Certified Translation for New Zealand

If you need a certified translation in New Zealand, the exact requirements depend on where the documents will be submitted. New Zealand authorities, Canadian immigration, and U.S. institutions all apply different rules. This page explains how certified translations work in New Zealand and how translations prepared in New Zealand are used for applications in Canada and the United States.

Translation Requirements in New Zealand
New Zealand does not have a centralized government licensing system for translators and does not require sworn translators as a mandatory standard. For official use, authorities generally require a certified translation that clearly identifies the translator and confirms the accuracy of the translation.

A certified translation in New Zealand typically includes a complete English translation of the document, a signed statement of accuracy, the translator’s name and contact details, and the date of certification. Acceptance depends on the receiving authority rather than on a specific local accreditation title.

Immigration New Zealand Translation Rules
For visa and residence applications submitted to Immigration New Zealand, documents that are not in English must be accompanied by an English translation.

Immigration New Zealand does not allow applicants to translate their own documents. Translations must not be completed by the applicant, a family member, or an immigration adviser involved in the application. Translations may be prepared by professional translators or translation companies, provided the translator can be clearly identified and takes responsibility for the accuracy of the translation.

A proper translation for New Zealand immigration includes a full translation of the document and a signed declaration confirming that the translation is accurate and complete.

Common Documents Translated for New Zealand
Certified translations are commonly required for the following documents in New Zealand applications:

• birth certificates
• marriage and divorce certificates
• police certificates
• passports and identity documents
• academic diplomas and transcripts
• employment records and reference letters
• medical and vaccination records
• bank statements and affidavits

The exact list depends on the visa type or authority requesting the documents.

Using Translations from New Zealand for Canada and the United States
Many people living in New Zealand need certified translations not for New Zealand authorities, but for applications submitted overseas. In these cases, New Zealand translation rules do not apply. The translation must meet the requirements of the destination country.

If You Are Applying to Canada (IRCC and Credential Evaluation)
For Canadian immigration and official applications, the requirements of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada apply, regardless of where the applicant lives.

IRCC requires certified translations that include a complete English or French translation and a signed certification statement. Translations may be prepared outside Canada, including in New Zealand, as long as they meet Canadian formatting and certification requirements.

For education-based applications, credential evaluation may also be required. Canadian assessment bodies such as World Education Services, International Qualifications Assessment Service, ICAS, or CES evaluate foreign degrees to determine Canadian equivalency. If the original academic documents are not in English or French, certified translations are required as part of the evaluation process.

Living in New Zealand does not change IRCC or credential evaluation requirements. Acceptance depends entirely on Canadian standards.

If You Are Applying to the United States (USCIS and Other Authorities)
For applications submitted to U.S. authorities, including U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, U.S. translation requirements apply.

USCIS requires a complete English translation accompanied by a signed certification of accuracy. The translator does not need to be based in the United States, and there is no requirement for sworn or government-licensed translators. Translations prepared in New Zealand are accepted as long as they meet U.S. certification standards.

The same format is typically accepted by U.S. courts, universities, and credential evaluation services.

Credential Evaluation: New Zealand Degrees for Canada and the United States
Degrees and diplomas issued in New Zealand are commonly evaluated for both Canadian and U.S. applications.

For Canada, credential evaluation is required for many immigration pathways and professional licensing processes. New Zealand qualifications are assessed by Canadian evaluation bodies to determine their Canadian equivalency. Certified translations are required if any documents are not in English or French.

For the United States, credential evaluation is also commonly required, especially for education-based immigration, licensing, or university admission. U.S. evaluators typically require professional credential evaluation reports in addition to certified translations of academic documents.

In both countries, translation alone does not replace credential evaluation when an evaluation is required by the authority.

Certified vs Sworn Translation in New Zealand
New Zealand does not require sworn translators as a formal standard. Sworn translations from other countries are generally accepted if the translation is complete, signed, and includes a statement of accuracy.

The deciding factor is not the sworn status itself, but whether the translator can be identified and held responsible for the accuracy of the translation.