Why Quebec immigration translation requirements are different
Quebec has a separate role in selecting immigrants who intend to settle in the province. The Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI) manages Quebec's immigration selection processes, while Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) manages the federal immigration process.
If you are coming to Quebec temporarily, you may need a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ). For example, international students may need a CAQ to study in Quebec before applying for a Canadian study permit. Some temporary foreign workers need a CAQ as part of their Quebec authorisation process.
If you are applying for permanent residency through a Quebec selection process, you may need a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ). You need the CSQ approved before completing the federal permanent residence process through IRCC.
MIFI requires documents to be in French or English. If a document or part of it is in another language, it must be accompanied by a translation from a qualified translator, stapled to the original-language document to meet MIFI's requirements. For permanent residence, you may also need to meet IRCC translation requirements.
CAQ vs CSQ: What's the difference?
The Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) is a Quebec document used in certain temporary immigration processes, especially for study and work purposes. In contrast, the Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) is issued by MIFI to people applying for permanent immigration through applicable Quebec programs and processes. Receiving a CSQ doesn’t mean you have permanent residency in Canada. You must complete the IRCC application process to be granted permanent residency.
| CAQ | CSQ |
Purpose | Confirms Quebec's selection for certain temporary immigration purposes | Confirms Quebec's selection for permanent immigration purposes or certain other permanent residence processes |
Issued by | MIFI | MIFI |
Who may need it? | Certain international students and temporary foreign workers | Applicants in Quebec permanent immigration or other processes requiring Quebec selection |
What happens next? | Depending on the situation, the applicant may then apply to the federal government for a study or work permit | The applicant continues with the relevant federal permanent residence process |
Other Quebec immigration processes can also involve a CSQ or Quebec undertaking, including certain family sponsorship and business immigration cases. Always confirm the current requirement for the pathway you are applying through.
MIFI translation requirements for Quebec immigration
MIFI requires that documents submitted for immigration applications in a language other than English or French be accompanied by a complete, signed and authenticated translation by a professional translator.
Other rules for Quebec immigration documents
The translation must include every element of the original document, such as main text, seals, stamps, signatures, and other information appearing on the document. For example, if your document is written in French but has a seal or stamp with Spanish text, you must translate the information in the stamp or seal.
The translation must bear the translator's name and seal.
You must also staple each translation to the corresponding original-language document when submitting the documents in the required format.
Submit the document in the format your form specifies: original, certified true copy or photocopy.
The same translation rules apply to CAQ and CSQ applications. What changes is the list of documents you submit.
Documents that may need translation
Civil-status records: Birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, and adoption papers.
Identity documents: Passports (non-English/French pages) or national ID cards.
Education records: Diplomas, degrees, academic transcripts, and program details.
Employment documents: Employment contracts, reference letters, CVs, and job offers.
Police and legal records: Police clearance certificates, court records, or background checks.
Financial and support documents: Bank statements, proof of funds, or financial undertakings.
Note: Your exact list depends on your application, so always check the official CAQ or CSQ checklist to ensure you have the correct documents for your situation.
Who can translate documents for MIFI?
MIFI accepts translations from the following translators:
Members of the Order of Approved Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters of Quebec (OTTIAQ);
Members of the Association of Translators and Interpreters of Ontario (ATIO)
Members of the Society of Translators and Interpreters of British Columbia (STIBC);
Members of the Corporation of Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters of New Brunswick(CTINB)
The translation service of the embassy or consulate of the country or territory that issued the original document, if applicable.
Can you use a translator outside Quebec or Canada?
If you use a translator outside Canada, MIFI accepts translations produced by:
A translator who is a member of a professional order or authorised to act as such.
A translator working for the translation department of the institution that issued the original document.
A translation department of the relevant embassy or consulate.
A translation department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Ministry of Justice of the country or territory that issued the original document.
MIFI accepts translations submitted without a translator's seal from 13 countries, including Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, and the Russian Federation. However, they must be accompanied by an appropriate notarial deed. The notarial act must be in English or French and include the notary's name, professional seal, signature, and contact information, as well as the translator's name.
This means that living outside Canada does not automatically prevent you from obtaining an acceptable translation. The important question is whether the translator and translation method meet the current MIFI requirements.
Prefer a Canadian translator? Translayte provides certified translations in Quebec done by members of OTTIAQ, ATIO, STIBC, or CTINB, the bodies MIFI accepts for translations produced in Canada. These translators have experience translating documents for Quebec and Canadian immigration and produce complete translations that meet those requirements. Get a quote for your translation. Upload your documents and see your price before you pay.
2026 Quebec immigration changes that affect your application
Quebec also ended the three permanent immigration pilot programs as planned at the beginning of 2026.
The Quebec Experience Program, or PEQ, was temporarily reopened from 2 July 2026 to 2 July 2028, subject to the applicable conditions and intake rules. The first application period runs from 2 July to 31 October 2026, and only candidates who met the requirements on or before 19 November 2025 can apply.
