Do you urgently need a translator with all the licenses and certifications for government agencies? Our article is specifically for you. We will give a detailed analysis of this service and tell you how to distinguish it from regular translations.
Official translation is a particular service of the translation of a document that has been certified by a translator or agency. They are responsible for the correctness, completeness, and accuracy of the finished text, making the file a legal document. This type of sample is often required by government agencies, educational institutions, courts, and immigration services.
Differences Between Official Translation and Regular Ones
A signature, seal, or date distinguishes such a translation. Below, we have collected the TOP key features to help you determine which file you received. Certified translation has the following features:
- It contains an official certificate from the translator certifying that the original text is free of edits and distortions of the essence.
- Use of exclusively professional translators with confirmed relevant qualifications. For example, ATA membership (USA) or accreditation in other countries is a good indicator.
- May contain notarization. It maximally enhances the legal force of the document. However, not all government agencies ask for a notary seal, so you can clarify this point in advance to avoid overpaying.
As you can see, this is not just a translation of the text into another language. This official document gives you the right to communicate and submit it to important organizations, such as government institutions.
Who Will Benefit from the Official Translation
A certified document is required when you present it to official bodies or organizations. It is proof of its authenticity and compliance with the original. Among the situations when official translation will benefit you are:
- Immigration services—for example, these can be USCIS (USA), IRCC (Canada), or UKVI (Great Britain). Representatives require only certified translations. Companies such as Rapid Translate guarantee that IRCC will accept their documents with a 100% guarantee. That is why it is worth contacting proven companies with experience.
- Universities and accreditation bodies request such a document upon admission or proof of qualifications abroad.
- Courts need a document when registering an inheritance, divorce, and other transactions.
- Financial institutions request official translations for statements, contracts, and certificates.
Such a service is needed if you submit a document to serious authorities.
Pros of Official Translation and Features of the Process
You will have a lot of advantages. Among them are the following:
- Confidence.
- Legal force.
- No refusals.
An unconfirmed translation may be rejected, leading to delays and unnecessary additional costs.
Main features of the official translation process:
- Guarantee of accuracy and completeness. The specialist assumes legal responsibility. He certifies that the translation exactly follows the original.
- Translator qualifications. You will learn different standards in individual countries: in the USA, ATA membership is required, in Canada, CTTIC membership is essential, and in other countries, a notary certification or state accreditation is required.
- Notarization. The service is optional. The authority may require confirmation of the translator's identity. The notary certifies the performer's signature, but not his text.
- Language coverage. Large agencies like Rapid Translate work with more than 60 different languages. It expands their capabilities.
- Order conditions. The price varies around $27.99 per page (up to 250 words). Accelerated options are available for an additional fee.
You should first learn about the agency and then draw conclusions about its competence. Pay attention to a too-low price, which indicates that the agency is suspicious.
Where to Look for an Official Translation
You have several options:
- Trust a freelancer. There are many risks because there is little information in the reviews.
- Contact an agency. Often, they offer a range of services: certification, different languages, and notarization.
- It is nice to know that the service was available online. You upload a scan or photo, specify the language, and provide the delivery method.
Reasons for cooperating with large agencies such as Rapid Translate:
- 100% guarantee of acceptance of documents in critical USCIS and IRCC bodies.
- Additional notarization. You will find an additional option for notarization. It is essential for legal security.
- Trusted translators. Often, these are native speakers with professional certificates.
According to customer comments, it is the perfect agency that can provide every service you need in one place. With urgent deadlines, this is an additional bonus.
Practical Recommendations When Ordering an Official Translation
First, before ordering, ensure the government agency requires a certified translation. It costs more.
Second, choose a service with a guarantee. It is essential when collecting a package of documents for immigration services.
Third, compare prices. The approximate cost of $27.99 per page is a standard rate. You get fast and qualified service.
Fourth, pay attention to the language. If you are contacting Canadian government agencies, you need English or French. In the UK, only English is required.
Conclusions
Before placing an order, determine exactly what type of translation you need. Some require only a notary seal, others ask for a certified one, and still others need both options at the same time.
