Intro
If you’re applying for immigration, permanent residency (PR), a study permit, or a work visa in Canada, and your documents are not in English or French, then certified translation isn’t optional — it’s essential.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has strict requirements for how foreign-language documents must be translated. Failure to meet these standards could delay your application or even lead to rejection.
This article breaks down:
- Which documents usually need translation
- What a certified translation means in Canada
- How to avoid mistakes that can cost you time and money
- Why working with an ATIO-certified translator is the safest choice
✅ What Is a Certified Translation?
In Canada, a certified translation is a translation completed by a certified translator — a professional who is recognized by an official body. In Ontario, that means the Association of Translators and Interpreters of Ontario (ATIO).
Certified translations must:
- Be accurate and complete
- Include the translator’s name, signature, and certification number
- Clearly state that the document is a certified translation
- Be accompanied by the original document or a copy
❗ IRCC will not accept translations from non-certified translators or from the applicant themselves.
📄 Documents That Usually Require Certified Translation
Here’s a list of the most common documents that need to be translated for immigration purposes, if they’re not already in English or French:
- Birth Certificates
- Marriage Certificates / Divorce Decrees
- Police Clearance Certificates (Background Checks)
- Diplomas, Transcripts, Degrees
- Medical Records
- Passports (non-English pages)
- National ID Cards or Driver’s Licenses
- Court or Legal Documents
- Employment Letters or Job Contracts
- Adoption Papers or Custody Agreements
Even if the document is partially in English or French, IRCC usually requires a full certified translation of the entire document.
📁 What Format Do You Need to Submit?
- Certified translations can be digital (PDF) or physical copies, depending on the type of application.
- IRCC often requests scanned originals along with the translation.
- Never alter the formatting or combine documents unless directed.
It’s best to check directly with IRCC or your immigration consultant to confirm submission guidelines — but your translator should also know how to format everything correctly.
🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using uncertified translators (e.g., family friends, freelancers without accreditation)
- Submitting incomplete translations (missing pages, stamps, signatures)
- Omitting the translator’s declaration and signature
- Submitting poor-quality scans or unclear copies
- Self-translating your own documents — even if you’re fluent, it’s not accepted
✅ Tip: A single rejected document can delay your entire application by several weeks or even months.
🧾 Real Case Example (Why ATIO Matters)
We recently had a client who submitted a translation done by a freelancer on an online platform. The translation looked accurate — but it lacked a proper certification. IRCC rejected the application and requested a new translation, causing a 4-week delay.
Once the client came to us, we issued an ATIO-certified translation. It was accepted immediately.
This happens more often than you think. That’s why it’s critical to work with a certified professional.
🛡️ Why You Should Only Use ATIO-Certified Translators
In Ontario, ATIO is the gold standard for translator certification. Using an ATIO-certified translator gives you:
- Peace of mind that your translation is fully compliant
- Full acceptance by IRCC, legal, academic, and government bodies
- Documentation that includes all the proper formats, stamps, and translator credentials
Avoid working with unknown translation providers, especially those who don’t clearly mention certification. Many offer “low-cost” options that end up costing you time, stress, and resubmission fees.
⏱️ How Long Does It Take?
Certified translations are usually delivered in 1 to 3 business days depending on:
- Number of documents
- Document complexity
- Urgency (same-day or next-day options are often available)
Rush options may be possible if you’re on a tight deadline — just let the translator know in advance.
📝 Ready to Get Started?
If you’re submitting an application to IRCC, don’t risk delays or rejection. Our translators are ATIO-certified and experienced in handling all types of immigration documents.
Just fill out the form below. We’ll review your request and get back to you with a quote and timeline — usually within 1 business hour.
✅ Fast
✅ Fully certified
✅ Guaranteed IRCC-compliant