In Canada, translated documents, particularly in circumstances where they are being submitted to public officials for the establishment or settlement of official or legal matters, often require that they be certified by a translator who is duly recognized by a translation licensing body and officially approved for the purpose. In some circumstances, the documentation being certified must bear the official seal of a duly accredited translator. In other instances, documents must be notarized or accompanied by a sworn statement.

In the United States, the requirements are different — at least insofar as any documentation required by US Immigration is concerned. The US Citizenship and Immigration website states that:

"Any foreign language document offered by a party in a proceeding shall be accompanied by an English language translation and a certification signed by the translator that must be printed legibly or typed. Such certification must include a statement that the translator is competent to translate the document, and that the translation is true and accurate to the best of the translator's abilities."

There is no mention of the words "certified translator" "notarization" or "notarized translation" in the US Citizenship and Immigration information. They require a "certification signed by the translator" as opposed to a translation rendered by a certified translator. At CILFO Translations, we can provide you with the requisite certification.

Whatever the nature of the documentation or the language pair involved, we can assist you in determining what the specific nature of your requirements are. We have specific expertise in sourcing the appropriate translator resource, securing applicable certification and/or notarization (if, where and when required), and doing so in a timely, cost-effective manner.

Call us or send us an e-mail to discuss your situation. Full privacy and absolute confidentiality assured.

For a full definition of certified translation see also: What is a certified translation?