Documents written in a language other than English or French often need a translation before they can be used in Canada, whether for an immigration application, a school, an employer or a court file. When the translator is not a certified member of a provincial or territorial translators’ association, the translation usually has to come with an affidavit of translation: a sworn statement in which the translator confirms that they are fluent in both languages and that the translation is accurate and complete.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), for example, states in its application guides that when this affidavit is made in Canada, it must be sworn before a notary public, a commissioner of oaths or a commissioner for taking affidavits. At Crown Seal Notary, we confirm the translator’s identity, administer the oath or affirmation, and commission the affidavit with our signature and seal.
Please note: Crown Seal Notary is an independent notary public and commissioner of oaths, not a government agency. We do not translate documents or check the accuracy of a translation; the translator swears to its accuracy. We do not prepare, submit or process any application.
WHAT A TRANSLATION PACKAGE USUALLY CONTAINS
- A copy of the original document: or a certified true copy, if the receiving organization asks for one.
- The English or French translation: a complete translation of the whole document, including stamps, seals and handwritten notes.
- The translator’s affidavit: the translator’s name, the languages involved, a statement of fluency, and a statement that the attached translation is accurate.
- Exhibit stamps: the copy of the original and the translation are usually marked as exhibits and attached to the affidavit.
WHO CAN, AND CANNOT, BE THE TRANSLATOR
Because the translator is the person swearing the affidavit, the translator, not the document owner, must attend the appointment. IRCC’s guides also say translations must not be done by the applicants themselves or by members of their family, which IRCC defines to include parents, guardians, siblings, spouses, common-law and conjugal partners, grandparents, children, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and first cousins.
Schools, employers, courts and foreign authorities may have their own rules, so always follow the instructions from the organization that will receive your documents.
CHECKLIST BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT
- The translator attends: The person who did the translation must be present to swear or affirm the affidavit.
- Valid photo ID: The translator brings unexpired government-issued photo ID.
- Complete paperwork: Bring the copy of the original, the finished translation and the prepared affidavit, with the affidavit left unsigned.
- The receiving organization’s instructions: Bring the checklist or guide that asked for the translation so everything matches its requirements.
- Number of documents: Let us know how many documents and pages you have when booking so we can plan enough time.
NEED A TRANSLATOR’S AFFIDAVIT COMMISSIONED IN HAMILTON?
Keep your file moving without delays. Crown Seal Notary offers in-office appointments 7 days a week at 21 King St West (5th Floor), and mobile visits across the Greater Hamilton Area. Online commissioning is also available for affidavits when the receiving organization accepts it.
Click Here to Schedule Your Appointment Online
Pre-Appointment Reminder: The translator should not sign the affidavit before the appointment. It must be signed in front of the notary or commissioner after the oath or affirmation is taken.
ADDITIONAL INQUIRIES & QUESTIONS
Have questions about translator affidavits, exhibit stamps, or translations with many pages? Send us a message below and our team will get back to you promptly.
