TIS National

TIS National (Translating and Interpreting Service National) is the Australian Government's language services provider, administered by the Department of Home Affairs. It operates as a national service connecting people who do not speak English with accredited language professionals to access government and community services across Australia.

TIS National administers several key programs. The Free Translating Service provides eligible permanent residents and certain visa holders with free translation of personal documents to support their settlement in Australia. The Free Interpreting Service provides free interpreting for eligible community organisations, medical practitioners, pharmacies, and real estate agents communicating with non-English speakers. TIS National also offers fee-based language services to government agencies, businesses, and other organisations on a commercial basis.

The service operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and covers more than 150 languages. TIS National engages NAATI-credentialed practitioners for its services, maintaining quality standards aligned with national accreditation requirements.

It is important to understand the distinction between TIS National and professional translation agencies like LEXIGO. TIS National primarily serves as a government-funded access point for individuals and eligible organisations needing immediate or basic language support. Professional translation providers offer broader capabilities including large-scale document translation, certified translation with guaranteed turnaround times, specialised industry expertise, translation technology integration, and end-to-end project management for complex multilingual programs.

Full details about TIS National services, eligibility, and access are available on the TIS National website.

TIS National is often the first point of contact for newly arrived migrants needing language support, and for organisations encountering multilingual communication needs for the first time. Understanding what TIS National offers, and where its scope ends, helps organisations determine when they need to engage a professional translation provider for more complex, time-sensitive, or specialised requirements.

For government agencies and service providers working with CALD communities, TIS National is a valuable resource within a broader language access strategy that may also include professional translation services for published materials, campaigns, and large-scale document programs.