A13.5 Translations

1. Applicants must provide a certified translation for all documents not written in English which are provided in support of an application for a residence class visa.
2. Applicants must provide a certified translation for all police certificates and medical certificates not written in English which are provided in support of an application for a temporary entry class visa despite (d) below.
3. If requested by an immigration officer, applicants must provide a certified translation for any other documents not written in English and provided in support of an application for a temporary entry class visa.
4. Immigration officers may translate documents provided in support of temporary applications (other than police and medical certificates as per (b) above) where they have the appropriate language skills.
5. Translations must:
   1. not be prepared by an applicant, any member of their family or an immigration adviser assisting with the application; and
   2. be accompanied by the original documents or certified copies, unless legible copies are acceptable under A13.1; and
   3. be paid for by the applicant; and
   4. be certified as a correct translation made by a person familiar with both languages and competent in translation work; and
   5. bear the stamp or signature of the translator or translation business; and
   6. if applicable, be on the official letterhead of the translation business.
6. Translations may be prepared by:
   1. the Translation Service of the Department of Internal Affairs, or
   2. reputable people within the community who are known to translate documents accurately, with the exception of those listed in A13.5(e)(i) or
   3. embassies or high commissions (if the translation is endorsed with the appropriate embassy or high commission seal), or
   4. any other private or official translation business.
7. An immigration officer may request a translation:
   1. of the complete document where the translation is of a selected part(s) of the document, and/or
   2. by a different (specified) translation service where they are not satisfied by the initial translation.
8. Where uncertified copies of original documents have been provided with translations, an immigration officer may request to see the original documents before making a decision on the application.
9. Despite (a) above, unless requested by the immigration officer, certified translations are not required where the applicant is applying for a permanent resident visa under the Afghan Emergency Resettlement Category (see S4.35).

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 05/10/2021