Need a notarized affidavit of translation for IRCC or another body? The translator can swear it online by video. How it works, what to bring, flat $19.90.

Last updated: June 23, 2026

Affidavit of Translation: Notarize Online in Canada for IRCC & Beyond

Quick answer: An affidavit of translation is a sworn statement in which the translator attests that the translation is accurate and complete. IRCC and other bodies require it when a document is not in English or French. The translator can swear it before an Ontario notary public online by secure video — they show valid photo ID, swear the translation is accurate, and sign while the notary watches. It costs a flat $19.90 per stamp plus HST. The notary commissions the affidavit; it does not assess the translation's quality.

If you are submitting a document that is not in English or French — a foreign birth certificate, a marriage certificate, a diploma — IRCC and many institutions want a translation backed by an affidavit of translation. The notary step is quick, and the translator can swear it online over video from anywhere in Canada.

This short guide explains what the affidavit is, who swears it, how to do it online, and what to bring. If your translation is ready, you can book online or call (613) 434-5555. For the bigger picture, see our guide to online and virtual notary services and the immigration documents guide.

A passport and international documents on a desk with a globe, representing an affidavit of translation for documents in another language Caption: The translator swears the translation is accurate and complete — online, before the notary, who commissions the affidavit.

Key Takeaways

Decision point	What to check	Why it matters
Who swears	The translator, not the document's owner	The translator attests to accuracy.
What's required	Full translation + translator's affidavit	IRCC wants both, not just the translation.
Identification	Translator's valid government photo ID	Required on camera.
Where it's used	IRCC (federal) or other body	An Ontario notary's commission is commonly accepted.
Price	Flat $19.90 per stamp plus HST	Translation itself is separate.

What a Notary Can and Cannot Do

What a notary can and cannot do: A notary public administers the oath, witnesses the translator's signature, and commissions the affidavit of translation. A notary does not verify that the translation is accurate, translate the document, or advise on your application. The translator takes responsibility for accuracy; the notary makes the sworn statement official.

Minute Notary commissions translators' affidavits as an Ontario notary public, including by video under O. Reg. 431/20.

How an Affidavit of Translation Works

The chain is simple once you know who does what:

A translator translates the document fully and accurately.
The translator prepares an affidavit stating they are competent in both languages and that the translation is accurate and complete.
The translator swears or affirms that affidavit before a notary public, who commissions it.
You submit the original document (or a copy), the translation, and the commissioned affidavit together.

IRCC generally accepts either an affidavit from the translator or a certified translation from a member of a recognized provincial or territorial translators' association. Check your specific IRCC instructions.

How to Notarize It Online — Step by Step

Translator prepares the affidavit, unsigned.
Book the service and a time. Choose immigration documents when you book online. Slots run on Ottawa time (America/Toronto).
The translator joins the video call and verifies identity with valid government photo ID.
The translator swears and signs that the translation is accurate and complete, while the notary watches.
The notary commissions the affidavit and applies their seal.
Submit the document, translation, and affidavit together.

What to Bring to Your Online Appointment

Item	Why you need it
The translator's affidavit, unsigned	The translator swears and signs it on the call.
The translation and source document	To confirm the affidavit relates to them.
Translator's valid government photo ID	Required on camera.
A payment method	The flat fee plus HST is taken before release.

Booking note: The person who needs the document and the translator can both be on the call, but it is the translator who swears the affidavit. Call (613) 434-5555 if you are unsure.

Available Online From Across Canada

Because IRCC is federal and the appointment is by video, the translator can join from anywhere in Canada — Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal, Halifax, and beyond. An Ontario notary's commission of the translator's affidavit is commonly accepted for federal files. If the document is going to a foreign authority, confirm that authority's translation and certification requirements separately.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The wrong person swearing. The translator swears the affidavit, not the document's owner.
Submitting only the translation. IRCC wants the affidavit too, plus the source document.
Signing before the appointment. The translator swears and signs in front of the notary.
Assuming the notary checks accuracy. The notary commissions the affidavit; the translator is responsible for accuracy.

Online or In Person — How to Decide

Your situation	Best channel	Why
Translator has valid ID and the affidavit is ready	Online by video	Commissioned under O. Reg. 431/20; IRCC accepts it.
Document and translation in hand	Online by video	The translator swears accuracy on the call.
The receiver requires a member of a translators' association	Use a certified translator	Some bodies require accredited translation.
Document going to a foreign authority	Confirm first	Some foreign bodies have their own translation rules.

