Guide · Certified translations
Do I need an affidavit translated or an affidavit from the translator?
The same word can describe two different assignments. What matters is who makes the declaration and what it concerns.
Reviewed on 27 October 2026
The short answer
An existing affidavit can itself be the document to translate. A translator’s affidavit is an additional declaration concerning the translation. IRCC, for example, refers to an affidavit from the person who translated the record. Establish whether you need document translation, a special declaration or both.
Identify the declaration from the actual wording
Include the complete wording of the requirement with your enquiry. “Translation of an affidavit” and “translation with an affidavit” should not be ordered as the same service.
Record who must sign the declaration and the procedure using it. A reference to the translator indicates a different task from a personal declaration about the underlying events.
Distinguish translation certification from administering an oath
An affidavit involves a sworn declaration before a person authorised for that purpose. The particular recipient determines the acceptable form and authorised issuers.
A translator’s certification should not be labelled an affidavit without checking. An enquiry or estimate does not automatically confirm availability of oath administration or a particular local authority.
Read more: IRCC: definition of affidavit
Prepare the source record and additional format separately
If an existing affidavit needs translating, provide the complete signed version and confirmation pages. Identify it as a draft if signing is planned later.
If a translator’s affidavit is required, supply the corresponding instructions. For Canadian procedures, also read the particular programme guide; general IRCC help is only a starting point.
Read more: IRCC: language of supporting documents
Your next steps
Save the exact wording and intended use.
Identify the person making the declaration and its subject.
Clarify the authorised issuer and required format.
Agree document translation and additional services separately.
More questions
Is every certified translation automatically an affidavit?
No. The declaration and its issuing format must match the recipient’s requirement.
Can I sign the translator’s declaration myself?
Check who must make the required declaration. Your own signature does not automatically replace the translator’s declaration.
What should I send with an enquiry?
Send the actual instructions, the source document and whether a signed affidavit already exists.
Sources and further reading
The receiving organisation’s current instructions matter for your assignment. Send them to us with your documents.
Clarify special requirements first
Send the exact wording. Document translation and a special declaration are clarified separately.
Confirm the issuing route and availability before ordering.