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In today's global village, translation is important to get right especially for legal and official documents. You may need sworn translations for immigration, contracts, or producing your academic qualifications, sworn translations ensure your documents are officially validated and provide a true and accurate translation.  

What is a sworn translation?

A sworn translation (also known as certified or notarized translations) is a document translation that is accepted legally for official use. It is a translation prepared by a sworn translator, who is a professional translator who has been authorized by a government or judicial authority.  Once a sworn translator certified the translated document, it guarantees that the translation is a true representation of the original text, which is important in legal matters where exactitude is important.     

When is a sworn translation required?

There are  plentiful circumstances that require sworn translations when dealing with official matters, such as:   

Immigration and Citizenship: When submitting an application for a visa or becoming a permanent resident of the country, candidates are required to provide previously certified personal documents such as, birth certificates, marriage records and academic qualifications for which sworn translations are required. The same can also apply to citizenship applications.    

Legal Processes: Sworn translations are used for processing legal documents in foreign jurisdictions, sworn translations are often required for use in courts. Contracts, court papers, affidavits and other legal documents to ensure accuracy and legality in the jurisdiction and legal proceedings that they are intended for. When contracts are drafted and executed in a different language outside of Canada and require sworn translation, either the translator or the certifying body (either an individual notary or lawyer) are responsible for the accuracy and legality of the documents .       

Business: International business also requires some sworn translations. When businesses open new foreign offices or non-residents are Directors or Shareholders, they need sworn translations of various corporate and business documents including, contracts, financial statements, shareholder agreements and others that are required under foreign laws.  Commonly the requirement for sworn translation goes back to the jurisdictional laws surrounding the intended use of the documents. 

Why is Accuracy Necessary?

Accuracy is the most distinguishing attribute of sworn translations. Unlike normal translations, oath translations must be legally trusted. Even the slightest inaccuracy can lead to significant problems. An inaccurate translation may mean documents will be rejected, legal proceedings will be delayed, or important contracts may be based on misunderstandings.

Sworn translators are trained not only to be fluent in a language, but also in the legal terminology of the developing country, and must make certain the translation has linguistic as well as legal accuracy.

How to Choose a Sworn Translator

To guarantee your sworn translation will be legally acceptable, you will need to choose a qualified sworn translator. Here are some simple steps you can take to choose a qualified sworn translator.

Regulation & standards: Sworn translators are typically recognized in some manner by a national or regional authority.

Use professional tradujiers: Many translation agencies specialize in sworn translations, and are able to connect to accredited translators who specialize in sworn translations.

Ask your legal representative: When in doubt, ask your lawyer or immigration consultant about officially translated documents. A legal professional who sees translated documents frequently can give you direction in making sure that your documents are properly translated.

Conclusion

Sworn translations are essential when you need to handle legal, official, and immigration documents across languages. By making sure your international documents are translated accurately and legally, you avoid any unnecessary delays or complications. By using a certified translator you can be assured that your translations are enforceable in official situations.