Translation of documents and certification of copies

[Jackie_and_Alex]

Hello,

I am a naturalized Canadian citizen (born in Serbia) and my wife is Brazilian. We are in the process of applying for her permanent residence status in Canada.

I've read a few forum posts and some pages from the cic site about translating documents and I understand that relatives cannot do translations. So is it sufficient if the translator is a friend and we get the translated document notarized? It might be worthwhile to just get it translated by a professional and not worry.

The other question I have is do the photocopies of the original document need to be certified? Do ALL photocopied documents need to be certified copies?

Thanks very much,
- Alex

 

[ashpash22]

Hello,

I am a naturalized Canadian citizen (born in Serbia) and my wife is Brazilian. We are in the process of applying for her permanent residence status in Canada.

I've read a few forum posts and some pages from the cic site about translating documents and I understand that relatives cannot do translations. So is it sufficient if the translator is a friend and we get the translated document notarized? It might be worthwhile to just get it translated by a professional and not worry.

The other question I have is do the photocopies of the original document need to be certified? Do ALL photocopied documents need to be certified copies?

Thanks very much,
- Alex

I'm not sure about the rules on who can translate but I'd suggest getting it done by a proper translator and save yourself the potential problems. Also, any document not in English or French needs a certified copy, but other than that a photocopy is fine.

 

[Jackie_and_Alex]

Thanks! What about the Brazilian passport, does that have to be translated too? Seems a little odd, but it is in a different language...

 

[Sous02]

Thanks! What about the Brazilian passport, does that have to be translated too? Seems a little odd, but it is in a different language...

There is a difference between certified and notarized. All required documents need to be translated by a translator with official standing. They certify that it is a true translation. Any photocopy of the required documents must be notarized as a true copy of the original. You will notarize first and then take it for certification. People get confused when many official translators are also notary public. (not all). Check the passport as many have English on them as well as the native language. If not it is only the bio page and I would not take the chance so I would translate and certify.