What is an affidavit of translation?
An affidavit of translation is a sworn written statement by a translator or third party confirming that a translation is accurate and complete. The keyword here is “sworn” because the translator must swear the statement before an authorised official, such as a notary public or commissioner of oaths, who will then countersign and stamp the document.
Think of it as a legal declaration by the person signing it under oath that the translated document is an accurate representation of the original.
Generally, an affidavit of translation includes the translator’s full name, language pair involved (for example, translated from French to English), a statement of accuracy, and the translator’s signature. All these elements make the affidavit complete and valid for official use.
Certified translation vs Affidavit of translation vs Notarised translation
A certified translation is the most basic form of translation. The translator signs a statement confirming the translation is accurate and complete. An affidavit of translation goes further by requiring the translator to swear under oath before an authorised official, such as a notary public or commissioner of oaths, that the translation is accurate.
A notarised translation, on the other hand, is when a notary public verifies the identity of the translator signing the statement, not the accuracy of the translation.
An affidavit and notarisation are often done together, which is why the terms are used interchangeably, even though they refer to slightly different steps in the process. When in doubt, simply ask the organisation directly. That simple act will tell you exactly which document you need.
Still confused? Read this guide for all you need to know about certified translations.
When is an affidavit of translation required in Canada?
Oftentimes, a certified translation is more than enough for most applications in Canada. However,
Immigration & IRCC applications
According to official IRCC translation requirements, you only need a certified translation of your documents for most immigration and IRCC applications. But for most high-stakes documents, such as criminal records and court judgements, you may need to submit a sworn translation. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), such as the OINP, may have stricter requirements, such as requiring only ATIO-certified translators, among others. It’s advisable to go through the IRCC translation requirements before submitting your application.
Legal proceedings
Canadian courts almost always require an affidavit of translations when documents submitted as evidence are in a foreign language. A certified translation alone is not sufficient. This applies to documents such as contracts, wills, estate and property records, and more, signed in another country.
Professional licensing bodies
Some professional licensing organisations in Canada may require affidavits for foreign credentials and academic documents. But most of the time, a certified translation is enough.
Other government authorities
Beyond IRCC and the courts, other government authorities may require affidavits of translation for different reasons. These organisations include: Service Canada, Financial Institutions, Provincial Vital Statistics Offices, and more. There’s no universal standard across these organisations, so it’s always best to check in with the specific authority you’re submitting documents to before you proceed.
What documents require an affidavit of translation?
Not every document needs an affidavit of translation. Whether you need an affidavit of translation depends on how your document will be used and who’s asking for it.
Here’s a quick glance to help you know which documents may require an affidavit or not.
Affidavit or Sworn Translation Typically Required | Certified Translation Usually Sufficient |
Court judgements and legal orders | Birth, marriage, and death certificates (for IRCC Express Entry) |
Divorce decrees and custody orders | Passports and national ID documents |
Criminal records and foreign police certificates | Employment letters and pay stubs |
Legal contracts (property sales, business agreements) | Educational diplomas (unless required by a licensing body) |
Wills and probate documents | Bank statements and financial records for standard applications |
Academic transcripts for regulated professional bodies (e.g. PEO, CPA) | Reference letters and personal documents |
Note: Context matters in document preparation. A birth certificate submitted to IRCC as part of an Express Entry application will typically only need a certified translation. That same birth certificate submitted as evidence in a family court proceeding may require a sworn affidavit. The document hasn't changed, but the purpose has.
How to get an affidavit of translation in Canada
1. Confirm that you need an affidavit of translation
Before anything else, check with the receiving authority that you actually need to submit an affidavit of translation. Many times, a certified translation is sufficient. Thus, saving you time and money.
2. Gather your documents
Ensure you have original and clear scans of the original or certified copies of the documents you need for translation. Anything that’s not legible, cannot be translated. And if any item in your original document is missed, the translated version becomes automatically void.
3. Upload to Translayte and select your translation type
Visit Translayte’s website, upload your documents, select the language pair for translation (such as French to English) and select the sworn translation option. You’ll receive an instant quote at no cost.
4. A certified translator completes the translation
Your document is assigned to a qualified translator with expertise in the language pair and subject matter. The translator will also include a signed statement confirming the accuracy and completeness of the translation.
