When applying for a visa, there are a number of documents that need to be submitted to establish your identity, education, employment, finances, personal circumstances or family ties. If these documents are not prepared in the language in which a visa is sought, applicants may have to present the translated documents. Understanding the translation requirements before submitting an application can help avoid unnecessary delays.
Applicants should review the translation requirements for a UK visa before arranging translations for supporting documents. Depending on the application and the document being submitted, the relevant UK authority may require specific certification details, a complete translation, or particular information from the translator. Checking the current guidance in advance helps applicants understand what is expected and reduces the risk of submitting documents that need to be replaced or corrected later.
Check the Visa Authority’s Requirements
Not all translations are the same and do not apply to all visas or countries. Documents in certain languages are accepted by some authorities, others include a requirement to have a document translated into an official language of the application process. Applicants should thoroughly make sure of directions given by the relevant embassy, consulate or immigration authority before arranging a translation. The requirements might specify if the translation is to be certified and who can certify it.
Determine which documents need to be translated
Not all of the documents must be translated. Depending on the visa type, applicants may require certificates from the birth, marriage, educational, banking, employment and police documents and/or legal documents to be translated. Only documents that are specifically requested by the relevant authority will be prepared for submission.
Have the translation done by a Qualified Translator
If certification is needed, the translator might need to fulfil certain professional requirements. A few immigration authorities specify that translation has to be done by a certified or certified translator and accompanied by a statement of certification. It is not sufficient for applicants to request a translation from a friend, family member or someone who is bilingual to have it accepted.
Make Sure the Translation Is Complete
A visa document translation should accurately reflect the original document. Important information such as names, dates, identification numbers, addresses and stamps should be carefully reproduced, along with any signatures. The translator should not provide personal explanations, or omit information that they consider unimportant. When a section is dubious or illegible, it should be treated as if it has been translated and should not be guessed.
Give names and dates for events.
Names and dates are especially sensitive since they may need to be matched to information found in a number of documents. Spelling or date formatting variations can confuse when documents are verified. Before application, applicants need to confirm that the document has been translated correctly with the document in their passport and other supporting documents.
Know about Certification and Notarisation
Certification and notarisation are not necessarily the same thing. The basic difference between notarisation and a certified translation is that a notary confirms a specific signature or some condition, whereas a certified translation is a declaration that the translation is accurate and complete. The decision of whether either is needed will depend on the nature of the visa authority and the visa application.
Make sure to retain copies of everything.
Applicants are requested to retain their original documents, translations of documents and the translation certificates with them. Digital copies may also come in handy if further documentation is required at a later stage. Having a well-structured file helps them to understand what they are looking for when they request more information.
Check Before Submission
Please ensure that the visa application is made after a final check on translation requirements. Establish the language(s), the method of certification, the translator’s requirements and whether the original document is required to accompany the translation
