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Statutory declarations
A sworn declaration by a translator confirming that a document has been faithfully and accurately rendered from another language into English, suitable for Ontario legal, immigration, or government proceedings.
Also known as
Statutory Declaration
IN THE MATTER OF
a translation of a document from the
______ language
into the English language
I, ______, of the City of ______, in the Province of ______,
do solemnly declare as follows:
I am sufficiently proficient in the ______ language and can read, write, and understand the same.
I am competent to translate this language into the English language.
I have read both the document in the original language affixed hereto and marked “Exhibit A” and the document in the English language affixed hereto and marked “Exhibit B” to this Affidavit.
I make this declaration for the purpose of declaring that the English translation marked “Exhibit B” to the document marked “Exhibit A” is a true and faithful translation.
I make this solemn declaration in good conscience, believing it to be true, and with full understanding that it carries the same legal force and effect as a statement made under oath, pursuant to the Canada Evidence Act.
Commissioner for Taking Affidavits
(or as the case may be)
Translator: ______
How it works
Answer the questions on the left. Your document builds itself on the right as you type.
Get a clean, ready-to-sign PDF in seconds. No account, no watermark.
Book an appointment, bring your document, and we witness your signature and apply the seal.
A statutory declaration of translation accuracy is a solemn statement made by the translator (not the document owner) confirming that they are competent in both the source and target languages and that their translation is a true and faithful rendering of the original document. It is declared before a notary public or commissioner for taking affidavits, making it a binding statement under Canadian law with the same legal weight as testimony given in court.
This declaration is sometimes called a translator's statutory declaration or a declaration of competent translation. It differs from an affidavit of translation only in the method of attestation: you 'solemnly declare' rather than 'swear under oath.' Both carry identical legal consequences, and both satisfy IRCC and most institutional requirements.
Any time a foreign-language document is submitted to a Canadian institution, an English or French certified translation is typically required. The declaration accompanies the translation to prove its accuracy.
The translator is the person who declares and signs before the notary. The document owner does not need to be present at the appointment. The translator attests to their own language competence and the accuracy of their work.
IRCC does not require the translator to be a certified or accredited professional. A friend or family member competent in both languages may translate and declare the accuracy. However, some institutions (courts, professional regulators) may require a member of a recognised translators' association. Confirm with the requesting body before proceeding.
The form is straightforward, but the notary needs to verify the translator's identity and confirm they understand what they are declaring.
The translator (not the document owner) attends the appointment. Come prepared with all documents so the notary can bind them together under seal.
The notary verifies the translator's identity, confirms they understand the legal significance of the declaration, and asks whether they wish to affirm or declare. The translator signs in the notary's presence. The notary then completes the jurat clause, applies the seal, and staples the translation to the original so the documents cannot be separated.
Virtual commissioning is permitted under Ontario Regulation 431/20. Both the translator and the commissioner must be physically located in Ontario during the video session. The translator will need to show their ID on camera and sign the document in real time.
Our fee is a flat $19.90 per notarial stamp. A single declaration with the translation attached counts as one stamp. Once commissioned, the sealed package is submitted to the requesting institution along with your application.
Making a false statutory declaration is an offence under section 134 of the Criminal Code of Canada, carrying a maximum penalty of two years' imprisonment. Any application that relied on the translation could also be rejected or set aside. Ensure the translation is accurate and complete before attending your appointment.
Frequently asked
Fill it in online, download a ready-to-sign PDF, then bring it in and we will notarize it, in person across Ottawa or online.