What you need to know about certified translations for immigration in Canada

You may be required to give certified translations of your official papers into English or French, Canada's two official languages when applying for immigration in Canada or permanent residency.

Submitting papers to support your application — such as your birth certificate, marriage certificate, criminal record, or degrees – is a vital stage in the process of immigrating to Canada.

This is true for applications for permanent residence through Express Entry, work permits, family sponsorships, and many other immigration paths.

If your documents are not in English or French, they must be supported by an official English or French translation of the original document. To be deemed comprehensive, the translation must contain seals and signatures and any other components found on the original document. The translator's name and a signature will also be required on the translation.

What are the criteria for non-English or non-French supporting documents?

If your supporting papers are not in one of Canada's official languages, you must submit translations that match Immigration in Canada, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada's criteria; otherwise, your application may be refused.

When submitting papers in a language other than English or French, you must provide the following information:

• a certified copy of the original document or a complete certified translation of the original document.
• The foreign language original document or a certified copy of the original document. The translator must stamp the certified copy and the translation when submitting a certified copy of the original document.
• If a certified translator cannot offer a translation, the original document must accompany an affidavit.
• The cost of translations will be your responsibility.

On the other hand, your papers do not need to be translated if they are already in English or French, even if they are not in the language in which the application was submitted. For example, if you submit your application in French, you can submit your supporting documents in English.

What is the definition of a certified translator?

A certified translator is a member in good standing of a professional translators and interpreters' organization in Canada or overseas. A seal or stamp displaying a translator's membership number in the professional organization they are connected to can be used to verify their accreditation.

You must utilize the services of a translator who is permitted to translate documents and is in good standing with their provincial or territorial agency for translation in Canada. Some instances are as follows:

• Ontario Translators and Interpreters Association
• British Columbia's Society of Translators and Interpreters

Hire a translator outside of Canada. However, you must ensure that the individual you hire is formally recognized or permitted to act as a certified translator in the nation where the translation is being done.

You must not use the following translators to complete your translations:

You cannot translate your documents, a member of your family, your immigration in Canada representative or consultant, or a member of your family who is a lawyer, notary, or translator.

What happens if I don't submit my documents of the translations?

You will lose time and money if you submit documents without a translation.

You will be required to submit a translation when IRCC receives an application that includes papers that should be accompanied by a translation but are not. You'll also need to resubmit your application with the original documents and verified translations.