What to Check Before Submitting Translated Documents in Canada
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Before translated documents reach Canadian authorities such as IRCC, SINP, or a Saskatchewan licensing office, they pass through an intake review. A small mismatch in certification wording, file format, or document order can trigger a request for resubmission, so treat the translated package as one complete submission rather than a set of separate files.
Confirm the Receiving Authority's Current Instructions
Start with the office that will receive the documents, not with the translator. IRCC, SINP, and Saskatchewan professional bodies may ask for different combinations of original documents, photocopies, certified translations, affidavits, or digital uploads. Check the current webpage or letter tied to your application and note whether the translation must be uploaded as a separate PDF, attached to the original scan, or mailed in a sealed envelope.
Match Translation Pages to the Source Documents
Open the original and translated versions side by side and verify that every page, stamp, signature, seal, and handwritten note has a corresponding translation page. Page order should follow the source document exactly, and the translated file should not combine unrelated documents unless the receiving authority specifically asks for a single package. If a document has two sides, make sure both sides are translated and included.
Review Certification Wording and Translator Details
A certified translation should clearly identify the translator or translation company, state that the translation is accurate and complete, and show the date, signature, and any required certification wording. Confirm that the certification matches what the receiving authority expects, since wording requirements can differ between federal, provincial, and licensing submissions. Translator contact information should be current in case the authority needs to verify the document.
Audit the Submission Package Before Upload or Mail
Compare the translated package against your application checklist. That includes document numbers, dates, places, and spelling as they appear in your application forms, not just the source document. If an authority in Saskatchewan asks for a certified translation, confirm whether the certification page must be separate from any cover letter. Check file names, scanning quality, PDF bookmarks if requested, and delivery method. When everything aligns, the translation is easier to accept and less likely to be returned for correction.
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