What does IRCC require for translation?

Every document submitted to IRCC in support of an application must be in English or French. Documents in any other language require:

1. The original document (or notarized copy)
2. A certified translation into English or French
3. A translator's affidavit / certification stating the translator is competent in the source and target languages

What "certified translator" means

A certified translator is one who is:

• Certified by a provincial translators' association (ATIO in Ontario, OTTIAQ in Quebec, ATIA in Alberta, STIBC in BC, etc.), OR
• Sworn / notarized in the country where translation is done — the translator swears an affidavit before a notary public attesting competence

Translations done by family members, friends, or the applicant themselves are not accepted.

Common documents requiring translation

For Pakistani / Indian / Filipino / Chinese / Iranian / Arab applicants, frequently translated:

• Birth, marriage, divorce certificates (NADRA in Pakistan, civil registries in India, NSO/PSA in Philippines, Hukou in China)
• Education certificates, transcripts, diplomas (matric, intermediate, undergraduate, post-grad)
• Police certificates from non-English/French jurisdictions
• Employment letters, contracts, pay stubs from non-English/French workplaces
• Bank statements from non-English/French banks
• Court orders (divorce, custody)
• Tax records (FBR in Pakistan, ITR in India)

Where translations are NOT required

• Documents originally issued in English or French (e.g. UAE professional documents are usually English; Indian English-medium school transcripts; Filipino documents are typically English)
• Common international standard documents that are pre-translated (some passports, international driver's permits)

Costs

Translation typically runs CAD 30-50 per page. For a complete Express Entry file, translation costs can total CAD 200-1,000+ depending on number and length of documents.

Common mistakes

• Submitting photocopies without translation when the source isn't English/French
• Using uncertified translators (family members, neighbours) — translations rejected
• Inconsistent name spellings between original and translation — flag for misrepresentation
• Missing translator's affidavit — translation incomplete without the certification

Halani's note

We coordinate translation with reliable translators in each jurisdiction we work — Pakistan, India, Philippines, UAE, etc. Don't shortcut translation — uncertified or poorly-done translation is a recurring refusal-trigger.