Supporting documents generally must be in one of Canada's two official languages unless IRCC tells you otherwise.
For IRCC
and Canadian application files
Certified translations for Canadian immigration
D&T Translations prepares accurate English and French translations of civil, legal, academic and supporting documents for applicants dealing with IRCC, Express Entry and other Canadian application processes.
D&T Translations is an independent U.S.-based translation agency. We are not affiliated with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the Government of Canada, or any Canadian federal, provincial or territorial agency. The receiving authority has final discretion over acceptance.
The applicant, family members, representative or consultant cannot translate the documents.
IRCC's general glossary presents certified-translator and notarized-affidavit options.
Upload clear scans or photos. D&T does not need your original hard-copy documents.
IRCC translation requirements
What the official Canadian guidance means in practice
IRCC's general glossary presents certified-translator and affidavit options. Applicants should follow the current instructions for their exact pathway, document checklist and receiving office when selecting a service.
D&T's standard Canada route: We normally provide our regular certified
translation
with a notarized affidavit or certification of translation accuracy. The translator signs the
translation-accuracy certification, while a D&T project manager signs the statement presented
for
notarization. This route is usually easier and less expensive to arrange than an individually
certified translator.
Translation with a notarized affidavit
D&T's standard Canada package combines a complete certified translation with a notarized affidavit or certification of translation accuracy.
- The translator cannot be the applicant, a family member, representative or consultant.
- The translator reviews the work, certifies its accuracy and signs the translator portion.
- A D&T project manager signs the company statement, takes an oath or affirmation and has that project-manager signature notarized.
- The applicant separately follows the receiving authority's source-document submission instructions. D&T provides the translation package, not source-document certification.
Translation by a certified translator
IRCC defines a certified translator as a member in good standing of a professional translation association in Canada or abroad. Certification must be confirmed by a seal or stamp showing the translator's membership number.
- The translator must be independent from the applicant and the applicant's family or representative.
- Stamps and seals on the source document must also be translated if they are not in English or French.
- The translator must already hold certification; being in the process of accreditation is not enough for IRCC's definition.
- D&T can investigate an individually ATA-certified translator, subject to language availability and manual pricing.
Express Entry includes additional program-specific wording: Its current page says
to
use the affidavit option only if a translation cannot be completed by a certified translator. It
also
requires the affidavit to refer to both the translation and the source document used. Express Entry
applicants should compare this current wording with their personalized checklist and select the
route
that matches their filing instructions.
Official sources: IRCC glossary definitions and Express Entry permanent-residence instructions. Always check the current version before filing.
Application type
Start with the instructions for your application
Select one application type to see the most relevant translation point. This tool is educational; your personalized checklist and the receiving officer's instructions remain controlling.
General IRCC guidance
Two alternatives, with affidavit as D&T's default
IRCC's general glossary describes certified-translator and affidavit options. D&T normally provides a certified translation with a notarized affidavit because it is easier and less expensive to arrange.
Check the exact application guide
Study permits, work permits, PNPs and other programs may add pathway-specific instructions. Share the current checklist or request letter with D&T when available.
D&T Translations is not affiliated with IRCC, the Passport Program or any Canadian government agency. This selector summarizes public guidance and does not determine acceptance.
D&T service options
Choose the service that matches the requirement
D&T is a U.S.-based professional translation agency. We can prepare a complete certified translation and, depending on your program and language, arrange the supporting declaration or translator credential needed for the selected route.
Certified translation with a notarized affidavit
This is D&T's standard and usually more affordable Canada option. It is designed around the general IRCC affidavit option. The translator signs the certification of translation accuracy, and a D&T project manager signs the affidavit or certification presented to an authorized U.S. notary.
- Prepared by a translator who is independent from the applicant.
- The project manager takes the oath or affirmation; the project manager's signature is the signature notarized in D&T's standard package.
- Digital or traditional notarization can be quoted based on the filing format.
- Translation rates start at $19.95 per page or $0.06 per word. Notarization is additional. Use our cost calculators.
- Some previous D&T clients have reported successful use for Canadian immigration applications; past acceptance does not guarantee a future decision.
Translation by an ATA-certified translator
When available for the source language, D&T can quote an individual ATA-certified translator. This route is designed for clients who need a translator holding certification from a professional translation association abroad.
- Availability depends on the language pair and document type.
- The translator's certification mark and identifying information are included as applicable.
- The source must still be translated completely, including non-English or non-French stamps and seals.
- This option is usually substantially more expensive than the standard D&T service.
ATA membership note: D&T Translations is an ATA corporate member. Corporate
membership supports our professional agency standing, but it is not the same as an individual
translator's ATA certification. When individual certification is required, request the
ATA-certified-translator option specifically.
Certification, affidavit and notarization
These terms are related, but they are not interchangeable
Canadian instructions use precise language. Ordering a document described only as "notarized" may be insufficient if the sworn statement does not contain the information required by your program.
Certified translation
A complete translation accompanied by a signed statement identifying the translator or agency and certifying that the translation is accurate and complete.
Notarized affidavit or certification
D&T's translator signs the translation-accuracy certification. A D&T project manager signs the company affidavit or certification that is presented for notarization.
Notarization
The notarial act records that the D&T project manager took an oath or affirmation and signed before the notary. The project manager's signature, rather than the translator's signature, is notarized in D&T's standard package.
Source documents and digital scans
What you send to D&T is different from what you submit to Canada
D&T's translation workflow is fully digital. Source-document submission requirements belong to the applicant's filing package and are not a service provided by D&T.
| Item | What D&T needs | What your application may require |
|---|---|---|
| Source document | A clear, complete scan or photo uploaded through the quote form. | The applicant separately follows the current source-document instructions for the selected Canadian application. |
| Translation | D&T prepares it from the uploaded file and delivers the ordered digital or shipped format. | Upload or submit it according to your personalized checklist and application portal instructions. |
No original hard copies to D&T: We do not accept source documents by physical
mail
or in person, and we do not offer walk-ins or pickups. Keep your original documents and follow the
Canadian authority's separate instructions for your application package.
