Translating a notarized document

[ahm2307]

Hi everyone,

I'm just going through my CEC application right now and I need to get my birth certificate translated. Problem is, I don't have the original. However, my mom said she can get that original notarized, and then she can scan it to me. From there, I can translate that notarized copy and then I can submit both it and the translation of it to the visa office.

My concern is this: If you notarize an photocopy of an document, can you photocopy that notarized document? Will the notarization still be valid or do I need to notarize that photocopy as well (notarizing a photocopied notarized document...so to speak)?

I hope that wasn't too confusing!

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[jes_ON]

The translator has to provide an affidavit that the translation was done from the original document. So, no, a scan won't do. (Although it might suffice to get the translator started working while you wait to receive the original).

If your mom doesn't want to part with the one and only original document, see if she can get an official duplicate from the issuing authority...

 

[ahm2307]

Thanks jes.

I decided with her that she should send it over for the translation.

However, I had a question...how should I go about obtaining a cerified true copy of that original birth certificate here in Canada? Do notaries certify foreign language documents? If so, how do they ascertain its authenticity?

 

[jes_ON]

However, I had a question...how should I go about obtaining a cerified true copy of that original birth certificate here in Canada? Do notaries certify foreign language documents? If so, how do they ascertain its authenticity?

The instruction guide provides information on how to get a certified copy. Yes, notaries can provide a certified copy (they don't certify the authenticity of the document, only that the photocopy is a true copy of the original document you provided. They can attest to that because, usually, they make the photocopy themselves. Otherwise, they carefully compare the photocopy to the original to make sure there are no differences).

If you use a certified translator, they can likely provide the certified copy of the foreign language document. Just be sure to ask when requesting the translation.

 

[ahm2307]

Thanks again.

I will talk to my translator tomorrow to see what her suggestion is. She is nearly impossible to reach (other than by driving to her office), so I wanted to check here first.