Can You Submit Foreign-Language Documents for Canadian Citizenship by Descent?

Yes. IRCC allows applicants to submit supporting documents written in languages other than English or French when applying for proof of Canadian citizenship.

However, these documents must meet IRCC's translation requirements.

For example, if your grandfather's birth certificate was issued in Italian, German, Ukrainian, or another language, you do not need to obtain a new certificate in English or French simply because of the language.

Instead, you must provide an acceptable translation along with the original-language document.

If the translation is not completed by a certified Canadian translator, an affidavit from the translator is also required.

1. Verify Your Documents Before Getting Them Translated

Before paying for a professional translation, applicants should confirm that they have received the correct records.

IRCC requires authentic, reliable, and verifiable documents to establish the family relationship and Canadian citizenship connection across the relevant generations.

These records should generally be issued by the appropriate government authority or official records office.

Examples include:

• Birth certificates issued by civil registration authorities.
• Marriage certificates issued by government offices.
• Historical records obtained from official archives.
• Other official documents establishing family relationships and citizenship.
  
  

Sometimes, a foreign records office may provide a shortened version of a document instead of the full record requested.

Applicants should check the document's basic details before arranging translation.

A translation app or online translation tool can help identify the type of document and confirm basic information, such as names, dates, and document headings.

However, these tools should only be used for preliminary understanding. They should not replace a professional translation submitted to IRCC.

2. What Documents Does IRCC Require for Translation?

When submitting a document that is not in English or French, applicants must provide the following:

1. Copy of the Original Document

A clear, readable colour copy of the document in its original language.

2. Complete English or French Translation

A full translation of the document into either English or French.

The translation should accurately reflect the information contained in the original document.

3. Translator's Affidavit, When Required

If the translation is completed by someone who is not a certified Canadian translator, the translator must provide a sworn affidavit confirming their language proficiency and the accuracy of the translation.

Important: If the translation is completed by a certified Canadian translator, a separate affidavit is not required.

For online citizenship certificate applications, IRCC instructs applicants to upload the original-language document, translation, and applicable affidavit together in the same file.

3. Who Can Translate Documents for Canadian Citizenship Applications?

IRCC allows translations to be completed by:

• A certified Canadian translator who is a member in good standing of a recognized provincial or territorial translation association.
• Another person who is fluent in both the original language and English or French, provided the required affidavit is submitted.
  
  

A certified Canadian translator is generally the simpler option because applicants do not need to arrange a separate translator's affidavit.

However, it is important to verify that the translator holds the required certification.

Membership in a translation association does not always mean that the person is a certified translator.

4. How to Find a Certified Translator in Canada

Canada does not have one national organization responsible for certifying all translators.

Instead, certification is generally managed through provincial or territorial professional associations.

Applicants can search for certified translators through the following organizations:

Many of these organizations maintain online directories where applicants can search for translators based on language and professional qualifications.

Before hiring a translator, confirm that the person is currently certified and authorized to provide translations acceptable to IRCC.

5. Can You or Your Family Members Translate the Documents?

No. IRCC does not accept translations completed by applicants themselves or certain family members.

This restriction applies even if the family member is fluent in both languages or has professional translation experience.

According to IRCC, translations cannot be completed by the applicant or the following relatives:

• Parents or guardians.
• Brothers or sisters.
• Spouses, common-law partners, or conjugal partners.
• Grandparents.
• Children.
• Aunts or uncles.
• Nieces or nephews.
• First cousins.
  
  

For example, if your aunt speaks Italian and English fluently, she cannot translate your grandfather's Italian birth certificate for your citizenship application.

Applicants should arrange translations through an independent, eligible translator to avoid problems with their applications.

Submitting translations that do not meet IRCC requirements may result in an application being returned or delayed.

This is particularly important when several family members are submitting citizenship certificate applications together.

If one application in a combined paper package is incomplete, IRCC may return the entire package.

6. What Is a Translator's Affidavit?

A translator's affidavit is a sworn statement confirming that the translator is competent in both languages and has accurately translated the original document.

The affidavit generally confirms:

• The translator's knowledge of both languages.
• The translator's ability to understand the original document.
• The accuracy and completeness of the translation.
• That the translated document represents the information contained in the original.

The translator must sign the affidavit in the presence of a person legally authorized to administer oaths.

This requirement helps IRCC verify the reliability of translations submitted with citizenship applications.

7. Where Can a Translator's Affidavit Be Sworn?

The requirements depend on whether the translator is located inside or outside Canada.

If the Translator Is in Canada

The affidavit must be sworn before an authorized person, such as:

• A notary public.
• A commissioner of oaths.
• A commissioner for taking affidavits.

