If you’re submitting documents for immigration, education, or legal purposes in Canada, you’ll likely need a certified translation. In Quebec, this process has specific requirements. Certified translations must be completed by professionals accredited by OTTIAQ, the province’s official regulatory body.
In this guide, we explain how to certify a translation in Quebec, which documents require it, and why choosing an OTTIAQ-certified translator ensures your documents are accurate, compliant, and accepted by the right authorities.
What Is a Certified Translation in Canada?
A certified translation is an official translation of an original document that is accompanied by a certificate of accuracy. In Canada, this type of legal translation is often required for immigration applications, visa submissions, court proceedings, and other government applications.
In Canada, documents that commonly require a certified translation include:
- Birth certificates
- Marriage certificates
- Divorce certificates
- Death certificates
- Driver’s licences (and letters proving driving experience)
- Academic transcripts and diplomas
- Passports
- Immigration documents (e.g., visas, work permits, permanent resident cards)
- Supporting paperwork for Canadian citizenship and refugee claims
- Legal documents (e.g., court orders, affidavits, powers of attorney)
- Employment records (e.g., reference letters, pay stubs)
- Medical records (in certain cases, such as insurance claims or immigration)
- Financial documents (e.g., bank statements, tax records for sponsorships or applications)
At SM‑Global, we deliver certified translations that meet the strict requirements of Canadian immigration authorities, provincial programs, and federal institutions. Our OTTIAQ-certified translators ensure accuracy, legal compliance, and fast turnaround so your immigration, citizenship, or government application process goes smoothly.
What Does a Certified Translation Include?
- A complete, word-for-word translation of the entire original document, including text, seals, stamps, signatures, and handwritten notes.
- A signed certification statement, often on the translator’s or agency’s official letterhead, attesting to the accuracy and completeness of the translation.
- The translator’s credentials, which usually include:
- Optional: Notarization or affidavit, especially if:
- The translator is not certified and is submitting a sworn affidavit of accuracy.
- The translation is intended for international use, or for agencies like:
- The translator is not certified and is submitting a sworn affidavit of accuracy.
Certification in Quebec: What Is OTTIAQ?
OTTIAQ (Ordre des traducteurs, terminologues et interprètes agréés du Québec) is the official regulatory body for certified translators, terminologists, and interpreters in Quebec. As a recognized certifying body, OTTIAQ ensures that its members meet strict certification requirements, including formal education, proven skills, and successful completion of a credentialing exam or professional equivalency review.
If you’re submitting documents for immigration, education, or business in Quebec, working with an OTTIAQ member ensures your translation is accurate, legally valid, and professionally recognized.
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The Process to Get a Translation Certified in Quebec: A Step-by-Step Guide
Certifying a translation in Quebec involves a detailed, step-by-step approach designed to ensure the authenticity, accuracy, and legal credibility of your legal documents.
Step 1: Choose a Certified Translator
The first step is selecting a professional translator who holds valid credentials with a recognized certifying body. In Quebec, this means working with a translator certified by OTTIAQ. You can confirm a translator’s certification status using the directory of language professionals provided by the relevant provincial association.
Step 2: Submit Your Documents
Provide the original document or a certified photocopy to the translator. All seals and stamps, signatures, and marginal notes must be visible and translated. For document delivery, many certified translation services accept scan uploads or FedEx courier options for physical records, followed by digital PDF delivery.
Step 3: Translation & Certification
The translator then performs a word-for-word translation, adhering to strict quality assurance standards and industry expertise. The final document includes:
- A signed certificate of accuracy, often on the translation agency’s or translation company’s letterhead
- The translator’s credentials and certification level
- The required seals and stamps to verify legal validity
If the translation is for international use, a notarized translation may be required. This can be arranged through a notary public, commissioner of oaths, or even virtual notary services when allowed.
Step 4: Receive the Certified Translation
Upon completion, your certified translation is attached to the original document or certified photocopy, forming a legally recognized bundle. Clients often receive both a digital PDF version and a printed copy, depending on the document’s final use. At SM-Global, we deliver professional-grade translations backed by a proven track record of customer satisfaction.
How Long Does It Take to Certify a Translation in Canada?
The turnaround time for a certified translation in Canada typically ranges from 1 to 5 business days, depending on several factors such as the document type, language pair (e.g., English–French), and length or complexity of the content.
