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Document Translation Requirements in Canada

Official bodies in Canada generally require a certified translation of foreign-language documents, and many documents also need an apostille or legalization before they are translated. Below: who can translate, when an apostille is needed, and where the official rules are published.

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Canada requirements at a glance

Translation standardCertified translation
Who can translateTranslator certified by a provincial or territorial professional association
ApostilleNo (unless the document will be used outside Canada)
Accepted languagesEnglish or French
Responsible authorityGlobal Affairs Canada / Provincial authorities (for apostilles issued in Canada)
Important: Canada is a federal country. Translation requirements are governed federally (e.g., IRCC), but translator certification is regulated at provincial and territorial level.

Who can translate documents for use in Canada?

Translations submitted to Canadian immigration authorities (IRCC) must be completed by a certified translator. Within Canada, this means a translator who is a member in good standing of a recognised provincial or territorial translation association. If the translation is completed outside Canada, the translator must be officially recognised in that country.

What makes a translation official in Canada?

A certified translation must include:
  • The translator’s stamp or seal
  • The translator’s membership number (if applicable)
  • A declaration confirming the translation is accurate and complete
  • The translator’s signature and date
    • If a certified translator is not available, the translation must be accompanied by an affidavit sworn before a notary public or commissioner of oaths, confirming that the translation is accurate.

    Restrictions

    The applicant, their family members, or their representative cannot translate the documents. This includes parents, siblings, spouses, partners, grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, or guardians.

    How does Canada treat documents from abroad?

    Documents not issued in English or French must be translated into one of Canada’s official languages. If Canadian-issued documents are intended for use abroad, they may require an apostille under the Hague Convention, issued by the relevant Canadian authority.

    Legal basis

    Immigration translation requirements are administered by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Translator certification is regulated at provincial and territorial level by recognised professional bodies.

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    Submitting foreign documents in Canada?

    Authorities in Canada accept certified English translations with a signed Certificate of Accuracy. We translate from 60+ languages with delivery in 24–48 hours.

    Browse languages we translate See document types we certify

    Sending U.S. documents to Canada?

    U.S.-issued documents usually need an apostille before they can be used in Canada — and the apostille should be obtained before the translation, so the certificate itself gets translated too. We offer e-apostille processing as an add-on to any order.

    How apostilles work Order translation with e-apostille

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    The document types we certify most often — each with its own pricing and requirements page.

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    Canada translation requirements — FAQ

    What type of translation does Canada require?

    Canada follows the certified translation standard for official documents. Translations should be completed by: translator certified by a provincial or territorial professional association.

    Is an apostille required for foreign documents in Canada?

    No (unless the document will be used outside Canada)

    What languages do Canadian authorities accept?

    Official authorities in Canada accept documents in: English or French. Documents in any other language need a certified translation before submission.

    Can CertTranslate help with documents for Canada?

    Yes. We provide certified translations into English with a signed Certificate of Accuracy — the format accepted by immigration authorities, universities, and credential evaluators in Canada.

    Requirements in related countries

    Neighbors and countries with a similar translation standard.

    ArgentinaBrazilColombiaMexicoPanamaUnited StatesView all countries on the map

    Sources

    Information verified against official sources. Last verified June 2026.

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