What are IRCC translation requirements?
IRCC requirements state that any documents submitted for immigration purposes must be in English or French. If the document isn't in either of the two languages, you must provide a word-for-word certified translation. Additionally, the IRCC-certified translation must have these elements:
Certified translator: If translated in Canada, the translator must be certified by a provincial association such as ATIO, OTTIAQ, or STIBC in Canada or overseas. The translation cannot be done by the applicant's family member or representatives, even if they are qualified translators.
Accurate and complete: Translations must be done from the source document, not summaries or transcriptions, and must include translation of all stamps, seals, and handwritten notes.
Certification statement: The translator must provide a signed statement that includes their full name, signature, contact information, and the translation date.
Translator seal/stamp: The translated document must include the translator’s official seal or stamp that shows their membership number.
Original or certified copy: The translation must be based on the original document or a certified true copy verified by an authorised individual.
An Affidavit: If a non-certified translator handles the translation, it must be accompanied by an affidavit sworn before a notary public or authorised official.
These requirements ensure all documents submitted with immigration applications are accurately and officially translated.
Who is an IRCC certified translator?
An IRCC-certified translator is a member of a recognised association in Canada, such as the Canadian Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters Council (CTTIC) or OTTIAQ in Quebec.
However, certified translators in Canada cannot be family members or friends of the applicants; they must be independent professionals or translation companies.
IRCC-certified translators can translate foreign documents into English or French for Canada immigration processes. They also include a signed statement and stamp on every translation, which is required for acceptance by IRCC.
What is an affidavit for an IRCC certified translation?
An affidavit for an IRCC-certified translation is a sworn, notarised statement by a translator attesting to the accuracy and completeness of a translated document. This sworn statement is required by IRCC when a non-certified translator translates a document.
Key elements of an IRCC affidavit for certified translation in Canada
An affidavit for an IRCC certified translation must have an oath, translator’ details and other elements to be valid.
The Oath: The translator must sign a sworn statement that the translation is an accurate and complete representation of the original. This oath is taken in the presence of an authorised official, such as a notary public, commissioner of oaths, or commissioner for taking affidavits.
Translator credentials: The affidavit includes the translator's credentials, a declaration of proficiency in both languages and the statement that the translation is accurate and true.
Signatures: The affidavit must include the translator's signature and the notary public or commissioner of oaths' seal.
Types of documents requiring translation for IRCC
Key components of supporting documents valid for certified translation
A valid certified translation of supporting documents for IRCC must accurately and completely represent the original. Some key components include:
Word-for-word accuracy: The translation must be a complete and literal translation of the original text.
Mirror formatting: The layout, tables, structure and other formatting elements must match the original document.
Complete translation: It translates all signatures, seals, stamps, and handwritten notes on the original document.
Legibility: The original document must be clear, complete, and easy to read.
Affidavit: If a certified translator isn’t available, you’ll need to submit an affidavit confirming the accuracy of the translation.
If any of these components are missing, the IRCC might reject the document translation or request additional information.
How to submit translated documents to IRCC
Whether you are applying for a visa, Express Entry, or another immigration process, failing to submit documents properly can result in rejection or delays. Here are some things you should know:
Submitting an application through the IRCC online portal
Submit via the IRCC secure account (GCKey or Sign-In Partner)
Translated documents are uploaded as digital files.
Always pair the original document and its translation together in the same upload.
Combine the original and its translation into a single PDF file where possible
If your upload portal requires separate files, name them clearly so the pairing is obvious.
Accepted file types for online submissions are PDF, JPEG, and TIFF.
Ensure each file is under the portal's size limit.
Do not submit password-protected or encrypted files.
Paper applications
Attach the certified translation directly behind the original document using a paper clip or by stapling them together.
Do not bind or laminate documents in a way that prevents IRCC from separating or photocopying them.
Include the translator's name, contact information, signature, and declaration of competency with each translation.
Label each document set clearly at the top of the page, e.g., "Birth Certificate — Original" and "Birth Certificate — Certified English Translation".
Arrange document pairs in the same order as requested on the application checklist.
Naming files for submission
Keep file names concise but descriptive.
Use underscores or hyphens instead of spaces, and avoid special characters such as /, \, *, or ?.
Use descriptive names that identify the document type. For example, if you are submitting a birth certificate translation, use “BirthCertificate_Translation.pdf” instead of “Scan1.pdf”
Common mistakes to avoid in IRCC translations
When submitting documents for translation to IRCC, mistakes such as missing certification statements and formatting errors can lead to rejection. Here are some common mistakes you should avoid:
Using a non-certified or ineligible translator: IRCC requires authorised professionals, with recognised association membership and credentials, to perform all translations. Using translators that don't meet these requirements or online translation tools such as Google Translate will result in rejection.
Missing certification statement: If your translation doesn’t include the signed statement, IRCC will see it as incomplete and reject it. Ensure your translator includes the certification, and if you use a non-certified translator, they must include an affidavit.
Translation errors: Your certified translation for IRCC must be accurate and without errors. Any mistake in names, dates, or important information can lead to rejection. Always review the translation for errors and ask for changes if you notice any.
Using low-quality scans: Translators use scans of the original document for the translation. If any section is missing, torn, or illegible, it will affect the accuracy of your translation. Ensure your scans are legible and that the original documents are in good shape, or request a new copy if there’s an issue.
Missing the original document or certified copy: IRCC requires the original document or a certified true copy to be submitted alongside the translation. Without it, officers cannot verify accuracy, and the application may be deemed incomplete.
How much does an IRCC certified translation cost?
The cost of IRCC-certified translation in Canada is $20 to $55 per page, depending on the service provider, document type, language pair, and turnaround time. Additional services such as notarisation, apostille, courier delivery of a paper copy, and urgent turnaround requests also increase the translation cost.
Translayte offers certified translation in Canada for $25 per page, with a 12-24 hour turnaround time, without compromising on accuracy or completeness. Request a free quote to get an accurate price before uploading your documents.
How can Translayte help you?
Translayte offers certified translations in Canada for all immigration documents, including birth certificates, marriage certificates, academic transcripts, police clearances, and supporting legal records submitted to IRCC. Here’s how our services help you:
Certified translations that fully comply with IRCC requirements, including a signed certification statement, translator’s details, and official stamps where required.
Translations completed by professionals who are members of recognised Canadian associations such as ATIO, OTTIAQ, and STIBC.
Proper formatting that mirrors the original document, ensuring accuracy and acceptance under immigration standards.
Transparent pricing starting from $25 per page, with instant quotes available directly on the order page.
Fast turnaround times with express options available, plus 24/7 customer support via WhatsApp, phone, and email to ensure prompt assistance at every stage.
Need certified document translation for IRCC? Request a free quote to get accurate pricing and translation with 100% acceptance in Canada.
