Credential Evaluation Translation for Canada

Credential evaluation is a required step for many immigration, education, and professional recognition processes in Canada. When academic documents are issued in a language other than English or French, Canadian evaluation bodies require a certified translation that meets specific accuracy and formatting standards.
This page explains how credential evaluation translations work in Canada, which documents are required, and how translations prepared outside Canada are accepted.

What Is Credential Evaluation in Canada?
Credential evaluation is the process of assessing foreign academic qualifications to determine their Canadian equivalency. It is commonly required for:

• immigration and permanent residence applications
• university and college admissions
• professional licensing
• employment in regulated occupations

Evaluation bodies review both the original academic documents and their certified translations.

Certified Translation Requirements for Credential Evaluation
For credential evaluation purposes, Canadian authorities and assessment bodies require:

• a complete and accurate translation of each document
• a signed statement of translation accuracy
• clear identification of the translator or translation company
• formatting that matches the original document

The focus is on accuracy and completeness, not on where the translation was prepared.

Do Credential Evaluation Translations Need to Be Done in Canada?
No. Canadian credential evaluation bodies accept certified translations completed outside Canada, including those prepared in the United States or other countries, as long as they meet Canadian requirements for accuracy, completeness, and certification format.
There is no requirement for the translator to be licensed, sworn, or physically located in Canada unless a specific institution explicitly states otherwise.

Common Credential Evaluation Authorities in Canada
The most commonly referenced credential evaluation organizations include:

• World Education Services
• International Qualifications Assessment Service

Each organization publishes its own submission guidelines, but their core translation requirements are generally consistent across Canada.

Documents Commonly Required for Credential Evaluation
Credential evaluation translations typically include:

Educational documents:

• diplomas and degree certificates
• academic transcripts
• enrollment and graduation letters
• certificates of completion

Supporting academic records:

• mark sheets and grade reports
• official letters issued by universities or ministries
• supplementary statements requested by evaluation agencies

All pages of each document must be translated in full, including stamps, seals, and administrative notes.

Important Clarifications About Credential Evaluation Translations
For credential evaluation purposes, applicants should keep the following in mind:

• certification confirms the accuracy and completeness of the translation
• notarization does not verify translation accuracy
• notarization is required only if explicitly requested by the evaluation body
• evaluation agencies prioritize consistency, formatting, and document completeness

Certified vs Notarized Translation for Credential Evaluation

Certified translation:

• confirms the accuracy and completeness of the translation
• includes a signed certification statement
• is the standard requirement for credential evaluation

Notarized translation:

• confirms the identity of the signer
• does not verify translation accuracy
• is required only in limited or explicitly stated cases

In most credential evaluation cases in Canada, notarization is not required.

Common Mistakes That Delay Credential Evaluation
Delays and rejections often occur due to avoidable translation issues, including:

• submitting partial translations
• omitting the certification statement
• translating only selected pages
• assuming notarization is mandatory
• using inconsistent terminology across documents

Understanding Canadian translation requirements from the start helps avoid resubmissions and processing delays.

FAQ: Credential Evaluation Translation in Canada

Do I need a certified translation for credential evaluation in Canada?
Yes. Canadian credential evaluation bodies require certified translations for any academic document not issued in English or French.

Are U.S. certified translations accepted for credential evaluation in Canada?Yes. Certified translations prepared outside Canada, including those completed in the United States, are accepted if they meet Canadian requirements for accuracy, completeness, and certification format.

Does WES require translations to be done in Canada?
No. World Education Services does not require translations to be completed in Canada. The key requirement is proper certification and accurate representation of the original document.

Does IQAS accept certified translations from outside Canada?
Yes. International Qualifications Assessment Service accepts certified translations prepared outside Canada if they include a valid certification statement and a complete translation.

Do credential evaluation translations need to be notarized?
In most cases, no. Notarization is not a standard requirement unless explicitly requested by the evaluation body.

What documents must be translated for credential evaluation?
All academic documents submitted for evaluation must be translated in full, including diplomas, transcripts, enrollment or graduation letters, and any supplementary academic records.

Can I translate only part of my transcript or diploma?
No. Partial translations are a common reason for delays or rejections. Credential evaluation bodies require complete translations of the entire document.

Can the same certified translation be used for immigration and credential evaluation?
Often yes. In many cases, a properly certified translation can be reused for both credential evaluation and immigration, provided it meets the requirements of each authority.

How We Support Credential Evaluation Translations
We prepare certified translations specifically formatted for credential evaluation use in Canada. Our translations are designed to meet the expectations of Canadian assessment bodies and academic institutions.

If you need a certified translation for credential evaluation in Canada, you can submit a request using the form below on this page.