4. The affidavit is sworn before an authorised official
The translator or designated professional will then swear the affidavit before a commissioner of oaths or notary public, who will now sign and stamp the document. After this step is done, it is now legally valid for use.
5. Receive your completed translation
Your finished affidavit of translation will be delivered as a PDF within 24 to 48 hours. If you need a physical copy, we can mail it to you via courier delivery wherever you are in the world.
Note: Translayte’s certified translation with an affidavit is accepted for IRCC applications, and in most cases, you do not need extra notarisation.
Ready to get started? Upload your documents and get an instant quote
Affidavit of translation vs. Certified translation: Key differences
If you're still unsure which type of translation you need, this comparison should make the decision straightforward.
Feature | Certified Translation | Affidavit / Sworn Translation |
Signed by translator | Yes | Yes |
Sworn before an official | No | Yes (commissioner of oaths or notary) |
Accepted by IRCC | Usually | Always |
Required for courts | Often not | Typically yes |
Cost | Lower | Slightly higher |
The bottom line is this, for the majority of IRCC applications, such as Express Entry, family sponsorship, etc, a certified translation is sufficient. You don’t need to swear an affidavit unless you’ve been asked to.
On the flip side, Canadian courts and tribunals may require you to swear an affidavit if you have any documents in a foreign language that need to be admitted as evidence. Same as some provincial licensing bodies.
Think of it this way: a signed certification statement in a certified translation confirms the accuracy of the translation. An affidavit of translation confirms the accuracy under oath.
Who can swear an affidavit of translation in Canada?
A commissioner of oaths (widely available at law firms, banks, and government offices across Canada).
A notary public. In Quebec, notaries have broader powers; in other provinces, a notary is equivalent to a commissioner of oaths for this purpose.
The translator themselves may be able to swear the affidavit if they are also a commissioner of oaths.
Translayte arranges the swearing process as part of the affidavit translation service. As the client, you do not need to visit a commissioner separately.
Note: the person swearing must have authority in the jurisdiction where the document will be used. For applications to IRCC or other government offices, the official needs to be authorised in Canada.
Common mistakes to avoid when getting an affidavit of translation
Paying for more than you need. As an applicant, you can sometimes assume that you need an affidavit of translation, when in fact, you only need a certified translation. Always confirm with the receiving authority to avoid paying for what you don’t need.
Using an unqualified translator. An affidavit of translation is only as reliable as the person who produced the translation. Use a professional translator with a verifiable accreditation to ensure your document is accurate.
Not submitting the original document. IRCC and other government authorities require that you submit the original document alongside the translated document. Sending only the translation is one of the common, and easily avoidable reasons for delay.
Getting the affidavit sworn in the wrong jurisdiction. The commissioner of oaths or notary public must have authority in the jurisdiction relevant to where the document will be used. If not, then it’s not valid.
Not planning ahead. Sworn translations may take longer to produce than standard certified translations. If you’re working on a deadline, it’s best to start the process earlier. Don’t leave it till the last minute.
Assuming a notarised copy is the same as an affidavit of translation. It’s not and they are totally different. A notarised copy confirms a photocopy of a document is a true and accurate reproduction of the original. While an affidavit legally swears the translation is accurate. One does not replace the other.
How much does an affidavit of translation cost in Canada?
The cost of an affidavit of translation in Canada varies depending on a few key factors such as the length of your document, the language pair involved and how quickly you need it.
A standard certified translation cost starts from $24.99 per page, while affidavit or sworn translations carries a small additional fee for the swearing process. The turnaround time is usually 24 to 48 hours. If you need your translation sooner, Translayte offers an express delivery option in 12 hours.
Translayte pricing
Translayte’s certified translation starts from $24.99 per page. However, affidavit translations carry a small additional fee. The exact pricing will depend on your document length and language pair, but you’ll always know what the cost is before placing your order.
If you also need a physical copy, we can mail it to you anywhere in the world via courier for an additional shipping fee.
Get a free instant quote
Instead of estimating, you can use our free quote tool to find out exactly how much your translation will cost. Simply upload your document, select the sworn translation and your language pair and receive an instant quote.
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