The authority of these professionals may vary depending on the province or territory.

If the Translator Is Outside Canada

The affidavit must be sworn before a notary public in accordance with the applicable local requirements.

For example, applicants in the United States may be able to locate notarial services through:

• Banks and credit unions.
• Shipping and mailbox service providers.
• Public libraries.
• County clerk offices.
• Law offices.
• State-authorized notaries.
  
  

The availability and cost of notarial services may vary by location.

Applicants should confirm that the person administering the oath is legally authorized to do so.

8. Do French Documents Need Translation for Canadian Citizenship?

No. Canada has two official languages: English and French.

Documents already written in either language do not require translation for a Canadian citizenship certificate application.

This is particularly relevant for applicants obtaining family records from:

• Quebec.
• French-speaking communities in Atlantic Canada.
• France.
• Belgium.
• Haiti.
• French-speaking regions of West Africa.
  
  

For example, if an applicant receives a birth certificate from Quebec written entirely in French, no English translation is required.

However, the document must still meet the applicable IRCC requirements for authenticity, reliability, and acceptable document format.

Applicants should also be aware that IRCC does not accept certain older Quebec birth and marriage certificates issued before January 1, 1994. They may need to obtain updated records from the appropriate authority.

9. What If Your Family Records Are Missing or Incomplete?

Not every applicant can obtain all the required documents.

Older birth, marriage, and other historical records may be missing, damaged, unavailable, or difficult to locate.

In these situations, applicants may need additional supporting documents to establish their family connection.

Depending on the circumstances, these may include:

• A letter confirming that an official record is unavailable.
• Alternative historical or government-issued documents.
• Supporting evidence establishing parentage or citizenship.
• A letter of explanation describing the missing document and the efforts made to obtain it.
  
  

IRCC requires reliable evidence to establish the relevant family relationships and citizenship connection.

A letter of explanation or a no-record letter does not automatically replace a required birth certificate. Applicants must provide sufficient supporting evidence based on their individual circumstances.

10. Common Translation Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for Canadian Citizenship

Applicants should carefully review their documents before submitting their citizenship certificate applications.

Some common mistakes include:

1. Submitting Documents Without Translation

Foreign-language documents must be accompanied by an acceptable English or French translation.

2. Using a Family Member as the Translator

IRCC does not accept translations completed by applicants or the family members identified in its instructions.

3. Forgetting the Translator's Affidavit

An affidavit is required when the translation is not completed by a certified Canadian translator.

4. Providing an Incomplete Translation

The translation should include all relevant content from the original document, including headings, stamps, and other written information.

5. Submitting Unclear Document Copies

Documents must be clear, readable, and submitted in the format required by IRCC.

6. Using the Wrong Type of Record

Applicants should confirm that the document received from the issuing authority is appropriate for their citizenship application.

7. Failing to Explain Missing Documents

Where required documents cannot be obtained, applicants should provide an explanation and appropriate supporting evidence.

Taking these precautions can help reduce the risk of an incomplete application.

11. Frequently Asked Questions About Canadian Citizenship Document Translation

Q1. Can I apply for Canadian citizenship by descent using documents in another language?

Yes. IRCC accepts foreign-language documents when they are submitted with the required English or French translations and any applicable translator's affidavit.

Q2. Is a certified translation mandatory for Canadian citizenship applications?

A translation by a Canadian certified translator is not mandatory in every case. An eligible person fluent in both languages may also translate the document, but an affidavit is required if that person is not a certified Canadian translator.

Q3. Can I translate my own birth certificate?

No. IRCC does not accept translations completed by the applicant.

Q4. Does a certified Canadian translator need to provide an affidavit?

No. Translators certified in Canada are exempt from the affidavit requirement.

Q5. Do I need to translate a French birth certificate into English?

No. Documents written in French are acceptable because French is one of Canada's official languages.

Q6. Can I use Google Translate for my Canadian citizenship application?

Online translation tools may help applicants understand documents, but they do not replace translations prepared in accordance with IRCC's requirements.

Q7. What happens if my translated documents are incomplete?

IRCC may return an incomplete citizenship certificate application or request additional documentation, depending on the circumstances.

Q8. Can I apply if my ancestor's birth certificate is unavailable?

It may still be possible to apply using alternative supporting documents. However, applicants must provide sufficient evidence to establish the required family relationships and citizenship connection.

Final Thoughts

Applying for Canadian citizenship by descent can involve gathering family records from multiple countries, particularly when tracing citizenship through parents, grandparents, or earlier generations.

Receiving a foreign-language document does not automatically prevent someone from applying for proof of Canadian citizenship.

However, applicants must ensure that their documents are properly translated and supported by any required affidavits.