IRCC Translation Requirements in Alberta
For many standard immigration files, IRCC usually accepts regular certified translation. You only need a higher route if the recipient specifically asks for it.
Short answer
Regular certified translation is usually the default for IRCC submissions. This is the route many Alberta clients use for common immigration documents, while ATIA is now mostly an outdated exception rather than the normal path.
What usually matters
- Whether the file is for IRCC or another immigration body
- Whether the receiving body has named a special format
- Whether the documents are standard civil-status or education records
What a certified translation for IRCC contains
If a record submitted to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada is in a language other than English or French, the file normally has to include a certified translation alongside the original. The certified format is a translation signed and stamped by a qualified translator and paired with a copy of the document it was made from.
A notarized translation is a related but different step, where a notary public is involved. IRCC tends to ask for it only in specific situations, such as when a notarized true copy of the original is needed because the original cannot be sent. The certified vs notarized guide covers that case.
Documents Alberta applicants send most often
- Birth, marriage, divorce and name-change certificates
- Passport identity pages and family books
- Police certificates and good-conduct letters from any country
- Diplomas, degrees and academic transcripts
- Employment letters, contracts and reference letters
- Bank statements and proof of funds
- Custody, adoption and guardianship orders
The same expectation applies across most application types — permanent residency, citizenship, family sponsorship, work permits, study permits and visitor extensions. Details for each are on the IRCC translation page.
Alberta files running in parallel
Many applicants in Calgary and Edmonton have a federal IRCC file and a provincial file at the same time. Documents supporting an Alberta Advantage Immigration Program application — civil-status records, schooling proof, employment letters and police checks — carry the same certified format expectation on the provincial side, so one certified set normally serves both.
ATIA-certified translation is a separate Alberta route required by courts and a small number of official bodies; it is not the normal path for immigration files. Passport stamps are priced separately at CAD 7 each.
Price, timing and delivery
Regular certified translation is priced per document: CAD 59 for one page, CAD 99 for two pages and CAD 30 for each extra page. Prices do not include taxes (5% GST). Full rates are on the pricing page.
Most regular translations are completed within 1-2 business days; larger packages and rare languages take longer, and we confirm the timeline before work starts. A clear scan or phone photo of every page is enough — there is no need to mail originals. The digital PDF is delivered as soon as it is ready and a stamped paper set ships by Canada Post; Xpresspost is CAD 30 when the printed copy is time-sensitive.
Common questions
Does IRCC need ATIA-certified translation?
Normally no. Immigration files are usually submitted with regular certified translation. ATIA is a separate Alberta route required by courts and a small number of official bodies.
Do I have to send my original documents?
In most cases a clear scan or phone photo of every page is enough. The certified translator stamp is applied to the printed set we send you.
How much does IRCC translation cost in Alberta?
Regular certified translation starts at CAD 59 for a one-page document and CAD 99 for two pages, plus 5% GST. Passport stamps are CAD 7 each.
Can one certified set be used for both IRCC and AAIP?
Both normally expect the same regular certified format, so the same certified package usually covers a federal and a provincial submission. Confirm any special instruction from your designated officer before work starts.
How fast can the translation be ready?
Most standard documents are ready in 1-2 business days. Larger packages or rare language pairs take longer, and the timeline is confirmed before translation begins.
Best next step
Upload the documents together and tell us the exact receiving body. We will confirm the most appropriate route before translation begins.