Navigating Certified Translations for Canadian Immigration

If you're planning to immigrate to Canada, you may be required to submit official translations of your personal documents. Here I'll walk you through what certified translation means, which documents typically need translation, and how to ensure your translations meet Canadian standards.

What Is a Certified Translation?

A certified translation is a translated document accompanied by a signed statement from a certified translator, attesting that the translation is accurate and complete. In Canada, certified translators are members in good standing of a recognized provincial association, such as the Association of Translators and Interpreters of Ontario (ATIO).

Documents Commonly Required

Immigration applications often require certified translations of the following:

• Birth and marriage certificates

• Passports and identity documents

• Diplomas, transcripts, and other educational documents

• Police clearance certificates

• Employment letters and bank statements

• Medical and legal documents

Understanding IRCC Requirements

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requires that all documents not in English or French be accompanied by a certified translation. If you're using a certified translator, you typically don’t need notarization.

Steps to Get Your Documents Translated

1. Prepare all the necessary documents and make good-quality copies. It is preferable to scan the documents, but you can also take high-resolution photos.

2. Contact a certified translator and send the copies of the documents by email.

3. Discuss the deadlines, cost, payment method, and delivery format (electronic only or both electronic and paper versions).

4. Carefully check the translated documents. Usually, I send the translated documents to clients for review so they can confirm the correct spelling of names and provide any comments or requests. Then I place my stamp on each page of the translation and on the translator’s declaration.

5. Receive your translated documents by email or mail (or both). The process is pretty straightforward and doesn't take too long.

Tips for a Smooth Process

• Start preparing in advance to avoid delays. Translating a one-page document takes 1–2 days, while a large set of documents may take up to a week or longer.

• When submitting documents for translation, provide the correct spelling of first and last names in English as they appear in your official documents. This will save time for both you and the translator.

Why Choose a Certified Translator?

Certified translators have passed rigorous exams and adhere to high professional standards. Moreover, Canadian authorities, including IRCC, require that translations completed in Canada be carried out by certified translators in good standing. See more on the IRCC website.

If you have any questions or need help translating your documents, feel free to reach out. I am a Certified Translator EN-RU / RU-EN (ATIO) with extensive experience in providing accurate and reliable translations. I am here to help you!