Notarization of Translations

Notarization of a translation is a mandatory procedure that confirms the legal validity of translated documents for use in Canada. It guarantees that the English language version corresponds to the original, and that the translator’s signature is officially certified by a notary. Such a document is accepted by government agencies, educational institutions, and other institutions in the country.

What is notarization of a translation?

Notarization of a translation for Canada is a legal action that gives the English text official status. This copy is then used for a variety of purposes.

The notary certifies the translator’s signature after checking her or his qualifications. The translator must be present during the notary’s work and also sign the document to confirm the authenticity of the English version.

It is this legal certification procedure that makes the copy valid and effective for use in Canada.

Unlike most countries, Canada does not fully use the apostille system, so legal certification is the guarantee of the authenticity of the English version. Thanks to this, copies are recognized by government agencies, educational and professional institutions without additional procedures.

On January 11, 2024, the Apostille Convention came into force in Canada. It applies to documents issued in the country. Now it is possible to certify official documents with a standard certificate. This eliminates the need to re-certify documents in another country that is also a party to the Apostille Convention.

However, there have been no changes in the legal recognition of documents from Ukraine. Separate certification by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine is not currently required.

In which cases is a notarized translation required for Canada?

A notarized translation for Canada is required if official confirmation of authenticity is needed. Among the most common cases where this is necessary are the following:

• Immigration under most programs;
• study at colleges and universities;
• retraining and licensing based on Ukrainian education;
• official submissions to the Government of Canada that require legal confirmation.

The visa application process does not usually require a notarized translation from Ukrainian in English, but if a person’s future plans involve permanent residence, it is better to have it certified.

What documents are most often certified?

Notarized translations into English are primarily required for:

• Birth, marriage, and divorce certificates.
• Educational certificates, diplomas, and their appendices.
• Identity cards and passports.
• Certificates of no criminal record (convictions, traffic violations, etc.).
• Other documents, depending on the individual situation (bank statements, sale and purchase agreements, acts, etc.).

The complete list of required documents is determined individually and depends on the purpose of the trip.

The process of notarizing documents for Canada

The procedure for notarizing documents is simple and straightforward:

1. Obtaining high-quality scanned color copies.
2. Translation into English.
3. Confirmation of the authenticity of the English text by the translator’s signature and confirmation of the validity of the signature by a notary.
4. Scanning and sending the finished certified translation by email – this document is fully legally valid for use.
5. Sending the finished versions on paper – if necessary.

Order notarized certification of documents at MV Group

Notarized translation of documents has been a specialty of MV Group translators for over 16 years.

Quick confirmation of signatures by notaries with whom our team cooperates allows us to complete the work in the shortest possible time.

MV Group translators undergo a rigorous selection process and continuously improve their qualifications to meet high standards of work.

Compliance with the requirements of the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is a priority for MV Group.