Translating Armenian documents for Canadian immigration: IRCC requirements

The road to Canada usually begins not with a plane ticket but with a long list of documents. When ordering translations for Canadian immigration, good English is not enough — you also need to meet the formal requirements of IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada). In this article we explain how we approach this work and what to watch out for so that your application is not returned because of incomplete documents.

The main routes to Canada (in broad terms)

Canada has many immigration programmes, and their conditions are updated often. Below are the most common ones for which people have documents translated with us:

• Canadian work permit: with a specific employer’s offer, or an open permit, for example for a spouse.
• Study permit: for studying at a college or university.
• Permanent residence through Express Entry: points-based selection taking into account age, education, experience and language skills.
• Provincial programmes and family sponsorship: each with its own requirements.

We are not immigration consultants and do not guarantee any decision. Check the choice of programme and the current document list on the official IRCC website. If you work with a paid representative, IRCC recommends checking that they are authorised to provide such services.

IRCC translation: what the instructions say

According to IRCC instructions (always check the current rules on the official website), documents that are not in English or French must be submitted with a translation into one of these languages. What is usually required:

1. The translation into English or French.
2. A copy of the original document (in some cases a certified copy).
3. If the translator is not a certified translator in Canada (a member of a provincial or territorial translators’ association), a translator’s affidavit — a sworn statement signed by the translator in the presence of a person authorised to administer oaths, confirming the accuracy of the translation.

The instructions also state that the translation cannot be done by the applicant, a member of their family or their representative. So the “my English is good, I’ll translate it myself” option does not work.

What we do

We are not certified translators in Canada and do not present ourselves as such. In practice we translate documents into English (French if needed), and the translator’s signature and statement are certified by an Armenian notary. We agree the affidavit format with you in advance and recommend comparing it with IRCC’s current requirement or checking with your representative. If in your case only a translator certified in Canada is acceptable, we will tell you honestly.

Canadian work permit and PR: the document list

Below are the documents translated with us most often for Canada. The list for your programme may differ.

Read about the specifics of birth certificates in birth certificate translation: a step-by-step guide.

ECA: educational credential assessment for Canada

For Express Entry, foreign education usually has to go through an ECA (Educational Credential Assessment) at one of the organisations designated by IRCC. These organisations compare your diploma with the Canadian system.

Pay attention to two things. First, many ECA organisations require some documents (for example, the transcript) to be sent directly by the university in a sealed envelope. Second, they have their own translation rules, which may differ from IRCC’s. Read the requirements of your chosen organisation before ordering a translation.

For example, Lilit, a programmer, was preparing for Express Entry. She first sent us scans of her diploma and transcript, we prepared the English translation, and, as the ECA organisation required, the university sent the transcript directly. We translated her employment references so that the job titles matched her CV and application details — a small thing that often raises questions.

Have a list of documents and don’t know where to start? Call +374 33 130371 or write on WhatsApp/Viber and we will help you work out the order.

Notarized, stamped translation and apostille for Canada

When a notarized translation is needed

If your case requires a translator’s affidavit, it is certified by a notary, which means a notarized translation. In this case the original or its notarized copy must physically reach our office — in person or by courier. We go to the notary on your behalf, and the scan is needed only for the preliminary price.

When a stamped translation is enough

For an employer, a preliminary college application, a recruiter or an internal check, a stamped translation is usually enough. It is fully online: you send a scan and receive a PDF with the agency stamp by e-mail, and if you need a paper copy we deliver it in Yerevan or hand it over at our office.

When an apostille is needed

IRCC online applications usually involve uploading copies of documents, but another body — for example, a provincial authority or an educational institution — may require an apostille. If so, in Armenia it is issued by the state: the Ministry of Justice (civil status, notarial, court and other official documents) and the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports (educational documents). We do not issue apostilles, but we will advise you on the order of steps free of charge and translate the apostille text together with the document. More: how to get an apostille in Armenia.

Checklist before submitting your IRCC application

• First names and surnames in Latin letters are written exactly as in the passport.
• Each translation is accompanied by a copy of the original.
• If an affidavit is required, it is signed and certified.
• Dates, job titles and institution names match the application forms.
• All pages, stamps and handwritten notes are translated; nothing is left out.
• The ECA organisation’s separate requirements are met.

Translating documents for Canadian immigration: how we work

We organise our work so that you do not have to come to the office more than necessary or lose time.

1. You send scans of your documents and tell us which programme you are applying under (work permit, study, Express Entry, etc.).
2. A manager checks the list, suggests the form of translation (stamped, or notarized with an affidavit) and calculates the price.
3. We agree the Latin spelling of names according to the passport so that it is the same in every translation.
4. The translator does the work, and an editor checks dates, figures and institution names.
5. We send the stamped translation as a PDF; for the notarized version we receive the originals at the office or by courier and go to the notary on your behalf.

If IRCC later asks for an additional document, we will translate it quickly too, keeping the terminology of the earlier translations.

Prices, turnaround and languages

Standard translation starts at 2,500 AMD per standard page (1,800 characters), from Russian at 3,000 AMD, and urgent orders are +50%. For Canada we mainly work Armenian → English, and French or from Russian when needed. You will see the exact price, including the notarization fee, in the price calculator. If your submission deadline is close, it is best to send the documents as one pack: we work faster and the terminology stays consistent.

Frequently asked questions

Can I translate my documents for IRCC myself?

According to IRCC instructions, the translation cannot be done by the applicant, a family member or their representative. Check the current rules on the official IRCC website.

What is an affidavit and do I need one?

It is the translator’s sworn statement confirming the accuracy of the translation. Under IRCC instructions it is usually required if the translator is not certified in Canada. We prepare it and have it certified by a notary, and we recommend comparing the format with the current requirement.

Can I place the order online?

For a stamped translation, entirely. If notarization or an affidavit is needed, the original must physically reach our office, and we go to the notary on your behalf.

Do I need an apostille for Canada?

Usually not for IRCC applications, but another body may require one. If so, in Armenia it is issued by the Ministry of Justice or the Ministry of Education; we only give free advice and translate the apostille text.

How much does translating documents for Canadian immigration cost?

Standard translation starts at 2,500 AMD per standard page, urgent orders +50%. Our online calculator shows the exact price, including the notary fee.

A Canadian application is a long road, and translations should not be the step that delays everything. Send us your list of documents and we will suggest which translation to prepare in which form. See the price in the online calculator, our address on the contact page, or call +374 33 130371 (also WhatsApp/Viber).

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