<p>When submitting documents for Canadian immigration, university admissions, or legal matters, you might be asked for a <strong>certified translation</strong> or a <strong>notarized translation</strong>. But these terms often confuse people—and using the wrong type of translation can cause delays or even rejection of your application.</p>
<p>Let’s break down the difference so you can make sure your documents are done right the first time.</p>
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<h2>What Is a Certified Translation?</h2>
<p>A <strong>certified translation</strong> is a translation completed by a professional translator who has been <strong>certified by a provincial or national translation body</strong>, such as:</p>
<ul>
<li>CTTIC (Canadian Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters Council)</li>
<li>ATIO (Association of Translators and Interpreters of Ontario)</li>
<li>OTTIAQ (Ordre des traducteurs, terminologues et interprètes agréés du Québec)</li>
</ul>
<p>A certified translation includes:</p>
<ul>
<li>The translator’s <strong>seal and/or signature</strong></li>
<li>A <strong>declaration of accuracy</strong></li>
<li>The translator’s <strong>certification number and professional association</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>💡 <em>Certified translations are what the IRCC, courts, and most universities in Canada require.</em></p>
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<h2>What Is a Notarized Translation?</h2>
<p>A <strong>notarized translation</strong> usually means the translator (or another person involved) swears an <strong>affidavit in front of a notary public</strong>, stating that the translation is accurate.</p>
<p>Important: <strong>Notarization does not guarantee that the translation was done by a certified professional</strong>. It simply certifies that someone claimed the translation is accurate under oath.</p>
<p>Notarized translations are not always accepted by Canadian authorities, especially in language combinations for which there are Canadian Certified Translators readily available.</p>
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<h2>So Which One Do You Need?</h2>
<ul>
<li><strong>✔️ Certified Translation</strong> – For IRCC (immigration), citizenship applications, academic admissions, court use, and most legal processes.</li>
<li><strong>✔️ Notarized Translation</strong> – Only required in rare cases (e.g., when a foreign authority requires notarization, or when the translator is not certified in Canada).</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
<p>📌 Pro Tip: If in doubt, always go with a certified translation done by a Canadian-certified translator—it covers almost all needs.</p>
</blockquote>
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<h2>At Loretta Murphy Translations, I Provide:</h2>
<ul>
<li><strong>Certified translations</strong> accepted by IRCC, courts, and universities</li>
<li>Translations from <strong>Spanish, Portuguese, and French into English</strong></li>
<li>Stamped, signed, and ready-to-submit documents</li>
<li>Optional <strong>affidavit of accuracy</strong> (for clients who also need notarization)</li>
</ul>
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<h2>Have Questions About What You Need?</h2>
<p>If you're unsure whether your translation needs to be certified, notarized, or both, I’m happy to help. I’ve been working with immigration lawyers, consultants, and newcomers for over 15 years and know exactly what IRCC and other institutions require.</p>
<p>👉 <a href="https://www.lorettamurphytranslations.com/contact" target="_blank"><strong>Contact me</strong></a> today to request a quote or ask your questions.</p>
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<h3>About the Author</h3>
<p><strong>Loretta Murphy</strong> is a certified translator and CTTIC exam marker with over 25 years of experience translating official documents for immigration, education, and legal use. She offers certified translations in Spanish, Portuguese, French, and English through <a href="https://www.lorettamurphytranslations.com" target="_blank">Loretta Murphy Translations</a>.</p>