UK Visa Translation Requirements: Steps, Cost, and Tips

General information for UK visa applications

Applying for a UK visa is mandatory for citizens of other countries who want to visit the UK for any reason. Getting your application approved allows you to enter the UK for the specified period without issues. Depending on your UK visa type, you can study, work, engage in business activities, and more. Many EU citizens do not require a visa (while the UK is still part of the EU) and therefore need not apply for one. 

However, with recent UK immigration updates, you apply for a UK electronic travel authorisation (eta) instead of a visa if you stay for less than 6 months. We recommend checking the official UK visa website to see if you need a visa.  

UK visa applications that may require certified translations

There are different types of UK visas you can apply for based on specific factors. These factors can include reasons for visiting the UK, duration, and nationality. Generally, you need a certified translation for a UK visa application if you have non-English documents.

Here are some of the most common UK visas that might need supporting documents translated:

• Standard visitor visa (travel, holidays, business, study up to 30 days, and medical visit up to 6 months)
• Marriage visitor visa
• Visa to pass through the UK in transit
• Short-term study visa (up to 11 months maximum)
• General student visa
• Child student visa
• Short-term work visas
• Long-term work visas
• Family visas

There are even more, such as investor, business development, and talent visas. 

Recommended reading 

Types of UK Visas and Immigration

UK visa supporting documents checklists

If you are applying for a UK Visa, you must provide documents to verify your identity, travel plans, and other information. In special cases, you might also need proof of English proficiency documents. Here's a list of important and supporting documents for the UK visa application 

• UK visa application form
• Two recent photographs taken within the last six months.
• A valid passport with at least one blank page and a validity period of three months beyond your departure date from the UK is required.
• Proof of financial means, such as bank statements or payslips.
• Proof of accommodation showing where you'll stay in the UK.
• Travel plans showing details of your activities and travel dates.
• Tuberculosis test results for specific countries if staying over six months.
• Biometric information for visas over six months.
• Visa fee receipt showing proof of payment
• Supporting documents like letters of invitation, employment details, birth certificates, and other relevant documents depending on your UK Visa type.

In some cases, you might also need information like

• English language proficiency: Depending on your visa type, you may need to demonstrate your knowledge of English.
• Proof of consent: If you're under 18, you need to provide evidence of consent from a parent or guardian.
• Healthcare surcharge payment if you are applying for a study, work, visitor visa, or staying for more than 6 months.

Recommended Reading 

Using ECCTIS to Prove Your English Proficiency for UK Visas

Home office certified translation requirements

If you're presenting a non-English document as part of a UK visa application, then you will be required to provide a certified translation.

This is part of the UK home office certified translation requirements for visa applications. Providing a certified translation ensures documents are easy to read and understand by immigration officers. There are strict criteria on how translated documents should be presented.  They must contain; 

• Confirmation from the translator that it is an accurate translation of the original document (certificate of accuracy)
• Date of the translation
• Translator’s full name and signature
• Translator’s contact details.

If you submit any translated documents without the above information for your UK visa application, your application might be rejected. 

What documents need to be translated for a UK visa

As we’ve already mentioned, there are variations in UK visa categories. The documents you must submit depend on the type of visa you are applying for and your circumstances. However, this article will focus on visitors, study, and work visas. 

Documents required for UK visitor visa

You need a visitor's visa if you want to visit family and friends, study for up to 30 days, and holiday in the United Kingdom. You can also apply as an academic or for private medical treatment. The most essential travel document you must present is your passport: this does not need to be translated. Most modern passports have both English and local language, so it's easy for immigration officers to understand. Other supporting documents for UK visitor visas that might require translation include 

• Financial evidence (bank statements).
• Accommodation details (hotel bookings).
• Travel itinerary.
• Medical records (if you are visiting UK for treatment)

You should visit the official website to confirm the UKVI translation requirements for your specific situation. 

UK student visa translation requirements

Students aren't left out of the UK visa translation requirements. You need certified translation for non-English documents as part of the UK study visa requirements. The supporting documents you will need for the application include;

• Valid passport
• Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
• Academic documents (transcripts, diplomas).
• Financial evidence (bank statements).

You might also have to provide proof of parental/guardian consent and your relationship with them. This is easily achieved with a birth certificate but only applies if you are under 18.

Work visa

Different types of UK work visas permit you to take up employment temporarily or for a longer period.  Like other UK visas, you need a valid passport and bank statement to prove you can cater for yourself financially. Some other documents you might need to include 

• Job offer letter
• Criminal record certificate - if you’re working in specific jobs
• Certificate of sponsorship
• Employment history documents
• Professional qualifications

You can confirm the complete list of documents you may have to present, which might require translation, from the official UK immigration website.  

