OFFICIAL TRANSLATION | GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT CERTIFIED TRANSLATIONS

 

OFFICIAL TRANSLATION | FAQ Certified Document Translation

OFFICIAL TRANSLATION | GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT CERTIFIED TRANSLATIONS

Need an official translation in Canada that meets all government and legal standards? Whether your documents are needed for immigration, education, or court purposes, official translations must be certified to be accepted by authorities. At LingoStar, we specialize in accurate, certified translations tailored to your specific needs. Discover how our certified translation services help you navigate the certification process smoothly and confidently.

Please note: the terms certified, official, certfied/official, and certified & official are used interchangeably in this document. They all refer to translations completed by a certified translator recognized by a professional body in Canada.

WHAT IS A CERTIFIED OR OFFICIAL TRANSLATION IN CANADA?

A certified or official translation in Canada is a translation completed by a certified translator recognized by a professional body. See more on our Certified Translation Services  page.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A CERTIFIED & OFFICIAL TRANSLATION AND A REGULAR TRANSLATION?

A certified & official translation includes the translator’s certification stamp and declaration of accuracy, while a regular translation does not. Learn about this in details in our Translation FAQ.

WHAT DOES A CERTIFIED/OFFICIAL TRANSLATION LOOK LIKE?

A certified translation in Canada includes the translated text, a signed statement by the translator, and an official stamp or seal. 

WHO CAN PROVIDE A CERTIFIED OR OFFICIAL TRANSLATION?

Only accredited translators or recognized translation agencies work with certified translators. LingoStar Language Services Inc. in Vancouver is one of these reputable agencies.

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY TRANSLATION NEEDS TO BE CERTIFIED/OFFICIAL?

If the translation is for legal, immigration, educational, or government purposes, it usually needs to be certified.  Visit our Certified Translation Services FAQ for guidance.

WHEN IS A CERTIFIED/OFFICIAL TRANSLATION REQUIRED IN CANADA?

Certified translations are required for documents submitted to immigration offices, universities, or courts. Check the Certified Translation Services page for more information. 

ARE CERTIFIED/OFFICIAL TRANSLATIONS ACCEPTED INTERNATIONALLY?

They may be accepted, but requirements vary by country. Please check with the relevant embassy.

HOW LONG IS A CERTIFIED/OFFICIAL TRANSLATION VALID FOR?

Certified translations don’t expire, but some institutions may request recent versions.

WHAT TYPE OF OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS DO YOU TRANSLATE?

We translate documents such as birth certificates, marriage licences, diplomas, immigration documents, and legal contracts. See more on document types in our FAQ Document Translation.

WHICH OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS NEED CERTIFICATION?

Documents for immigration, legal, academic, or government purposes typically require certification.

DO YOU TRANSLATE HANDWRITTEN DOCUMENTS?

Yes, if the handwriting is legible.

CAN YOU TRANSLATE MULTI-PAGE OR LARGE DOCUMENTS (e.g., reports, manuals)?

Yes, we handle large or multi-page documents.

CAN YOU TRANSLATE AND CERTIFY LEGAL OR COURT DOCUMENTS?

Yes, we do. Please confirm if notarization is also required, as that must be arranged separately. Learn about notarization options on our Certified Translation Services page. 

CAN YOU TRANSLATE FROM AUDIO OR VIDEO RECORDINGS FOR CERTIFICATION?

Yes, we can transcribe and translate audio or video recordings, for example WhatsApp messages needed for immigration purposes.

DO YOU TRANSLATE WHATSAPP MESSAGES FOR IMMIGRATION?

Yes, if they are required for legal or immigration purposes.

DO I NEED TO BRING MY DOCUMENTS IN PERSON? CAN I DROP OFF MY DOCUMENTS?

No, we accept digital submissions. Please scan your document and upload it directly via our website.

DO I NEED TO BOOK AN APPOINTMENT FOR TRANSLATION SERVICES?

No appointment is needed; just contact us online and we’ll guide you through the process.

DO YOU ACCEPT SCANNED DOCUMENTS OR PHOTOS FROM MY PHONE, AND WHAT FILE FORMATS DO YOU ACCEPT?

Yes, we accept clear scans or photos in PDF, JPG, PNG, and Word files.

HOW WILL I RECEIVE MY TRANSLATION? DIGITALLY, BY MAIL, OR BOTH?

We can deliver certified translations by email (PDF) and hard copy by mail upon request.

DO YOU SHIP CERTIFIED/OFFICIAL TRANSLATIONS?

Yes, we can ship printed certified translations to your address.

CAN I PICK UP MY CERTIFIED/OFFICAL TRANSLATION IN PERSON?

No, our services are fully remote.

HOW LONG DOES A CERTIFIED/OFFICIAL TRANSLATION TAKE?

Standard turnaround is 3-5 business days for up to 5 pages, or 2-4 business days for mailing. For 6 to 10 pages, it may take an additional 5-7 business days.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO TRANSLATE AN OFFICIAL DOCUMENT?

It depends on the document, but most are completed within 3-7 business days, depending on length and complexity.

DO YOU OFFER SAME-DAY OR RUSH CERTIFIED/OFFICIAL TRANSLATIONS?

Yes, rush services are available within 1-2 business days plus mailing time, depending on the document.

IS THERE AN EXTRA FEE FOR URGENT OR WEEKEND SERVICE?

Yes, a 30% rush fee applies.

CAN I GET THE CERTIFIED TRANSLATION DONE TODAY?

We can complete the translation in 1-2 business days, plus mailing time.

I HAVE A DOCUMENT FOR IMMIGRATION; CAN I GET IT TRANSLATED?

Yes, we specialize in certified translations for immigration documents.

I'M APPLYING FOR CANADIAN CITIZENSHIP AND NEED MY DOCUMENTS TRANSLATED. HOW DO I GO ABOUT IT?

Send us a scan or photo of your documents. We’ll review and provide a quote and turnaround time.

I'M APPLYING FOR PERMANENT RESIDENCY AND NEED MY BIRTH CERTIFICATE TRANSLATED. DO YOU DO OFFICIAL TRANSLATIONS?

Yes, we provide official translations for PR applications, including birth certificates.

I NEED A PERSONAL DOCUMENT TRANSLATION FOR MY PERMANENT RESIDENCY OR CITIZENSHIP APPLICATION WITH IMMIGRATION CANADA. DO YOU TRANSLATE PERSONAL DOCUMENTS?

Absolutely. We translate all types of personal documents for immigration and legal use.

I NEED MY MARRIAGE LICENCE TRANSLATION FOR THE COURTS; HOW CAN I GET AN OFFICIAL TRANSLATION?

Send us a clear copy of the document. We’ll provide a certified translation accepted by the courts.

I NEED A TRANSCRIPT OF MY DIPLOMA; CAN I GET A CERTIFIED TRANSLATION?

Yes, we offer certified translations for academic documents like transcripts and diplomas.

GET AN OFFICIAL TRANSLATION | CONCLUSION
Getting an official translation in Canada doesn’t have to be complicated. At LingoStar, we deliver accurate, reliable, and timely official translations that meet the requirements of Canadian institutions and beyond. Whether you’re applying for immigration, citizenship, or need documents for legal or academic use, our certified translation services are here to support you.

If you have more questions or need help with a specific document, don’t hesitate to visit our FAQ or reach out. We’re happy to assist you every step of the way.

Ready to get started? Request your free quote today!

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