Who Can Translate Documents for Immigration Australia?

AustralianTranslationServices translates your documents for immigration to Australia with guaranteed government approval.

The Land Down Under is one of the favourite destinations for students and working professionals all over the world. The fact that the country houses some of the world’s top universities. Additionally, the country’s robust and steadily growing economy helped create a lot of job opportunities, making it a desirable destination for working professionals. 

These are reasons enough to migrate to Australia to restart your career. However, if you are from a non-English-speaking region, you need to translate the necessary documents to get the opportunity to stay in the country. 

That brings us to the question, who can translate documents for immigration Australia? Can you machine translations for the process? We know there are many such questions in your mind, and we aim to answer all of them in this blog.

Why Do You Need to Translate Documents for Immigration in Australia?

If you are migrating from a non-English-speaking place, you need to ensure that the Department of Home Affairs knows your personal, educational, and legal qualifications. Further, the Department of Home Affairs mandates translating documents for immigration applications. 

You can check the Department of Home Affairs website to learn about the requirements in detail and learn why it is necessary to translate your documents from one language to English. Also, a certified translator must translate the document. 

Read on to know who a certified professional is and why you need them to translate your immigration documents.

Who Is Qualified for the Translation of Immigration Documents?

For permanent residents, the Free Translating Service offered by TIS National for the Department of Home Affairs can translate up to 10 documents into English within the first two years of their visa grant date. 

Simply put, you cannot ask a family member, friend, or use any tool to translate your document for immigration in Australia.

How Do You Find a Certified Translator to Translate Your Documents?

It is necessary to find a certified translator to translate your official documents. To ensure you find the right place to hire migration translators, here’s what you need to do: 

A. Find a Trusted Translation Agency

The first step is to find a trusted translation agency. You can hire NAATI-certified professionals from such agencies to translate your document properly. The agencies know the translation requirements. They make sure that the authorities accept the translated migration documents.

B. Check NAATI Certifications of the Translators

You must hire a translator who is authorised to translate the documents. So, when you find a translation agency, go through their team of translators and check if they have the necessary certifications. Check the official NAATI website using their certificate codes before hiring any of them.

C. Check for Timely Delivery

It is essential to check the turnaround time before you share your requirements. We would recommend that you check the reviews to know the turnaround time. You need to make sure that the translations are correct and done right. This will help submit the visa application on time.

Remember, a professional translator doesn’t waste time translating documents into English. Further, they also ensure to share both the original document and the translated document. Check for all these things to avoid rejection and submit an application that gets accepted by the authorities.

Which Documents Need Translation for Australian Immigration?

According to the Department of Home Affairs, all non-English documents must be translated into English when you are applying for a visa. Here’s a list of documents that are officially listed by the authorities: 

• Birth Certificate – This is used to verify your identity and personal details.
• Marriage Certificates – The document is needed if your application has details about your marital status.
• Police Certificates – This is generally required to reflect your good character and for background verification.
• Academic Transcripts and Diplomas – The document is necessary for work and study visas and is used as proof of qualifications.
• Employment Records – You will need to provide this document for a skilled migration visa as proof of your professional experience.
• Medical Reports – This is required at times as part of long-term visa applications.

The type of documents depends on the type of visa you are applying for. You must go through the requirements stated on the website before hiring someone to translate your documents. 

If you check how has immigration contributed to economic diversity in Australia, you will know the reasons you need to get your translations done correctly.

Why Do You Need NAATI-Certified Translation for Immigration Australia?

The authorities not only need translation of official documents into English, but also mandate accurate translations done by a NAATI-certified translator. The reasons you need certified translation for immigration to Australia are: 

A. Legal Requirements

The Australian immigration officials have legal requirements for document accuracy, and only NAATI-certified translators can meet those standards. 

B. Accuracy and Clarity

Certified professionals are well-versed in numerous languages. They also understand the legal and formal terms used in immigration documents. Therefore, the translations they provide are clear and accurate. It helps maintain the original meaning and context of the document, thus preventing confusion and misinterpretation. 

C. Preventing Delays and Rejections

Hiring a professional and certified translator can prevent delays and rejections. The authorities might require more information if the translations are uncertified or inaccurate. 

D. Credibility and Trustworthiness

Certified translations include a statement of accuracy from the translator. It helps get a verified record, thus helping build trust with immigration officials. This also demonstrates your seriousness with the process. 

The professionals maintain all the ethics of translation in migration. However, when you hire a translator, it is necessary to ask for a quote up front before you share your requirements. If the prices are affordable, go for it. We do not recommend that you look for cheaper alternatives outside Australia since these documents are crucial for the immigration process. 

It is wise that you directly talk to a translation service provider for help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use machine translation tools or have a family member to translate my immigration documents?

No, you cannot use machine translation tools or ask a family member to translate your own immigration documents. It is important to recognize the importance of translating these documents accurately and to understand the authorities’ requirement for NAATI-certified translations. You must contact a service provider and hire a translator to translate the documents.

What types of documents need to be translated for an Australian visa application?

All official document that are not in English needs to be translated for an Australian visa application. You must check the requirements shared by the authorities and hire a professional translator who specialises in translating such official documents to translate all the necessary documents.

What happens if I submit untranslated or uncertified translated documents for my visa applications?

If you submit untranslated or uncertified translated documents, it will result in rejection or delays in the application. The authorities need NAATI-certified translation for verification and legal compliance. Not doing so will lead to rejections.

How long does it typically take to get immigration documents translated by a certified translator?

The turnaround time for translating immigration documents by a certified translator depends on the translation agency. You can contact the service providers to do the translations.

What should I do if I am not sure whether my documents are translated correctly?

Contact us for help in case you are not sure about the correct document translation. We will help you get the documents translated correctly and deliver them as soon as they are ready.

Can I submit digital copies of translations for immigration purposes?

Yes, authorities accept digital copies of translations. There are no strict rules to submit hard copies of translated documents for immigration. However, you must ensure that you submit both original and translated documents.