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Obtaining a Criminal Record Certificate for a Skilled Worker Visa UK

Step-by-step process to get your documents translated for a UK visa

If you are applying for a UK visa, your document translation must be certified by a professional translation company. It should also include all relevant details like the translator’s details, signature, and date of translation. Here are the steps to get your documents translated 

• Gather all required documents: Gather all the documents you need to submit. Verify if any of those documents are not written in English or Welsh. If that's the case, set those documents aside for translation.
• Contact a certified translation company: Once you know which document you need to translate, you should contact a professional certified translation company. This company will help you translate the documents and provide any relevant supporting information or services. For example, Translayte provides certified translation services and other additional services like notarisation, or Apostille if necessary for your visa application. You can request an instant quote to get a summary of the cost of translating your document and additional services before placing your order.
• Submit documents for translation: If you are satisfied with the information provided, you can submit documents, and pay the translation fee.
• Receive certified translations: You will receive a translated copy and the certificate of accuracy from the translation company within the specified timeline. Translayte delivers document translation within 12 hours, allowing you to meet any deadline requirements.

What if you’re not based in the UK?

You could prepare your application and organise documents before arriving in the UK. If you need to translate those documents, then you have two options:

1. Translate them in your home country using an official translator: In several countries, a government ministry or court has approved specially designated official translators to provide certified translations. You may engage their services to translate your documents into UK English if they are qualified.
2. Use a UK-based provider of certified translations like Translayte: Using a UK certified translation company ensures you will receive a document that meets the high-quality standards expected and will be accepted by UK Visas and Immigration.

Can I translate my own documents for a UK visa?

Many people requesting translations of their documentation are multilingual. Translating your document is likely to be straightforward and cheaper. However, if you’re not a certified translator, the immigration officers will reject the document.

What happens if there is a mistake when translating my visa documents?

If there is a mistake in your translated visa documents, it can cause serious problems with your UK visa application. The UK Home Office requires all translated documents to be accurate and complete. Here's what could happen:

1. Processing delays: If the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) office finds errors, it may request a corrected version. This means you will need to submit a new translation, which can take extra time and may delay your visa decision.
2. Rejection: If important details like names, dates, or legal terms are mistranslated, your documents may not be accepted. UKVI may reject your visa application because they cannot verify the information.
3. Visa refusal: In serious cases, if the mistakes make your documents seem unreliable or fraudulent, UKVI may refuse your visa. This could make future applications more difficult, as a previous refusal can affect your immigration history.
4. Additional costs: If mistakes are found, you might need to pay for a new translation, reapply for your visa, or even attend an interview to explain the issue. This adds extra costs and stress to the process.

Pro Tip: To avoid these problems, you should use a UK certified translation company that understands UK visa requirements. For example, Translayte follows a multistep quality assurance process that ensures your documents are accurate, properly formatted, and include all necessary certifications.

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Top 5 Common Mistakes in Certified Translation and How to Avoid Them

How long does it take to translate documents for a UK visa application?

The time needed to translate documents for a UK visa application depends on the number of documents, their complexity, and the translation service you choose.

Here are some things to know:

1. Standard processing: Most certified translation services take 1 to 3 working days for standard documents like birth certificates, marriage certificates, or bank statements. However, Translate guarantees a 12-hour delivery time for standard certified translation.
2. Urgent translation: If you need a translation quickly, we offer expedited translation for an extra fee, with delivery within 12 hours. However, this may only be available for simple documents.
3. Complex documents: The process may take longer if you are translating legal contracts, medical records, or academic transcripts, depending on the level of detail required.
4. Large volume of documents: Translating multiple documents can take longer, especially if they are lengthy or highly technical.

To ensure a smooth process, start your translation early and use a UK-certified translation company that understands UKVI requirements and delivers accurate documents. 

Pro Tip: Check that your translated documents include a certificate of accuracy confirming the translation's accuracy.

How much does it typically cost to translate documents for a UK visa application?

Ideally, translating a single-page document can cost between $20 and $60 depending on the original language, number of documents, and delivery timeline. Additionally, the cost of translating the documents will be higher if you need additional services like expedited transition,  apostille, and physical copy delivery.  To get a better cost range for your UK visa translation documents, you can request an instant quote.

Where can I find certified translators for a UK visa?

You can find a certified translator on Translayte. We are a certified translation company with a team of experienced translators for more than 130 languages.  At Translayte, we guarantee that your document will be translated to the accepted UK standard. Whether you contact us from within or outside the UK, we can translate your document in 12 hours depending on the length, complexity, and language pair. 

You can also request expedited translation, Notarisation, or Apostille certificate.  Our speedy and reliable service means you can translate your documents quickly, and no precious time is wasted with your visa application.

Contact our team to request an instant quote, and you’ll get detailed information about your UKVI document translation cost and delivery timeline.