When dealing with immigration, legal, or academic processes, you may be asked to provide a certified translation of your documents. But what exactly does that mean?
What Is a Certified Translation?
A certified translation is a professional translation of an official document, accompanied by a signed statement from a Certified Translator, attesting that the translation is accurate and complete. In Canada, certified translations are provided by professionals recognized by provincial translator associations such as ATIO, STIBC, and others.
These translations are often required for documents not originally in English or French, such as:
- Birth and marriage certificates
- Diplomas and academic transcripts
- Driver’s licenses
- Legal contracts
- Immigration documents
Who Can Provide a Certified Translation in Canada?
In Canada, a Certified Translator is someone who has been evaluated and officially recognized by a provincial association of translators and interpreters (e.g., ATIO in Ontario). Only translators with this designation can provide certified translations accepted by:
- IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada)
- WES (World Education Services)
- Provincial licensing bodies
- Canadian courts
When Do You Need One?
You’ll likely need a certified translation if you are:
- Applying for immigration or citizenship
- Submitting foreign academic credentials for evaluation
- Presenting legal or civil documents issued abroad
- Applying for a driver’s license or professional certification
Are Scans or Photos Accepted?
Yes! In most cases, a high-quality scan or photo of your original document is enough. You don’t need to send the physical original by mail.
How to Get Started
At TranslationsR, I, Rebecca Guimarães, am a Certified Translator recognized across Canada. I offer certified translations from Portuguese to English and English to Portuguese, accepted by IRCC, WES, and other institutions.
Get in touch today to request your quote:
rebecca@translationsr.com
www.translationsr.com