What is TIS National?
The Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) is an Australian Government service administered by the Department of Home Affairs, providing language services nationally.
Detailed description
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 Australian citizens, permanent residents and some temporary or provisional visa holders with free translation of up to 10 eligible personal documents into English, generally within two years of the visa grant or citizenship. Check the Department of Home Affairs for current eligibility. 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.
Why it matters
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.
Related questions about TIS National
What services does TIS National provide?
TIS National is the Australian Government's interpreting service, run by the Department of Home Affairs. It provides phone, video and on-site interpreting, and also delivers the Free Translating Service for eligible migrants.
Is TIS National free?
The Free Interpreting Service is free for eligible non-English speakers dealing with eligible services, while other organisations usually pay for the interpreters they book. Check TIS National's eligibility rules for the details.
Can TIS National translate documents?
Yes, TIS National translates documents for eligible migrants through the Free Translating Service. If you are not eligible, or you need documents translated sooner, you can order a NAATI certified translation from a translation provider.
What is the TIS National phone number?
TIS National's phone number is 131 450, and it is available 24 hours a day. A TIS National client code is the account number given to registered organisations, or to individuals who set up a paid personal account, and it is used to book and pay for interpreting.
Can anyone use TIS National?
Yes. Anyone with limited English can call 131 450 to reach organisations registered with TIS National through an interpreter, usually at no cost to them because the organisation pays. If an organisation will not accept the charges, individuals can pay through a personal account. The Free Interpreting Service covers eligible groups such as GPs, pharmacies, local councils and eligible community organisations.