A13.5 Translations

1. Applicants must provide a certified translation for any documents not written in English.
2. Translations must:
   1. not be made by an applicant's family member or a person with an interest in the outcome of the application, or an immigration adviser assisting with the application; and
   2. be certified as a correct translation made by a person familiar with both languages and competent in translation work; and
   3. be prepared and certified by a recognised private or official translation service; and
   4. be on the official letterhead of the translation service, and
   5. bear the stamp or signature of the translator, and
   6. bear the full name of the translator, and
   7. be accompanied by the original documents or certified copies; and
   8. be paid for by the applicant.
3. Translations may be prepared by:
   1. the Translation Service of the Department of Internal Affairs, or
   2. language departments of secondary schools or universities, or
   3. reputable people within the community who are known to translate documents accurately, with the exception of those listed in A13.5(b)(i) or
   4. embassies (if the translation is endorsed with the appropriate embassy seal), or
   5. any other recognised private or official translation service.
4. Officers may:
   1. request a translation of the complete document where the translation is of a selected part(s) of the document, and
   2. request a translation by a different (specified) translation service where they are not satisfied by the initial translation.

Note: If a translation by a different (specified) translation service is requested the reason(s) behind the request must be clearly documented and conveyed to the applicant by INZ.

Effective 28/07/2008