving authority's requirements. We will consider the issuance of a paper statement on a case-by-case basis.