Certified Translation for Canada (IRCC): 2026 Requirements
Certified translation accepted by foreign embassies in Cairo
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requires every supporting document that is not in English or French to be submitted with an official translation. If a translation is missing or does not meet IRCC's rules, the application can be returned as incomplete. This guide explains the current rules for applicants in Egypt – study permits, work permits, visitor visas and permanent residence – and how to prepare your documents.
IRCC's translation rules in brief
According to IRCC's official translation requirements:
- Documents not in English or French need an official translation; documents already in either language do not.
- Outside Canada, translations must be done by a translator accredited or officially recognised in the country where the translation is made.
- Applicants, their family members and their representatives or consultants may not translate the documents – even if they are translators.
- If the translation is not by a certified translator, it must come with an affidavit sworn before a notary public or equivalent.
- You submit the original document or a certified copy, plus the translation. If you use a certified copy, the translator must stamp both the copy and the translation.
- IRCC can ask for a new translation by a different translator if it doubts the accuracy.
Documents Egyptian applicants usually translate
| Application | Typical documents |
|---|---|
| Study permit | Transcripts and degrees, bank statements, sponsor's employment letter, birth certificate |
| Visitor visa | Employment letter, commercial register, tax card, property documents, bank statements |
| Work permit / Express Entry | Degrees, experience letters, marriage and birth certificates, police certificates |
| Family sponsorship | Marriage certificate, birth certificates, divorce certificates, family records |
For academic records, see also our guide to academic certificate translation in Egypt.
English or French?
IRCC accepts either. Most applicants from Egypt choose English. If you are applying to Quebec or plan to study in French, French may suit you better – see our certified French translation service.
Practical tips for a smooth application
- Translate stamps and seals too. IRCC requires stamps or seals not in English or French to be translated.
- Use passport spellings for all names and keep them identical across documents and forms.
- Scan the original and translation together when uploading, in the order IRCC's checklist shows.
- Do not use a relative, even one who is a professional translator.
- Keep your translations – IRCC says a translation does not expire on its own, as long as the original document is still valid.
Frequently asked questions
Is a translation from an office in Egypt accepted by IRCC?
IRCC accepts translations made outside Canada by translators accredited or officially recognised in that country. Our certified translations carry the office's stamp and accuracy statement; if your case calls for an affidavit, we can advise you on the steps.
Do I need to legalise my Egyptian documents for IRCC?
Not usually for standard applications, although other Canadian bodies (for example provincial regulators or credential assessors) may have their own rules. Canada has been a party to the Apostille Convention since January 2024, but Egypt has not joined, so Egyptian documents cannot be apostilled.
How long does translation take?
It depends on the number of documents. Send your list and we will confirm a delivery date.
Can you translate documents for other embassies too?
Yes – see our guide to translation for all embassies in Cairo and why personal documents matter for immigration.
Prepare your Canadian application with COT
Send us your IRCC document checklist and scans, and we will reply with a quote and delivery date:
- Phone / WhatsApp: +20 111 176 0177
- Email: Operation@cottranslation.com
- Branches in Maadi, Downtown Cairo and Mohandessin – see addresses and opening hours on our contact page.
Note: the information in this article is accurate as of the last-updated date above. Embassies, universities and authorities can change their requirements at any time, so always confirm the current rules on the official website of the receiving authority before you submit your documents.