Official translation for Canada
A translation by a certified member of a provincial translators’ association, or one backed by an affidavit.
What it is calledCertified translation
Who can sign it
A certified translator in good standing with a provincial or territorial body such as ATIO (Ontario), OTTIAQ (Quebec) or STIBC (British Columbia). Family members of the applicant may not translate.
What it must contain
The translation carries the certified translator’s stamp or seal and membership number. If the translator is not certified, IRCC asks for an affidavit sworn before a notary or commissioner of oaths, plus a certified copy of the original.
Who asks for it
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), provincial registries and licensing offices, courts, universities and credential assessment bodies such as WES.
Apostille and legalisation
Canada has applied the Apostille Convention since January 2024.
Order a translation for Canada
These guides summarise published requirements and are for general information. Rules change and individual offices can ask for more, so the receiving authority always has the final word.
Other countries
United States
A complete English translation with a signed certificate of accuracy from the translator.
Read the guide →United Kingdom
A translation confirmed in writing by the translator or translation company as true and accurate.
Read the guide →Spain
A translation signed and stamped by a sworn translator appointed by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Read the guide →France
A translation by a translator registered as an expert with a French Court of Appeal.
Read the guide →Germany
A translation by a translator sworn in before a German regional court.
Read the guide →Italy
A translation sworn by the translator before an Italian court clerk, justice of the peace or notary.
Read the guide →Portugal
A translation certified before a Portuguese notary, lawyer or solicitor, or by a consulate.
Read the guide →Australia
A translation by a translator credentialed by NAATI, the Australian accreditation authority.
Read the guide →Mexico
A Spanish translation by an expert translator authorised by a Mexican state or federal court.
Read the guide →Brazil
A Portuguese translation by a public translator registered with a Brazilian state board of trade.
Read the guide →United Arab Emirates
An Arabic translation by a translator licensed by the UAE Ministry of Justice.
Read the guide →