Translation Affidavit for IRCC: Applicant Guide

What is a Translation Affidavit for IRCC?

A translator’s affidavit for IRCC is a sworn statement from the person who translated a document when the relevant immigration programme requires that evidence. It generally confirms the translator’s language proficiency and the accuracy of the translation. It should not be confused with translating an existing affidavit submitted as a source document.

Where an affidavit is required, it forms part of the translation package and confirms who translated the document and that the translator swears to the accuracy of the translation. Applicants should follow the instructions for their specific IRCC application rather than assuming that every translated document needs an affidavit.

For IRCC translation purposes, the important distinction is whether the translator is certified and whether the application stream requires an affidavit. When an uncertified translator must provide an affidavit, the translator swears the statement before a person authorised to administer oaths, such as a notary public or commissioner of oaths where permitted. That is different from simply having a signature notarised.

IRCC Translation Requirements

IRCC requires documents that are not in English or French to be translated according to the rules for the relevant application stream. Some programs accept either a Canadian certified translator or a fluent uncertified translator with an affidavit, while programs such as Express Entry use a certified-translator-first route and permit an affidavit-backed translation only in defined circumstances. The translation should be complete and account for relevant text, stamps and seals.

The translation must be into English or French. If an uncertified translator is used under a route that allows it, the translator must be fluent in both languages and provide the affidavit required by that application. Certified translators follow the certification requirements set out for the relevant stream and generally do not need an affidavit.

Do not assume that a certified translator is the only permitted route in every IRCC program. For example, citizenship guidance allows a fluent uncertified translator who supplies the required affidavit, while Express Entry gives priority to a certified translator and permits the affidavit route only when a certified translation cannot be completed. Always use the current instructions for your application.

How to Obtain a Certified Translation in Canada

Start by checking which documents your application requires and which translator route that IRCC program permits. If you use a certified translator, confirm that their certification meets the program requirements. If the program permits an uncertified translator, confirm that the translator is eligible and can provide the required affidavit.

Provide the translator with a clear source document or copy suitable for accurate translation and explain which IRCC program the translation will support. Do not request an affidavit automatically: whether one is needed depends on the translator route and application instructions.

After the translation is completed, review names, dates, stamps, seals and other details against the source. A certified translator generally supplies the certification required for that route without an affidavit. Where an uncertified translator is permitted and an affidavit is required, include the sworn affidavit together with the translation and source-document copy required by the application.

Turnaround varies by provider, language pair, document length and any affidavit or certification requirements. If you have an application deadline, confirm the delivery date before ordering.

Creating an Affidavit for Translation

When an IRCC program requires an affidavit from an uncertified translator, the affidavit is a sworn statement about the translator’s language ability and the accuracy of the translation. The exact form should follow the instructions for the application and the requirements of the person authorised to administer the oath.

The affidavit should identify the translator and the translation it relates to and include the sworn statements required by the applicable IRCC instructions. For some programs, IRCC specifically requires the affidavit to refer to both the translated document and the source document used for the translation.

The translator must swear the affidavit before an authorised person. In Canada this can include a notary public, commissioner of oaths or commissioner for taking affidavits, depending on the jurisdiction and program instructions. Outside Canada, the authorised person may differ, so applicants should check local requirements and the relevant IRCC guide.

Before submission, confirm that the affidavit, translation and source-document copy together match the requirements for the application stream you are using. A certified translator may not need an affidavit at all.

The Role of Notary and Sworn Affidavits

Understanding the role of notary and sworn affidavits is essential for applicants navigating the IRCC process. A notary affidavit is a document that a notary public certifies, confirming that the signer is who they claim to be and that they have signed the document in the notary’s presence. This type of affidavit is often used in various legal contexts, including real estate transactions and powers of attorney.

A translation affidavit is a sworn declaration made before an authorised person. IRCC uses it in translation routes where an uncertified translator must swear to their language ability and the accuracy of the translation. It is not an optional ‘higher assurance’ document that IRCC simply prefers over certified translation.

Use an affidavit only when the IRCC instructions for your translator route require one. If a certified translator is used under a route that recognises their certification, an affidavit is generally unnecessary.

An affidavit is a sworn statement, so it should accurately identify the translator and the translation it supports. Applicants should make sure the affidavit matches the current IRCC instructions for their application and that the translation and source-document copy are consistent with it.

Tips for Applicants Submitting Translation Affidavits

When submitting translated documents, follow the checklist for your application. Include the source document or copy, translation and any affidavit or certification material required for the translator route used. Do not add an affidavit simply because a document is translated if the program does not require one.

Double-check the translation and any required affidavit before submission. Check names, dates, document references and whether the affidavit identifies the correct source document and translation where the application instructions require this.

It is also advisable to keep copies of all submitted documents, including the original documents, translations, and affidavits. This will help in case the IRCC requests additional information or clarification. Additionally, applicants should be aware of the specific submission guidelines set forth by the IRCC, including any formatting requirements and deadlines.

If the application instructions are unclear, use the current IRCC guide for that program and ask the translator to explain which certification or affidavit route they are providing. For broader context, see our certified translation for Canadian immigration guide.

Frequently Asked Questions about Translation Affidavits

What documents require a translation affidavit for IRCC?

No. Documents not in English or French require translation, but an affidavit is not required in every translator route. Certified translators generally do not need one, while eligible uncertified translators may need to provide one depending on the IRCC program.

How do I find a certified translator in Canada?

To find a certified translator in Canada, check with professional translation associations such as the Association of Translators and Interpreters of Ontario (ATIO) or the Canadian Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters Council (CTTIC). Look for translators who have experience with IRCC requirements to ensure they understand the specific needs of immigration applications.

What is the difference between a sworn affidavit and a notary affidavit?

For IRCC translation purposes, focus on whether the translator must provide a sworn affidavit and who is authorised to administer the oath. A notary public may be one of the authorised people before whom the translator swears the affidavit; it is not a separate IRCC translation route called a ‘notary affidavit’.

Can I submit a translation without an affidavit?

Yes, in some cases. If a certified translator is used under a route that recognises their certification, an affidavit is generally not required. If an uncertified translator is used where permitted, the relevant IRCC instructions may require an affidavit.

What should I do if my translation affidavit is rejected?

If IRCC asks for a corrected affidavit or translation package, follow the instructions in the request, compare them with the requirements for your application stream and ask the translator to correct the affected document before resubmission.

Official IRCC guidance: translator and affidavit rules vary by application. See the current Express Entry translation instructions and citizenship translation guidance for examples of the different routes.

Read the main guide: translator affidavit rules. Follow the translation and supporting-document requirements for your specific application; different programmes can have different rules.