When do you need a certified translation in Canada?
When do you need a certified translation in Canada? Learn what to check before translating Ukrainian and other foreign-language documents for Canadian institutions.
Moving to Canada comes with paperwork.
A birth certificate may be needed for one process, a diploma for another, and later you may need to submit a marriage certificate, police certificate, power of attorney or business document.
When the original is in Ukrainian or another language, one question usually comes next:
What kind of translation do I actually need?
The answer depends on where the document is going.
What is a certified translation in Canada?
In Canada, a certified translator is generally a translator who is a member in good standing of a provincial or territorial professional organization of translators and interpreters.
For example, certified translators in Alberta can be members of the Association of Translators and Interpreters of Alberta (ATIA). ATIA explains that certified translations prepared by its certified translators include the translator's declaration and professional seal.
However, requirements can differ depending on the institution and the process.
For some federal immigration and citizenship procedures, documents that are not in English or French must be accompanied by a translation. When the translation is completed by a Canadian certified translator, their professional certification is used to verify their status. When an uncertified translator is permitted, additional requirements such as an affidavit may apply.
That is why the first question should not simply be:
“How much does it cost to translate this document?”
It should be:
“Where am I submitting it, and what does that organization require?”
Which documents may need translation?
People coming to Canada may need translations for different stages of their personal and professional life.
Common examples include:
- birth and marriage certificates;
- diplomas and academic records;
- police certificates;
- powers of attorney;
- income and employment documents;
- legal documents and agreements;
- corporate and business documents.
But the document type alone does not determine the translation requirements.
A diploma submitted to one organization may be subject to different requirements than the same diploma submitted somewhere else.
The same principle can apply to immigration, education, employment, legal and business procedures.
Certified translation and notarization are not the same thing
These terms are often confused.
A certified translation relates to the translation and the professional status or certification of the translator.
Notarization is a separate process that can be used when a document, copy, signature or declaration needs to be authenticated or witnessed.
Depending on the procedure, you may need a certified translation, an affidavit, notarization or a particular combination of documents. ATIA specifically distinguishes certification of a translation from notarization.
So before ordering additional services, check what the receiving organization actually asks for.
What should you check before ordering a translation?
Before sending your document to a translation agency, find out:
- where the translation will be submitted;
- whether the organization has published translation requirements;
- whether it requires a certified translator;
- whether an affidavit or notarization is required;
- whether the original document or a copy must accompany the translation;
- whether there are any formatting or submission requirements;
- when you need the completed translation.
This small step can save time and help you avoid ordering a type of translation that does not match the receiving organization's requirements.
For example, Canadian citizenship instructions require translations to include all text appearing on the original document, including elements such as letterhead, fine print and stamps, and specify additional requirements depending on whether the translator is certified.
Translating Ukrainian documents in Canada
For Ukrainians living in Canada, documents issued in Ukraine can remain relevant long after arrival.
You may need a translation when dealing with immigration matters, education, employment, legal procedures or business.
Instead of assuming that every document needs the same type of translation, it is better to start with its purpose.
At Agenda Translations, the team first looks at the document, language pair, deadline and — importantly — where the translation will be used.
Agenda Translations has been working with personal and business documents since 2015. The agency handles documents such as birth and marriage certificates, diplomas, income certificates, powers of attorney, contracts, agreements and corporate documentation.
Before you send your document
When requesting a quote, provide as much relevant information as possible:
- What document do you have?
- Which language do you need it translated into?
- Where will you submit it?
- Has the receiving organization provided specific translation requirements?
- When do you need it?
With this information, the translation team can review your request and confirm the appropriate service, timing and cost.
If you already have a document that needs to be translated for use in Canada, you can contact Agenda Translations and send the requirements provided by the organization receiving it.
Send your document to Agenda Translations to confirm the translation requirements, cost and turnaround time.
Visit Agenda Translations