Self-translated Birth Certificate Certified by Consulate OK?

[agasik]

I went to my consulate in Montreal for a birth certificate translation, and due to the unknown waiting time for translations, I was advised to translate my birth certificate myself, bring it back to them, and they would verify its accuracy and certify my translation with a seal from the consulate.

I'm assuming I would have:

1. My translation (certified by consulate)
2. My affidavit (certified by consulate)
3. The certified copy of the original (certified by consulate)

Is this an acceptable translation for spousal sponsorship supporting documents? I know self translations are not OK but what if they're certified by the consulate? I tried calling CIC but live agents aren't accepting calls and I'm nervous about submitting a question on the webform and then being flagged for whatever reason!

 

[bian07]

Considering they say in the guide that it can't be translated by yourself and must be done by a professional basically, I wouldn't risk it even if you get it certified

 

[agasik]

Considering they say in the guide that it can't be translated by yourself and must be done by a professional basically, I wouldn't risk it even if you get it certified

Right, which is why I'm feeling unsure! I'm unable to find any Polish certified translators in Montreal either, so it feels like I'm hitting a wall

 

[armoured]

Right, which is why I'm feeling unsure! I'm unable to find any Polish certified translators in Montreal either, so it feels like I'm hitting a wall

Why do you think it needs to be certified by the consulate? Is this a requirement specific to Poland?

As far as I'm aware (but not an expert), translators that have been registered with provincial associations can certify their own translations for most purposes in Canada. There is one for quebec: https://ottiaq.org/en/ , that would know what is the procedure and what the qualification required is (and who is qualified).

Or put differently, google certify polish translation or polish certified translation montreal. Double check of course for yourself what is needed, not making any recommendations.

Also compare to country-specific requirements, i.e. if something more is needed for official Polish government documents, like consular or legal or notary stamp.

 

[agasik]

Why do you think it needs to be certified by the consulate? Is this a requirement specific to Poland?

As far as I'm aware (but not an expert), translators that have been registered with provincial associations can certify their own translations for most purposes in Canada. There is one for quebec: https://ottiaq.org/en/ , that would know what is the procedure and what the qualification required is (and who is qualified).

Or put differently, google certify polish translation or polish certified translation montreal. Double check of course for yourself what is needed, not making any recommendations.

Also compare to country-specific requirements, i.e. if something more is needed for official Polish government documents, like consular or legal or notary stamp.

Thank you so much! I've reached out to the single Polish translator on that website and have my fingers crossed that she is active and will reply! The consulate was just my first choice because I figured it would be the easiest method. Nothing extra needed for Poland, just the certified translation, which I can hopefully get done sooner rather than later.

 

[bian07]

I had to get only my birth certificate translated too, which was really annoying, so I feel ya. I had to contact like 5 different translators because they were either not responding or didn't do that kind of translation anymore. When I finally found one he had it translated and shipped to me within a week! It was a hassle to get it done though.

 

[agasik]

I had to get only my birth certificate translated too, which was really annoying, so I feel ya. I had to contact like 5 different translators because they were either not responding or didn't do that kind of translation anymore. When I finally found one he had it translated and shipped to me within a week! It was a hassle to get it done though.

A hassle indeed! Especially with all the additional layers of complexity that COVID-19 adds! Will be very happy and relieved once everything's wrapped up - this forum is a lifesaver.