Free Affidavit of Translation Template

In Canada, certified translators are members of provincial and territorial organizations. A translator must be fluent in the document’s original language and the target language they’re translating it into. In many situations, the translator doesn’t need to be certified, but they must be:

• Fluent in both languages
• Independent (not the person named in the document being translated)
• Able to swear or affirm the accuracy of the translation before an authorized official

See a list of recognized provincial translation associations from the Canadian Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters Council. To learn more about certified and non-certified translator criteria, see our Guide to the Affidavit of Translation.

The following individuals generally cannot translate documents for immigration, court, or other official government purposes in Canada:

• The applicant
• The applicant’s family members (parents, guardians, siblings, spouses, common-law partners, conjugal partners, grandparents, children, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and first cousins)
• The applicant’s representatives or consultants
• The applicant’s family members are translators, lawyers, or notaries
• Translators in the process of receiving accreditation, but are not yet accredited

Some courts, government agencies, or institutions may require a certified translator or additional credentials. If you can’t find a certified translator and will be submitting documents translated by a non-certified translator, you may need this Affidavit.

You can see whether a translator is certified by checking their seal or stamp for a translator’s membership number. This number should belong to a professional translation association in Canada or abroad. Some authorities accept membership letters or registry listings instead.

Note: Always confirm the specific requirements of the authority requesting the translated document.

You may require an Affidavit of Translation when submitting documents that were originally issued in a language other than English or French. This requirement can vary depending on the receiving authority''s rules.

You might require this Affidavit when submitting translated documents for the following purposes:

• Immigration applications to IRCC (visas, permanent residence, citizenship, and other applications)
• Legal matters (evidence and documents for court cases)
• Business procedures requiring corporate documents, contracts, and agreements
• Academic enrollment (sending documents as part of enrollment applications)
• Government administration (provincial programs, licensing, vital statistics)
• Professional licensing and credential assessment (regulators, certification bodies)
• Financial and banking matters (lenders, estates)
• Insurance claims (supporting documents)
• Estate and succession matters (Wills, death certificates, foreign records)

Note: Many authorities require you to submit the original document, the translated document, and the Affidavit of Translation together.

An Affidavit of Translation typically includes the following details:

• Translator’s information: Full name, address, contact details, and certification details, if applicable.
• Original document details: Description of the original document being translated, including its title, date, and any other identifying information.
• Translated document details: Description of the translated document, specifying the language into which it has been translated.
• Translator’s affirmation: A statement affirming the translator’s competence and understanding of the original and translated language.
• Accuracy of the translation: A declaration that the translation is a true and accurate representation of the original document to the best of the translator’s knowledge.
• Signatures: The translator’s signature, date, and affirmation that the information they’ve provided is true.
• Commissioning: The signature and seal of a notary public or commissioner of oaths to certify the authenticity of the document

Your Affidavit of Translation must be commissioned by an authorized official, like a notary public or commissioner of oaths. This is a necessary step, and without it, your Affidavit isn’t valid.

During commissioning, you swear or affirm that the contents of your document are true before the notary. You’ll also sign your Affidavit, the notary will witness your signature, and they’ll sign it too. Make sure you don’t sign your Affidavit before your notary appointment, as you must sign in the presence of the official.

You can meet with a notary online to have your Affidavit of Translation commissioned in 7 minutes, from anywhere with a Wi-Fi connection.

Who Can Commission an Affidavit of Translation?

Some Canadian authorities may require you to have this Affidavit commissioned by a Canadian-authorized official, even if completed abroad. It’s best to check with the recipient before commissioning.

In Canada

• A notary public
• A commissioner of oaths
• A commissioner for taking affidavits
• A lawyer

Outside Canada

• A notary public, or the equivalent

Don’t let commissioning stand in the way. Our platform is secure, user-friendly, and convenient. You can meet with a notary from your home or office, without commuting to an in-person location.

Book an online notary appointment to have your Affidavit of Translation commissioned in minutes, from anywhere!