Document Translation for Canadian Citizenship: What Needs Translating?

Getting your documents properly translated is an essential part of the citizenship application process. Wrong or missing translations can delay your application by months. This guide covers everything you need to know. CitizenPass helps you prepare for every step — read on, then start practicing for free.

Any document that is not in English or French must be accompanied by a certified translation. Common documents that need translation include:

Commonly Translated Documents

Documents That Usually Do NOT Need Translation

• Canadian PR card (already in English/French)
• Canadian passport
• IELTS/CELPIP/TEF/TCF results (issued in English or French)
• Canadian school transcripts and diplomas
• CRA documents

A certified translation for IRCC purposes must include:

The Translator Must:

• Be a professional translator (member of a provincial or national translation association, or otherwise qualified)
• Not be related to the applicant
• Not be the applicant themselves
• Provide their full name and contact information
• Include their credentials or association membership number

The Translation Must Include:

1. The complete translated document (every word, seal, and stamp described)
2. An affidavit or statutory declaration from the translator stating:

- The translation is accurate and complete

- They are competent to translate from [source language] to [target language]

- Their name, signature, and date

1. The translator's contact information and credentials

Professional Translation Associations in Canada

ATIO — Association of Translators and Interpreters of Ontario

• Certified translators have the C.Tran. designation
• Directory available online

OTTIAQ — Ordre des traducteurs, terminologues et interpretes agrees du Quebec

• Certified translators in Quebec
• Directory available online

STIBC — Society of Translators and Interpreters of British Columbia

• Certified translators in BC
• Directory available online

CTTIC — Canadian Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters Council

• National umbrella organization
• Can direct you to provincial associations

Other Options

• Immigration consultants often have preferred translators
• Community organizations may offer translation assistance
• Online certified translation services (ensure they meet IRCC requirements)

Tips to Reduce Costs

1. Reuse existing translations — If you had documents translated for your PR application, you can reuse them
2. Bundle documents — Some translators offer discounts for multiple documents
3. Shop around — Get quotes from at least 3 translators
4. Check settlement agencies — Some offer free or subsidized translation services

For Online Applications

1. Scan the original document (in the foreign language)
2. Scan the certified translation (in English or French)
3. Scan the translator's affidavit/declaration
4. Upload all three as a single PDF or separate files
5. Label files clearly (e.g., "birth_certificate_original.pdf", "birth_certificate_translation.pdf")

Formatting Tips

• Ensure all text is clearly legible after scanning
• Scan at 300 DPI or higher
• Keep file sizes under 4MB per document
• Use PDF format for multi-page documents

1. Using an uncertified translator — Family members or friends cannot translate your documents
2. Missing the affidavit — The translator's declaration of accuracy is required
3. Incomplete translation — Every word on the document must be translated, including seals and stamps
4. Poor quality scans — Illegible translations will be rejected
5. Translating documents that do not need it — Only translate documents not in English or French

For Translations

The translator's affidavit (declaration of accuracy) is generally sufficient. You do not usually need to have the translation separately notarized.

For Document Copies

If IRCC requests certified true copies of documents, you may need:

• A notary public to certify the copy matches the original
• Or a commissioner of oaths to witness your declaration

When Notarization IS Required

• If specifically requested by IRCC in a document request letter
• For statutory declarations (e.g., explaining lost documents)
• For some foreign police certificates

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Your Canadian dream is one test away. Join thousands of successful new Canadians — start your free CitizenPass preparation today.