If you use a non-certified translator for your Canadian immigration documents, IRCC requires them to sign a Translator’s Affidavit before a Notary Public. In Canada, getting this affidavit notarized typically costs between $30 and $70 CAD per document.
When applying for Permanent Residency, citizenship, or a simple study permit, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) demands absolute perfection with your paperwork. If any of your essential documents-such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or police clearance-are in a language other than English or French, you must provide a full translation. While this seems straightforward, the rules surrounding exactly who can translate these documents and how they must be authenticated are incredibly strict. 📜
IRCC gives applicants two choices: use a certified translator in Canada, or use a non-certified translator. If you choose a non-certified translator (such as a bilingual friend or a professional translator overseas), the Canadian government requires legal proof that the translation is accurate and truthful. This proof comes in the form of a “Translator’s Affidavit”-a sworn legal document signed in the physical presence of a Notary Public or a Commissioner of Oaths. Understanding the costs and steps for this process is vital to avoid having your entire application returned. If you are confused by the documentation, a local immigration lawyer from our directory can guide you through the process. 💼
Step-by-Step Process in Canada
Whether you are preparing your application in Montreal, Ottawa, or Victoria, the federal IRCC rules for translation affidavits are universal. Finding a notary is easy, but you must ensure the affidavit is executed perfectly to meet the government’s rigorous standards. 📋
Step 1: Determine if You Actually Need an Affidavit
Before spending money on a notary, check the credentials of your translator. If your translator is a member in good standing of a provincial translation association in Canada (such as ATIO in Ontario or STIBC in British Columbia), they are considered a “certified translator.” They will stamp the document with their official seal, and you do not need a notary. If they are not certified in Canada, an affidavit is mandatory. 🔍
Step 2: Draft the Translator’s Affidavit
The affidavit is a specific legal document. Your non-certified translator must draft a statement swearing that they are fluent in both English (or French) and the original language of the document. The statement must explicitly declare that the attached translation is a true, accurate, and complete translation of the original document. Do not sign this document yet! 📄
Step 3: Book an Appointment with a Notary Public
Your translator must physically (or via approved remote online notarization) present themselves before a Canadian Notary Public or a Commissioner of Oaths. The notary will verify the translator’s identity using a government-issued photo ID. You can easily find a notary at local law firms, dedicated notary clinics, or even some registry offices across the province. 🏢
Step 4: Swear the Oath and Sign
In front of the notary, the translator will raise their right hand or hold a religious text and swear (or affirm) that the contents of the translation are entirely truthful. The translator then signs the affidavit, and the notary stamps it with their official embosser or seal. The notary essentially acts as the government’s witness to ensure the translator takes legal responsibility for their work. ✍️
Step 5: Assemble the Final Package for IRCC
IRCC requires a very specific bundle for translated documents. You must upload or mail three things together: a clear photocopy of the original foreign document, the English or French translation, and the notarized translator’s affidavit. If you miss any of these three components, your application will be deemed incomplete and sent back. 📦
How Much Does it Cost in Canada?
Using a non-certified translator is often cheaper upfront, but you must factor in the mandatory notary fees.
| Expense Type | Estimated Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Notary Public Fee (First Affidavit) | $30 – $70 |
| Notary Fee (Subsequent Documents) | $15 – $30 per extra stamp |
| Non-Certified Translation Fee | $20 – $50 per page |
| Certified Translation (Alternative) | $50 – $100+ per page (No notary needed) |
How Long Does the Process Take?
Getting an affidavit notarized is incredibly fast. Most notary clinics offer walk-in services or same-day appointments, and the actual signing takes less than 10 minutes. However, if your application is returned by IRCC because you forgot the affidavit, it can delay your entire immigration journey by 2 to 4 months while you re-submit. ⏱️
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can my spouse or sibling be the translator?
Absolutely not. IRCC strictly forbids family members from translating documents for immigration applications. Even if your sibling is a certified professional translator, the government considers it a conflict of interest, and the translation will be rejected.
Can an immigration lawyer act as the notary?
Yes. In Canada, all licensed lawyers are automatically Notaries Public or Commissioners of Oaths. If you have hired a law firm to handle your PR application, they can usually notarize your translator’s affidavit in-house for a small fee or as part of their retainer.
What if the translation was done outside of Canada?
If a document is translated overseas, the translator must still sign an affidavit. They must swear the oath before a local official who has the legal authority to administer oaths in that specific country (such as a local notary or a magistrate).
Do I need a notary for a police certificate?
If the police certificate is not in English or French, it follows the exact same translation rules. A certified Canadian translator can simply stamp it, but a non-certified translator must sign a notarized affidavit for it to be accepted by IRCC.
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