Certified Translation Requirements for Canada

Canada requires certified translations for many official purposes, including immigration, education, and professional use. While the term “certified translation” is often misunderstood, Canadian authorities apply clear and practical rules that differ from both U.S. and European systems.
This page explains what certified translation means in Canada, when it is required, and whether translations completed outside Canada are accepted.

In Canada, a certified translation means a complete and accurate translation accompanied by a signed statement of translation accuracy. The certification confirms that the translation is faithful to the original document and identifies the person or company responsible for the translation.

Canada does not maintain a single national registry of translators for immigration or academic purposes. Instead, authorities focus on the format, completeness, and certification of the translation, not on the physical location of the translator.

Key points:

• The translation must be complete and accurate
• A signed certification statement is required
• The translator does not need to be based in Canada

Canada accepts certified translations completed outside Canada when these requirements are met.

When certified translations are required in Canada
Certified translations are commonly required for:

• Immigration and permanent residence applications
• Credential evaluation and academic assessment
• College and university admissions
• Professional licensing and employment

While specific institutions may publish their own guidelines, these core requirements remain consistent across most Canadian authorities.

Immigration to Canada: translation requirements
For immigration purposes, documents submitted for official use in Canada must be translated if they are not issued in English or French.
This includes police certificates and criminal record checks. The translation must be complete and certified; notarization is required only if explicitly requested by the receiving authority.

Important clarifications:

• The translator does not need to be Canadian
• U.S.-based certified translations are accepted if properly formatted
• Notarization is not a general requirement unless explicitly requested by the receiving authority

Certification relates to the accuracy of the translation, not to notarization or licensing.

Education and credential evaluation in Canada
Certified translations are also required for academic credential evaluation used for education, immigration, or professional recognition in Canada.

Commonly referenced evaluation authorities include:

• World Education Services (WES)
• International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS)

For credential evaluation:

• Certified translations are required
• Translations do not need to be completed in Canada
• Notarization is generally not required
• The certification statement must confirm accuracy and completeness

Evaluation agencies prioritize consistency and proper certification over the translator’s country of residence.

Do Canadian authorities accept U.S. certified translations?
Yes. Canadian authorities accept certified translations completed outside Canada, including those prepared in the United States, as long as they meet Canadian requirements.

This includes:

• A full and accurate translation
• A signed certification of translation accuracy
• Clear identification of the translator or translation company

There is no requirement for the translator to be licensed, sworn, or physically located in Canada.

Certified vs notarized translation in Canada
Certified and notarized translations serve different purposes and are often confused.

Certified translation:

• Confirms the accuracy and completeness of the translation
• Includes a signed certification statement
• Is the standard requirement for immigration and education

Notarized translation:

• Confirms the identity of the signer
• Does not verify translation accuracy
• Is required only in limited or explicitly stated cases

In most Canadian use cases, notarization is not required.

Common mistakes applicants make
Delays and rejections often occur due to misunderstandings about translation requirements.

Common mistakes include:

• Submitting partial translations
• Omitting the certification statement
• Assuming notarization is mandatory
• Believing only Canadian translators are accepted

Understanding Canadian translation requirements helps avoid unnecessary resubmissions.

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