In Ontario, a commissioner has the legal authority to administer oaths and declarations for affidavits and statutory declarations. This service is often required when completing Citizenship and Immigration documents that must be sworn, affirmed, or declared in front of an authorized official. In many cases, a city clerk or an authorized representative can act as a commissioner for taking affidavits under the Commissioners for Taking Affidavits Act, 1990.

A commissioner for taking affidavits, also called a commissioner of oaths, is not the same as a notary public. A commissioner is specifically authorized to witness sworn statements, administer oaths, and receive affidavits or statutory declarations. For that reason, commissioning is an important step in many immigration and citizenship-related forms. It helps confirm that the person signing the document is doing so truthfully and in the presence of an authorized official.

To complete the commissioning process, the signer must appear in person before the commissioner and sign the document in front of them. The individual must also present valid government-issued identification with a recent photo and signature, such as a driver’s licence, passport, or another acceptable form of ID. This identification is used to verify the signer’s identity before the document is commissioned. If the document is not signed properly or the required identification is not provided, the form may be rejected or delayed.

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Our commissioning services are available only for Citizenship and Immigration documents. We do not commission general personal, commercial, or unrelated legal documents. This focused service is intended to help clients complete the forms most commonly required in immigration applications, citizenship files, and related status matters. If your document relates to immigration or citizenship, we can help ensure it is signed and commissioned correctly.

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We commission the following Citizenship and Immigration documents:

• Statutory Declaration for Visitor Visa Application.

• Statutory Declaration of Common-law Union.

• Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor Form.

• Statutory Declaration for loss of Passport or Permanent Residence Card.

• Statutory Declaration for single status and proof of residency.

• Affidavit for Amendment to birth, death, or marriage certificate.

• Canadian Citizenship Forms.

• Statutory Declaration for legal name change.

• Statutory Declaration for Statement of common-law status, supporting children, and/or marital status.

• Statutory Declaration by a person for change of sex designation.

• Statutory Declaration for proof of residency.

• Statutory Declaration for delayed statement of birth.

• Affidavit for lost Citizenship and Immigration documents.​

 

These documents are often requested by government offices, immigration authorities, or other agencies that need a sworn statement before they can process an application. Each form serves a different purpose, but they all share one important requirement: they must be completed accurately and signed before an authorized commissioner. Because these documents can affect a person’s immigration status, identity records, or citizenship application, it is important to complete them carefully.

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Some of these forms may also require extra supporting information. For example, a Statutory Declaration for the loss of a Passport or Permanent Residence Card should include a police report number. This helps confirm that the loss was properly reported and supports the replacement process. Other forms, such as those relating to single status, proof of residency, or legal name change, may require additional supporting details depending on the situation. Preparing everything in advance helps avoid delays and ensures the appointment goes smoothly.

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It is also important to understand that the commissioner does not fill out the form for you. The document should already be completed before the appointment, except for the signature section. The signer must review the form carefully, make sure all required information is correct, and then sign it in the commissioner’s presence. This protects the integrity of the document and ensures it is legally valid.

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Commissioning plays a key role in immigration and citizenship procedures because it confirms that the person making the declaration understands the contents of the document and is signing it voluntarily. This legal step adds credibility to the form and helps government authorities rely on the information provided. Without proper commissioning, many documents cannot be accepted or processed.

 

​Fees: Commissioning services start at $35 for the first document and $15 for each additional document completed during the same appointment. This makes it convenient for clients who need more than one immigration-related form commissioned at the same time. If you need help with a Citizenship or Immigration affidavit or statutory declaration in Ontario, our commissioning services are here to support you. We make the process simple, clear, and professional so you can complete your documents with confidence.