Working Abroad

Registering at a Canadian Mission

If you plan to stay longer than three months in a country, it is recommended that you formally register at the nearest Canadian government office abroad. This will make it easier for you to be contacted in case of an emergency or crisis. Registration is voluntary, and the information you provide is not shared with any other Canadian government department. Registration is not usually available in the countries of western Europe, Japan, Australia, New Zealand or the United States.

In countries where Canada has no direct representation, there may be arrangements in place for you to register with another country's embassy or consulate. For instance, Canada has a formal reciprocal agreement with Australia.

If you are arrested, they can try to ensure equitable treatment under local laws. At your request, they can inform relatives and friends about your arrest and try to ensure that legal rights and processes are extended to you consistent with the standards of the host country. However, they cannot set aside local laws if you are charged with an offence, or intervene in the judicial process of a foreign country. They cannot post bail, pay for a lawyer or pay your fines.

If you wish, they can notify your next of kin regarding accidents or deaths and let them know whether, and how, they can help.