Since Canada has two official languages, that is, English and French, upon application for either permanent residency or immigration into the Maple country, there is a guaranteed chance that you’ll have to provide certified translations of all your documentation into either of these languages during your process.

For those wishing to immigrate to the nation, they need to provide supporting documents along with their application, examples of which include their criminal records, educational background proof, and credentials, certificate of marriage, birth certificate, etc.

The same rules are common for those applying for permanent residency via the Canadian Express Entry pathway as well as other immigration streams like those through work permits or via family sponsorships.

In case the documents you share are in an alternate language, that isn’t French or English, you will have to support these with certified translations in either of the nationally accepted languages. This translated documentation should be complete along with the necessary seals and signatures similar to the original copies. Another important factor is the name and signature of the translator in talks.

Requirements for Certified Translations

There is a high chance of rejection of candidates’ applications provided they aren’t satisfying the requirements for Certified Translations when they’re presented in alternate languages compared to English and/or French, as stated by the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada).

For those sharing documents in foreign languages, they must abide by the following rules and guidelines:

• attach a fully complete certified translation of the original application or one of the copies of the original document.

• the actual original document that isn’t in English or French or a certified copy of the same. The translator’s sign and stamps are essential on either of these two.

In the scenario that a candidate isn’t able to procure a translation by a certified translator, then he/she can attach an affidavit along with the original document. The cost associated with the translations will have to be borne by the applicant in discussion.

In the case that your documents are prepared in either of the national languages, then further translation is not a requirement, even if they don’t present in the language that was utilized for application completion. An example would be a candidate presenting completed documents in French, however, final submission happens in English.

Requirements of a Certified Translator

Such an individual should belong to good standing and be a crucial part of an organization catering to professional interpreters and translators in Canada as well as in foreign places. The certification is further notified with the help of a personalized stamp or seal of the translator. This shall possess the membership code, digit, or number associated with his/her affiliation with the reputed organization.

In case one needs to procure translations within the Maple country, the guidelines specify approaching a translator that has the sole authority of doing translations and also presents with an exceptional standing affiliated with a territorial or provincial agency, examples of which have been shared below:

• Association of Translators and Interpreters of Ontario (ATIO)
• Ordre des traducteurs, terminologues et interprètes agréés du Québec (OTTIAQ)
• Society of Translators and Interpreters of British Columbia (STIBC)

In case applicants wish to progress with availing services of those functioning outside the country, they need to first ensure that these translators are officially recognized and possess the complete authority to work within the nation where the translation shall happen.

Translations done by the following entities are strictly prohibited:

• yourself
• your family members/close friends
• your consultant/immigration representative
• your family member who functions as a notary, translator, or lawyer.

For those failing to submit Certified Translations

In case someone isn’t able to meet the requirements and submit the certified translations, they shall lose out on a majority with respect to time and money.

When the IRCC receives such incomplete documentation that was previously supposed to present with certified translations, someone from the authority will notify you regarding the same. In that situation, application resubmission is a must, along with the original documentation attached to the certified translations.