What Is a Certified Translation in Canada?
Understand certified translations, professional credentials, certification statements, and the requirements of receiving institutions in Canada.
The Certilate Team · Certified translators
Certified Translation for IRCC Applications: Requirements in Canada
Learn how to prepare documents for an IRCC application, including translation, certification, and supporting-document requirements.
Article
Key takeaways
- For Express Entry, a certified translator is a member in good standing of a professional translation association, with a seal or stamp showing the membership number.
- For citizenship, IRCC defines a Canadian certified translator as a member of a provincial or territorial organization of translators and interpreters.
- Express Entry requires a scan of the original document, or the certified photocopy the translation was based on.
- Stamps and seals not in English or French must also be translated.
- Applicants, family members, representatives and consultants cannot act as the translator under the cited rules.
What Does IRCC Require for Translated Documents?
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) generally requires supporting documents that are not in English or French to be accompanied by translations meeting its applicable requirements.
The documentation required may depend on whether the translation was prepared by a certified translator, the location of the translator, and the particular immigration application.
Before submitting your documents, check the official IRCC instructions for your application type and ensure the translator's certification and supporting documents meet those requirements.
What must be provided for an Express Entry translation?
IRCC's current Express Entry permanent residence instructions say that a document in a language other than English or French must be accompanied by an English or French translation that meets the stated requirements, together with a scan of the original document or, where applicable, the certified photocopy used for the translation.
IRCC also specifically requires stamps and seals that are not in English or French to be translated.
When is an affidavit used?
Under the Express Entry instructions, an affidavit is the alternative when a translation cannot be completed by a certified translator. The translated document and the source document used must be referred to in the affidavit.
Citizenship instructions similarly distinguish Canadian certified translators from uncertified translators, with an affidavit generally required for the latter.
Who cannot translate the documents?
For Express Entry, IRCC states that an applicant's family member, representative or consultant is not permitted to translate the documents in the circumstances covered by the rule. Citizenship instructions also prohibit applicants and specified family members from acting as the translator.
Documents that commonly need translation
- Birth and marriage certificates
- Police certificates
- Civil-status documents
- Educational records
- Employment evidence
- Divorce or custody documents
- Other supporting evidence required by the specific application
A practical IRCC translation checklist
- Confirm the exact application and document checklist.
- Identify every required document that is not in English or French.
- Provide a clear copy of the entire document.
- Include stamps, seals, annotations and reverse sides containing relevant information.
- Use a translator who satisfies the applicable IRCC definition where possible.
- Check the translation for names, dates and identification numbers.
- Upload the translation and source-document scan according to the current IRCC instructions.
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Get a quote →Frequently asked
Does IRCC require certified translations?
IRCC requires translations meeting the instructions of the relevant application. The documentation needed can depend on the translator's qualifications and the immigration program.
Does IRCC require the original document with the translation?
For Express Entry, IRCC currently requires a scan of the original document or, where applicable, the certified photocopy on which the translation was based.
Do stamps and seals need to be translated?
For Express Entry, yes. IRCC states that stamps and seals that are not in English or French must also be translated.
Can my family member translate my IRCC documents?
IRCC restricts family members from acting as translators under the cited Express Entry and citizenship rules.
Do I need a translator's affidavit?
An affidavit may be required when the translator is not a Canadian certified translator. Check the applicable IRCC requirements before submitting your application.
Can I submit scanned translated documents?
Many online application processes require electronic document uploads, but applicants must follow their particular document checklist and instructions regarding originals, copies, and translations.
Source references
- IRCC — Express Entry permanent residence translation requirements
- IRCC — Citizenship certified translation requirements
Information current as of 17 September 2026. Government and institutional requirements can change. Verify the receiving organization’s current instructions before submitting.
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