In highly multicultural countries such as Canada and many others, thousands of immigrants arrive in the country each year, bringing foreign qualifications and other documents for accreditation in their adopted home. Immigrants arriving in new countries, particularly those who are considered foreign-trained professionals, often require the translation of credentials obtained in their countries of origin.
Why Official Document Translation
The translation of official documents requires precision in both the actual words translated, as well as duplication, as much as possible, of the source documents format. Official document translation are generally required by entities which rely on these translations to make serious decisions, such as recognition of foreign academic transcripts, applications to immigrate to Canada, and employment applications, to name a few. Those responsible for reviewing these translations will be looking for accuracy and a “mirror image” in terms of formatting the translation.
Types of Official Documents
- primary and secondary school academic transcripts
- secondary school diplomas
- university academic transcripts
- university diplomas
- birth certificates
- foreign driver’s license
- death certificates
- marriage certificates
- police clearance certificates
- divorce certificates
- passports
- affidavits (for marriage in a foreign country, for example)
- curriculum vitae/resumes
- medical records
- student cards
- national identity cards
Sources of Official Document Translation Work
1. Multicultural Councils – Most large or even medium-sized urban centers have established a centralized service for new immigrants. Most, if not all, maintain a roster of qualified translators and interpreters that provide language services for new immigrants.
2. University and Colleges - Although most academic institutions require transcripts and credentials to be translated for assessment prior to an applicant’s acceptance into an academic program, there may be academic documentation that is requires translation at a later date.
In addition, many foreign students will need assistance in having their curriculum vitae translated into the language of their new country, if they intend on obtaining work there.
3. Ethnic Community Groups and Associations – These informal and formal groups are often the first source of information for newcomers, which often includes information regarding language learning and translation.
4. Immigration/Refugee authorities and other related government entities – Many government agencies maintain translator and interpreter to assist them in providing services to the country’s newcomer.
5. Accrediting Bodies – Non-profit and for –profit institutions that evaluate foreign qualifications often require translation prior to moving forward in the accreditation process.
Certified Translation vs. Certified Translator
It is important to note that as this type of translation is typically used for official government requirement as well as job applications, certification by the translator is generally required. Guidelines with respect to the wording of the certification document should be obtained from the body requiring the translation. A certified translator is an individual who has received certification through a recognized translation body. A certified translation is a translation which is accompanied by the translator's certificate of accuracy, whether or not the translator is certified. A translator’s certificate verifies the accuracy of the translation, not the contents of the source document. It is signed before a notary public if the translator in question is not certified; certified translators have their own stamp. Some translations require certification specifically by translators who are certified by the Association of Translators and Interpreters of Ontario (ATIO).
Author's Bio:
Suzanne Deliscar is a Canadian lawyer-linguist who translates in the French-English and Spanish-English language pairs. She focuses on legal and official document translation. Ms. Deliscar was called to the Bar of the Province of Ontario in 2004. She can be reached via her website at www.treasurestranslations.ca
