Written by A2Z Language Hub (www.a2zlanguagehub.com)
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is the federal department in charge of handling applications for immigration, refugees, and citizenship across Canada. When you're getting your application ready, it's crucial to understand and fulfill the IRCC translation requirements. This step can significantly impact how quickly your submission gets processed.The stakes are high if your documents don't meet IRCC's strict translation standards; they will be rejected, causing frustrating delays in your immigration journey. You need certified translations that follow every single requirement set by IRCC, including precise accuracy and proper certification stamps.
This guide will help you understand the key immigration document translation requirements established by IRCC. You'll learn about:
- What IRCC expects from your translated documents
- Who is qualified to provide certified translation Canada services
- When affidavits become necessary in the translation process
- How to ensure your translations are accurate and meet IRCC's standards.
- By following these guidelines
- How non-compliance affects your application
- The specific ways A2Z Language Hub makes this process easier for you
I. Understanding IRCC Translation Requirements
If you're applying for immigration, citizenship, or even a passport through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), ensuring your documents are properly translated is a critical step. Non-English or non-French documents can lead to delays or rejections if not handled correctly. In this blog, we'll break down the essentials of IRCC translations, including what a certified translation is, why it's required, the different types, industry costs, and the differences between certified and notarized translations. We'll also explore how A2Z Language Hub, a trusted provider of professional translation services, can support you throughout the process.
Whether you're submitting birth certificates, marriage licenses, police records, or other supporting documents, understanding these requirements will help streamline your application. Let's dive in.
When to Provide Translations?
When your original documents are in any language other than English or French, you must provide:
- The original document or a certified true copy
- A certified translation that mirrors the source document word-for-word
- Both documents submitted together to IRCC
What Makes a Translation Officially Certified?
A certified translation for IRCC applications comes with specific requirements that make it legally valid and acceptable to immigration authorities. The certification process involves a qualified translator providing a written statement that confirms the translation is complete and accurate to the best of their knowledge and ability.
IRCC accepts translations that are certified by members in good standing of a provincial or territorial association of translators and interpreters in Canada. Alternatively, translations can be certified by someone who is competent in both languages and is not the applicant, a family member, or their representative.
II. Who Can Translate Your Documents?
A certified translator Canada designation carries specific requirements under IRCC standards. The translator must hold certification from a recognized professional body, demonstrating their competence and adherence to industry standards. This certification serves as your guarantee that the translation meets the precision and accuracy IRCC demands.
Professional translators who can provide certified translations for IRCC must meet specific credential requirements. The most recognized qualification is membership in a provincial or territorial association of translators and interpreters, such as the Association of Translators and Interpreters of Ontario (ATIO) or the Society of Translators and Interpreters of British Columbia (STIBC).
For individuals who are not professional translators but wish to certify a translation, they must be able to demonstrate competence in both the source and target languages. This person cannot be the applicant, their spouse, common-law partner, parent, child, sibling, or their immigration representative.
III. What Are the Different Types of Certified Translations?
While "certified translation" is a broad term, variations depend on the translator's credentials and the document's nature. Based on IRCC guidelines, particularly for passport applications, translations can be categorized by the translator type:
- Certified Professional Translations: Performed by members of recognized translation associations (e.g., provincial bodies in Canada or equivalent abroad). These include a certification stamp, translator details, and often a statutory declaration.
- Non-Certified Professional Translations: Done by professional translators without formal certification but still requiring an affidavit or declaration to affirm accuracy.
- Third-Party Translations: Allowed only for non-legal or non-court documents, performed by unrelated individuals (not family or the applicant), and must include a notarized statutory declaration.
For immigration applications more broadly, if a certified translator isn't used, an affidavit swearing to the translation's accuracy is required. Some documents, like legal agreements, restrict third-party options. Always check specific program instructions, as requirements can vary (e.g., police certificates demand certified translations only). Key translator requirements across types include: the translator must not be a relative of the applicant, must provide their address, phone number, and email, and must personally complete any required forms attesting to their skills and the translation's accuracy.
IV. Comparing Translator Types: Certified, Non-Certified and Notarized
Certified translation services typically cost more than regular translation services due to the additional liability and professional standards involved. Prices vary based on several factors including document complexity, language pair, urgency, and translator expertise.
Standard pricing structures include:
- Certified Translation Per Page: $60–$75 per page
- Notarized: $75-$90 per page
- Non-Certified Translation with Translator’s Attestation: $40-$50 per page
- Rush service premiums of 25-50% for expedited delivery
V. Going Through the Checklist
Translation Type Checklist Before you submit your documents, confirm:
For Certified Translation
- Translator is provincially certified (STIBC, ATIO, OTTIAQ, etc.)
- Translation includes translator’s certification statement and stamp
- No affidavit needed (unless translator is not certified)
- You or your family did not translate your own documents
- Original and translation combined into a single PDF per document for online submission
For Notarized Translation
- Translator signed a declaration or affidavit of accuracy with the translated file
- Notary public verified the translator’s identity and signature
- Required only if the institution specifically asks for notarization (e.g., courts or passport applications for third-party translations)
At A2Z Language Hub, we specialize in IRCC-compliant translations to make your application process seamless. Our team of certified translators handles everything from birth certificates to complex legal documents, ensuring accuracy and quick turnaround. We offer:
- Certified translations starting at competitive rates, with options for affidavits or notarization as needed.
- Expertise in over 80 languages, tailored to IRCC requirements.
- Free consultations and quotes to assess your documents.
- 100% acceptance guarantee, backed by our accreditation with professional associations.
Connect with A2Z Language Hub - Your Certified Translation Provider in Canada
Ready to secure accurate and certified translations for your documents? A2Z Language Hub delivers professional translation services across Canada, offering transparent pricing, quick turnaround, and guaranteed acceptance by Canadian authorities.
Whether you need certified translations for immigration, legal, or business documents, our expert linguists ensure accuracy, compliance, and cultural precision.
Blog Written by A2Z Language Hub
Last updated: November 2025
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About the Author: A2Z Language Hub is a Canada-based certified translation and interpretation provider specializing in legal, immigration, business, and medical document translation. Our certified translators are recognized by Canadian authorities and deliver trusted, high-quality translations for clients worldwide.
Disclaimer: The A2Z Language Hub Blog is published to share knowledge, updates, and insights about language, translation, and interpretation services. All content is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, financial, or professional advice. For certified or notarized translation requests or specific document requirements, please contact A2Z Language Hub directly.
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