Introduction
When applying for immigration to Canada, especially for spousal sponsorship, you may be asked to provide proof of your genuine relationship. One of the most common forms of evidence is chat conversations and email exchanges.
Similarly, Canadian courts may request translations of personal communications for use in family law cases, custody disputes, or legal proceedings.
But here’s the key: for IRCC or the courts to accept these documents, the translations must be certified. And in Ontario, that means they must be completed by an ATIO-certified translator.
When Do You Need Certified Translations of Chats and Emails?
Certified translations of personal communications are typically required for:
- Spousal sponsorship applications (proving ongoing communication)
- Other family sponsorship programs
- Court cases involving family law, custody, or disputes
- Immigration appeals
- Legal investigations requiring digital evidence
If your messages are in a language other than English or French, IRCC and Canadian courts will only accept them if translated and certified properly.
Why ATIO-Certified Translation Is Required
Immigration officers and judges cannot rely on unverified translations — they must be sure the translation is accurate, complete, and unbiased.
By law, only a certified translator can provide that guarantee. In Ontario, this means the translator must be accredited by the Association of Translators and Interpreters of Ontario (ATIO).
An ATIO-certified translation includes:
- A declaration of accuracy
- Translator’s signature and certification number
- Complete translation of the original text (nothing omitted or modified)
- Layout that clearly shows the conversation or email thread structure
What Needs to Be Translated?
When preparing communications for translation, you’ll usually need to include:
- Full chat transcripts (WhatsApp, Messenger, Viber, Telegram, etc.)
- Email threads (including subject lines, timestamps, and sender/recipient info)
- Attachments if they’re part of the conversation (photos, documents)
⚠️ Selective translations are not accepted. IRCC and courts require full, certified translations to avoid allegations of manipulation.
Formatting: How Certified Translators Handle Chats & Emails
Professional certified translators will:
- Keep the chronological order of messages
- Include timestamps, names, and sender details
- Translate emojis, symbols, or shorthand in a way that preserves meaning
- Clearly distinguish between different speakers
This ensures the translated version mirrors the original format, making it easy for immigration officers or judges to follow.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Partial translations — Leaving out parts of the conversation undermines credibility.
- Using uncertified translators — IRCC and courts will reject them.
- Changing message order or content — Even minor alterations can raise suspicion.
- Omitting metadata like dates, times, or email headers.
- Providing screenshots without context — Always include the full conversation thread.
Real Example: Sponsorship Application Delay
A client submitted screenshots of WhatsApp conversations with a non-certified translation. IRCC rejected the evidence, stating that translations must be certified. The applicant had to resubmit everything through an ATIO-certified translator, delaying the process by three months.
Confidentiality and Sensitivity
Chat and email translations often contain private and personal information. ATIO-certified translators follow strict ethical guidelines, ensuring confidentiality and professionalism at every stage.
Your conversations are treated with the highest level of discretion.
How Long Does It Take?
- Small sets of messages or short email threads: 1–2 business days
- Large volumes of chats: 3–5 business days
- Urgent cases (court deadlines or IRCC requests): same-day or next-day options available
How Much Does It Cost?
Pricing depends on:
- Volume of text (number of pages/messages)
- Language pair
- Formatting complexity (multiple speakers, attachments, etc.)
You’ll always receive a detailed quote before translation begins.
Why Choose ATIO-Certified Translators?
By choosing an ATIO-certified translator, you ensure your chats and emails are:
- 100% accurate and professionally translated
- Legally valid for IRCC and Canadian courts
- Handled confidentially with no risk to your privacy
- Presented in the correct format to avoid rejection
Get a Certified Translation of Your Chats or Emails Today
Don’t risk delays or rejections in your immigration or court case. Our ATIO-certified translators are experienced in handling chat transcripts and email threads with accuracy, confidentiality, and professionalism.
Fill out the form below for a free quote — we’ll respond within 1 business hour.
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