Canadian passport applications
Translation support is also available for passport documents
Canadian citizens can apply for a passport from the United States, and current Canada.ca instructions state that applications from the U.S. are mailed to Canada. Passport translation rules are separate from IRCC permanent-residence rules.
Professional translator requirements
The Passport Program describes certified professional and non-certified professional translators. A non-certified professional translator may be a member or employee in good standing of an official organization, including a private translation agency.
- Contact information for the translation organization.
- Translator name, signature, date and membership number if available.
- A completed Statutory Declaration for Translators, form PPTC 659E.
- A certification seal or stamp when a certified professional translator is used.
What D&T can prepare
D&T can translate passport supporting documents and complete the translator information and declaration required by PPTC 659E when the current application instructions call for the form.
- Ask for "Canadian passport" in the quote notes.
- Upload the document and the current PPTC 659E form or checklist you were given.
- Court documents and legally binding agreements must use a professional translator route, not a casual third-party translator.
- The Passport Program may contact the translator and may request a new translation if it questions accuracy.
Official sources: passport document translation requirements, PPTC 659E, and applying for a Canadian passport from the United States.
Common documents
Documents frequently translated for Canadian applications
Your personalized checklist determines what is required. We translate the complete visible content without altering names, dates, grades, legal findings or issuing-authority information.
Civil and identity records
Birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce records, adoption records, identity cards, passports and name-change documents.
Police and legal records
Police certificates, court dispositions, criminal-record documents, custody orders, affidavits and other legal supporting materials.
Academic and employment records
Diplomas, transcripts, professional licenses, employment letters, pay records, tax documents and proof of work experience.
How it works
Order your Canadian immigration translation online
Our side of the process is fully digital. Tell us the exact Canadian application purpose so we can review the likely certification, affidavit and delivery requirements before translation begins.
Upload clear scans or photos
Include every page, reverse side, stamp, seal and handwritten annotation that may need translation. Do not mail original source documents to D&T.
Select Canada and your pathway
Choose Certified Translation, open the additional purpose choices, and select Canada. Then select Express Entry, Passport, Study/Work Permit, PNP or Other. The affidavit route is selected by default.
Share the current instructions
Upload or link your personalized checklist, request letter or program-specific wording. Tell us whether you are requesting an ATA-certified translator or D&T's standard notarized-affidavit route.
Review the quote and service route
We confirm price, turnaround, language availability, notarization method and delivery format before the project starts.
Receive and submit your translation package
Review name spellings and document details, then submit the translation and your supporting source documents according to the Canadian authority's instructions.
FAQ
Canadian immigration translation questions
These answers explain translation ordering and document handling. They are not legal or immigration advice, and IRCC or the receiving program makes the final decision.
Does IRCC accept translations from outside Canada?
Yes. IRCC's general glossary presents certified-translator and affidavit options. D&T normally provides a certified translation with a notarized affidavit or certification of translation accuracy. Follow the instructions for your exact application because Express Entry currently includes additional wording for the affidavit option.
Can I order a standard certified and notarized D&T translation?
Yes. This is D&T's default Canada service: a certified translation with a notarized affidavit or certification of translation accuracy. The translator signs the accuracy certification, while a D&T project manager signs under oath and has the project-manager signature notarized. Your pathway's current instructions still control.
Is D&T a Canadian-certified translator?
D&T is an independent U.S.-based translation agency and an ATA corporate member. Corporate membership is not individual translator certification. If you require an association-certified translator, ask us to quote an ATA-certified translator for your source language.
Do I need an English or French translation?
Unless IRCC tells you otherwise, supporting documents must be in English or French. Most clients request English, but D&T can also review French translation availability. All source stamps and seals that are not already in English or French must be translated.
Can I or a family member translate the documents?
No. IRCC does not permit the applicant, specified family members, representative or consultant to translate the documents, even if that person is a lawyer, notary or translator.
Do I mail my original documents to D&T?
No. Upload clear scans or photos through our quote form. D&T does not accept original source documents by mail or in person. You separately follow the Canadian authority's source-document submission instructions.
Is notarization the same as an affidavit?
Not by itself. In D&T's standard Canada package, the translator signs the certification of translation accuracy. A D&T project manager takes the oath or affirmation, signs the company affidavit or certification, and has the project-manager signature notarized.
Can D&T translate documents for a Canadian passport application from the U.S.?
Yes. Canada.ca provides a passport application process for Canadian citizens in the United States and says U.S. applications are mailed to Canada. D&T can translate supporting documents and complete the translator declaration form PPTC 659E when required by the current passport instructions.
Does D&T guarantee IRCC acceptance?
No translation provider can control a government decision. D&T prepares the service you order based on the documents and instructions provided, but IRCC, the Passport Program or the relevant Canadian authority has final discretion over acceptance and may request additional information.
What are D&T's starting translation rates?
Standard translation rates start at $19.95 per page or $0.06 per word. Language, document length, turnaround and add-on services can affect the final price. Use our translation cost calculators or upload the documents for an exact quote.
How much more does an ATA-certified translator cost?
Pricing depends on the language, length, document type and translator availability. Clients should generally expect the ATA-certified-translator option to cost substantially more and, in many cases, approximately twice the price of D&T's standard certified translation service.
Ready to prepare your documents?
Upload your documents for a Canadian immigration translation quote.
Send clear digital copies and tell us the application type, destination language, deadline and whether your instructions call for a certified translator, notarized affidavit, certification of translation accuracy or PPTC 659E.