Common documents like driver’s licences, legal paperwork, or Canada Revenue Agency forms are often completed within 24 to 48 hours, especially when handled by experienced translators or reputable translation agencies.
Factors That Can Affect Delivery Time
- Document complexity (technical, legal, or handwritten content may take longer)
- Target institution or purpose (e.g., IRCC or Canadian embassies may have strict requirements)
- Additional services required, such as:
- Notarized translation
- Apostille or authentication
- Sworn affidavit of accuracy
- Internal review or quality control processes by the translator or agency
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Special Requirements and Considerations for Certified Translation in Quebec
Who Can Certify a Translation?
In Quebec, only certified translators who are members in good standing of the Ordre des traducteurs, terminologues et interprètes agréés du Québec (OTTIAQ) are legally authorized to certify translations. These professionals follow standardized procedures to ensure that translations meet the official requirements of Canadian authorities, including Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), provincial ministries, and visa application centres.
Who Cannot Certify a Translation?
To preserve the legal integrity and impartiality of certified translations:
- The applicant, their relatives, or their legal representatives are not permitted to certify translations, regardless of language fluency.
- Machine translations (e.g., Google Translate), or post-edited automated translations, do not meet certification standards and are never accepted for official purposes.
Can a Translation Be Certified in Both English and French?
Yes! In Quebec, where French is the official provincial language, translations can and often must be certified in both English and French. This is especially common when submitting documents to:
- Quebec government agencies
- Federal institutions such as the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
- IRCC or other immigration authorities
Providing both language versions can help ensure bilingual compliance and avoid processing delays.
When Is Notarization Required?
While a certified translation by a recognized professional is usually sufficient for use within Canada, some authorities may request an added level of authentication. This may involve a notarized certification, which includes a sworn statement signed in the presence of a notary public or commissioner of oaths.
Notarization is typically required when translations are submitted to:
- Foreign embassies or consular missions in Canada
- International universities, licensing boards, or credential assessment agencies
- Multinational business, legal, or financial institutions
- Foreign government agencies or immigration offices
Apostille and International Use
As of January 2024, Canada is a signatory to the Hague Apostille Convention, which simplifies the legalization of documents for use in other member countries. If your certified translation is being submitted to a Hague Convention country, you may now request an apostille certificate from designated Canadian authorities (such as Global Affairs Canada or provincial authentication offices), rather than undergoing complex consular legalization procedures.
This applies to:
- Educational documents
- Legal or notarial documents
- Civil documents (e.g., birth or marriage certificates)
- Certified translations of any of the above
Use Outside of Quebec or Canada
If your certified translation will be used outside of Canada, be aware that additional validation steps may be required, depending on the destination country’s regulations. This could include:
- A notarized affidavit of accuracy
- Apostille authentication
- Submission to a recognized translation authority in the receiving country
Always check with the receiving institution or foreign consulate to ensure your translation meets their specific legal or administrative requirements.
Official Translations for Legal and Government Use
What’s the Cost of a Certified Translation in Quebec?
The cost of a certified translation in Quebec generally ranges from $60 to $150 per page, depending on the language pair, document type, and urgency. This pricing reflects the expertise of certified professionals who follow strict quality and legal standards. Certified translations are commonly required for immigration (IRCC), legal documents, academic transcripts, and government submissions, where accuracy and official recognition are essential.
At SM‑Global, we offer clear, competitive pricing along with exceptional service. Clients benefit from professional-quality translations, digital PDF delivery, and fast turnaround options. All our translations comply with Canadian and international requirements, ensuring they are accepted by authorities across Canada and abroad. Our team is committed to delivering reliable results with the support and transparency you can trust.
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SM-Global: Language Services and Event Solutions
At SM‑Global, we provide comprehensive language and audiovisual solutions tailored to meet the highest standards across Canada. Our services include certified translations, simultaneous interpretation, and multilingual support for events, all delivered by qualified professionals with deep expertise in their fields. Every project is handled with precision to ensure full compliance with Canadian regulations.
Whether you’re submitting immigration documents, hosting a bilingual corporate event, or navigating complex legal procedures, SM‑Global ensures clear, accurate, and culturally sensitive communication at every step. We don’t just translate words, we help you connect with audiences, institutions, and communities with confidence and credibility!