Applications for temporary selection for studies are submitted online.
Quebec has also introduced application management measures affecting international students, including limits for certain institutions and periods.
French language requirements
French language proficiency and document translation are two different requirements. You may need to prove your ability to communicate in French for an immigration program. That does not mean you must translate every supporting document into French.
For MIFI applications, you can submit documents in French or English. If your document is in another language, it needs a translation that meets the applicable requirements. So don’t order a French translation just because your immigration pathway requires French. First, check whether the document needs translation and whether the application accepts French or English.
Common translation mistakes that can delay or derail a Quebec immigration application
Translating documents yourself or using family members: Your bilingual relative may understand both languages, but that does not automatically make them an acceptable professional translator.
Using Google Translate or machine translation: Machine translation can help you understand a document, but it cannot provide the required certification.
Submitting an incomplete translation: Do not translate only the information you think is important. MIFI requires you to translate all elements of the document. This includes seals and signatures. If your document mixes languages, every part that isn't in English or French must be translated.
Using a translator who does not meet MIFI's requirements: For translations produced in Quebec or Canada, MIFI identifies specific professional organisations whose members can produce accepted translations. For translations produced outside Canada, different requirements apply. Check where the translation is being produced and verify that the translator's qualifications meet requirements before ordering.
If you don't attach the translation correctly: MIFI instructs applicants to staple each translation to the corresponding original-language document. Keep each translation with its corresponding document rather than mixing several translations.
Using an outdated immigration checklist: Quebec's immigration programs and application requirements can change. A document list you downloaded several years ago may refer to a program that is no longer open or contain requirements that have since changed. Always check the current application instructions before preparing your documents.
How to choose a translator for Quebec immigration documents
When choosing a translator, confirm they meet MIFI requirements, have experience translating immigration documents, and can deliver within the expected timeline.
Check that the translator meets MIFI's requirements
MIFI has specific requirements for who can translate documents for immigration applications in Quebec. You should ensure the translator meets the current requirements for the location where the translation will be produced. Check if they are members of professional organisations such as OTTIAQ, ATIO, STIBC and CTINB, as well as certain embassy or consulate translation departments. You can check a translator's membership in each organisation's online directory.
Verify immigration translation experience
Immigration documents can contain terminology, seals, handwritten notes, abbreviations and administrative language that require careful handling. Confirm the translator has experience with immigration documents and can translate every element accurately without losing formatting or meaning.
Check the language pair
Make sure the translator works with the exact language pair you need. For example, if your birth certificate is in Spanish and you need an English or French translation, confirm that the translator handles Spanish-to-English or Spanish-to-French documents.
Check the certification details
Before submitting the translation, confirm it includes the information the relevant authority requires, including the translator's name and seal, where applicable.
Consider turnaround time
If you have several documents, translations may take longer than a single-page certificate. Choose a translator who can meet the expected timeline. For bulk orders, use a translation company, as they can assign your order to multiple translators and deliver before the deadline.
Ready to translate your documents? Upload them for a free quote.
How to prepare your documents for translation: step by step
Follow these steps whether you are preparing documents for a CAQ or CSQ application.
Check your current application checklist to confirm the current documents and translation requirements. Use the official Quebec immigration document checklist to ensure the information is accurate.
Gather the complete documents relevant to your application and immigration process. Ensure you have the original documents with official stamps, seals, or signatures. If any document is damaged or missing, request a replacement from the issuing authority or check if MIFI allows an alternative.
Identify documents that need translation based on MIFI requirements. Check English and French documents for any text in another language, such as a stamp, since that text needs translating too. For example, a document containing English and Spanish needs translation because MIFI doesn’t accept Spanish.
Check the required document format to see whether it needs to be an original, certified true copy or photocopy and prepare what’s required.
Choose a translator who meets the requirements and confirm they can translate the documents within your timeline. Also check reviews to confirm experience, acceptance and other information before ordering.
Check whether the translator is based in Quebec, elsewhere in Canada or outside Canada. Then confirm that they meet the applicable MIFI requirements.
Compare the translation with the source document before submitting it. Check names, dates, document numbers, seals, signatures and other important details. If anything is missing or incorrect, ask the translator to correct it before submission.
How much does translation for Quebec immigration cost?
Quebec immigration translation costs range from $25 to $85 CAD per page. The final cost depends on several factors, including document volume, complexity, turnaround time, language pair, and certification requirements. For example, if your documents include tables and other elements that need formatting, you may pay more than for plain text. A one-page birth certificate may cost less than a 10-page academic transcript or employment record with stamps.
The cheapest translation isn't necessarily the best option if it doesn't meet the requirements of the authority receiving your application. Before choosing a provider, confirm what the quote includes and whether the translation will include the certification details you need.
If you need translations for a Quebec immigration application, Translayte can translate your documents while taking the applicable authority requirements into account.
Get your quote: upload your CAQ or CSQ documents and receive your price estimate.
