What is immigration translation?
Immigration translation involves translating documents required for visa applications, citizenship processes, and other immigration procedures in Australia. Documents such as birth certificates, visas, educational records and legal documents typically require NAATI certification.
Detailed description
Immigration translation involves translating documents required for visa applications, citizenship processes, and other immigration procedures in Australia. These documents typically require NAATI certified translation to be accepted by the Department of Home Affairs and other government bodies.
Common documents requiring immigration translation include birth certificates, marriage certificates and divorce decrees, academic transcripts and qualifications, police clearance certificates, employment references and pay records, medical reports, identity documents including passports and national ID cards, character references, financial documents, and statutory declarations.
Immigration translation has specific requirements that distinguish it from general document translation. Every translation must be certified by a NAATI certified translator, with a certificate of accuracy attesting that the translation is a true and faithful rendering of the original. The translator's NAATI credentials, practitioner number, and language pair must be clearly stated. The translation must be complete: nothing can be omitted from the original document, including stamps, seals, signatures, and annotations.
Turnaround time is often critical in immigration translation, as visa applications may have strict deadlines and missing documents can result in processing delays or refusal. Many clients require urgent or same-day translation services for time-sensitive applications.
LEXIGO provides NAATI certified immigration translation across all language pairs required for Australian immigration processes, with express turnaround options for urgent applications and direct experience with Department of Home Affairs requirements.
Why it matters
Submitting translations that do not meet the Department of Home Affairs' requirements results in delays, requests for resubmission, and potentially missed deadlines that can affect visa outcomes. Using a provider experienced in immigration translation requirements ensures documents are accepted the first time.
For migration agents, immigration lawyers, and individuals navigating the immigration process, reliable certified translation is a critical dependency. Choosing a provider with specific immigration translation expertise and fast turnaround capability removes a potential bottleneck from what is often an already stressful process.
Related questions about immigration translation
Who can translate documents for immigration in Australia?
A translator accredited by NAATI. Home Affairs states that translators in Australia must be accredited by NAATI, and you submit both the original document and the English translation. Translations done outside Australia have different requirements, listed on each visa page.
Can I translate my own documents for immigration?
Not unless you are a NAATI accredited translator. Home Affairs requires translations done in Australia to be by a NAATI accredited translator, so a translation by you, a friend or a relative will not be accepted.
How much does a translator for immigration cost?
LEXIGO's NAATI certified translations start from $69.90 + GST per standard document, with faster turnaround options priced higher.
Is NAATI translation free?
Not for visa or citizenship applications. The Free Translating Service translates up to 10 personal documents for eligible permanent and selected temporary visa holders in Australia, within two years of their visa grant, but Australian citizens are not eligible and translations for visa or citizenship applications are excluded.
Which documents need translating for a visa application?
Any supporting document that is not in English, such as birth and marriage certificates, police checks, identity documents and academic records. The document checklist for your visa lists what is required.