Blogs

IMPORTANCE OF SUBMITTING TRANSLATED DOCUMENTS WITH APPLICATION

Immigration law

08 Jan

If an applicant forgets to get their documents officially translated and certified, their application might be tossed out like last week's leftovers or deemed a "work in progress"!

 

So, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) insists that any foreign language documents submitted for immigration or citizenship applications must come with an official translation in either English or French. And just to make sure everything’s legit, the translation has to be done by a certified translator.

 

A certified translation means a professional translator, not just someone off the street, does the work. Meanwhile, a certified or notarized document means a notary public affirms that it's an authentic copy of the original.

 

It is strongly advised to have documents translated by translators based in Canada, except for ID documents like birth or marriage certificates.

 

If a translated document is poorly done, the whole application could lose its credibility. So, the lawyer should carefully review all translations and ask for corrections, or even hire a new translator. If the translation seems off, IRCC can demand a retranslation by a different translator. IRCC is not responsible for any translation fees.

 

I hope these points help you avoid having to translate your documents multiple times and save you from the frustration, stress, and extra costs when preparing your Canadian immigration application. Just remember to hire the right Immigration Lawyer or Consultant.

 

RRM Law, an immigration lawyer and one of the best law firms in Brampton, can assist you regardless of the changes by providing expert guidance on eligibility requirements, preparing and submitting your application, and ensuring all necessary documents are accurate and complete.

 

A translation is good for life-well, at least until the original document gets a makeover or expires. The only time you will need a fresh translation is if the original document gets a facelift or runs out of time, and the applicant submits a new version.

 

To clarify, the translation must be:

>of the original document, or

>of the certified copy of the original document, and

>certified by a certified translator, or in the event that the translation cannot be provided by a certified translator, it must be accompanied by an affidavit, and

>included with the application

 

If the translation is being carried out outside of Canada, applicants must use the services of a translator who is officially accredited or authorized in the country where the translation is taking place. For all applicants, whether inside or outside Canada, translations must not be completed by:

>The applicants themselves

>Any members of the applicant's family

>The applicant's representatives or consultants

 

Even if your family includes a lawyer, notary, or translator, they still can’t be your go-to for document translation. So, whether it’s your parent, sibling, spouse, common-law partner, grandparent, child, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, or even your first cousin – none of them are allowed to lend a hand with this task.

 

If a certified translator is unable to provide the translation, it must be accompanied by an affidavit affirming both the accuracy of the translation and the translator’s language proficiency.

 

An affidavit for translation is a document where the translator confirms that the translation faithfully represents the original text. The translator makes this declaration in the presence of an authorized commissioner of oaths in their country of residence. The commissioner or notary public must be proficient in either English or French to administer the oath.

 

Additionally, any stamps or seals that are not in English or French must also be translated. Who can take an affidavit:

In Canada:    Notary public

                        Commissioner of oaths

                        Commissioner for taking affidavits

 

Outside Canada:  Notary public or equivalent

 

RRM Law can assist with translation services by ensuring that any documents requiring translation meet the necessary legal standards. Here’s how they can help:

>Certified Translation: RRM Law can provide certified translation services, ensuring that translations are accurate and meet the official requirements for immigration, legal, or governmental purposes.

 

>Affidavits for Translation: If a certified translator is unavailable, RRM Law can help arrange for an affidavit swearing to the accuracy of the translation and the translator’s language proficiency, ensuring that all necessary legal documentation is in order.

>Notary and Commissioner Services: RRM Law can also help facilitate the notary or commissioner services required to administer the oath for translation affidavits, whether within Canada or internationally.

>Compliance with Legal Standards: They ensure that all translated documents, including stamps or seals, are appropriately translated to meet legal requirements, avoiding any delays or issues with your application.

 

By working with RRM Law, clients can rest assured that their translations will be professionally handled in full compliance with legal and immigration requirements.

 

In addition to immigration services, RRM Law offers support in other legal areas, such as criminal defense attorney, real estate lawyer, and family law attorney. They can represent you in communications with the government and help you navigate the application process, including the next steps toward applying for permanent residence with the Canadian federal government.