Who Can Be the Translator?

For IRCC, the translator should not be the applicant or a family member, and ideally is a competent, neutral translator. Where a certified translation is required, the translator should be a member of a recognized provincial or territorial translators' association. Where an affidavit of translation is accepted instead, any competent translator can swear that they are fluent in both languages and that the translation is accurate and complete. Check your IRCC instructions to see which your application needs — the notary commissions the affidavit either way, but the choice of translator can affect acceptance.

Why Notarize the Translator's Affidavit Online

The online route lets the translator swear the affidavit from anywhere in Canada, which is helpful when your translator is in a different city from you. You both can join the same call if needed, the translator presents ID and swears the translation is accurate, and the notary commissions it — no office visit. Same-day slots are often available. The trade-offs are the usual ones: the translator needs a working camera, a quiet space, and valid photo ID, and the affidavit must be ready.

A Quick Scenario

An applicant in Vancouver has a birth certificate in another language for an IRCC file. A competent translator prepares the full translation and an affidavit attesting it is accurate. The translator joins a fifteen-minute video appointment, shows a driver's licence, swears the affidavit, and signs while the notary watches. The notary commissions it, and the applicant submits the source document, the translation, and the commissioned affidavit together.

Pricing and Booking

Service	Fee	Note
Affidavit of translation (commissioning)	$19.90 per stamp	Flat rate plus HST, online or in person
Each additional stamp / seal	$19.90	Same flat rate, no bulk tiers

Online appointments add HST plus a small card processing fee, shown in full before you pay. To book, choose immigration documents when you book online, or call (613) 434-5555.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an affidavit of translation?

An affidavit of translation is a sworn statement in which the translator attests that they are competent in both languages and that the translation is accurate and complete. IRCC and other bodies often require it when a document is not in English or French. The translator swears it before a notary public or commissioner, who commissions the affidavit.

Who swears the affidavit of translation — me or the translator?

The translator swears it, not the person who needs the document. The translator confirms, under oath or affirmation, that the translation is accurate and complete. They join the appointment, present valid government photo ID, and sign in front of the notary. The notary commissions the affidavit but does not check the quality of the translation itself.

Can the affidavit of translation be notarized online?

Yes. The translator can swear it before an Ontario notary public over a secure video appointment under O. Reg. 431/20. They show valid government photo ID, swear the translation is accurate, and sign while the notary watches. Because IRCC is federal, an Ontario notary's commission is commonly accepted; confirm any specific requirement in your IRCC guide.

Does IRCC require a certified translation?

For documents not in English or French, IRCC generally requires a complete translation plus an affidavit from the translator attesting to its accuracy (or a certified translation from a member of a recognized translators' association). Check your specific IRCC instructions, since requirements vary by application.

How much does it cost?

Minute Notary charges a flat $19.90 per stamp plus HST to commission the translator's affidavit, the same online or in person. Translation itself is a separate service by the translator. Online appointments add HST plus a small card processing fee, shown before you pay.

How long does the appointment take?

About ten to fifteen minutes once the affidavit is ready and the translator's ID is in hand. If several documents were translated, the translator can swear one affidavit covering them or separate affidavits — mention this when you book so the appointment is the right length.

Does Minute Notary provide the translation?

No. The translation is done by a translator; Minute Notary commissions the translator's affidavit attesting to its accuracy. If you do not have a translator, you will need to arrange one first, then book the appointment for them to swear the affidavit.

Is the online appointment secure and private?

The appointment runs over a secure video connection, and the notary keeps a record of the act as required. Join from a private, quiet space and share the documents and ID only with the notary.

Final Recommendation

If you are submitting a document that is not in English or French, check your IRCC instructions: you generally need a full translation plus an affidavit of translation (or a certified translation from a recognized association). Have the translator prepare both, then book a short video appointment for the translator to swear the affidavit. The translator takes responsibility for accuracy; the notary makes the sworn statement official. Submit the source document, the translation, and the commissioned affidavit together.

Book Your Appointment

Need an affidavit of translation commissioned? Minute Notary commissions the translator's affidavit by secure video — flat $19.90 per stamp plus HST.

Book online: Request an appointment
Call: (613) 434-5555
Service page: Immigration Documents
Related guide: Notarize immigration documents online
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Ottawa time)

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