When I was writing the post Are You Qualified for the Canadian Citizenship Application? I was also checking the documents that I brought with me in Canada.
I am most concerned about the language proof for the Canadian citizenship:
Proof of completion of a secondary or post-secondary program conducted in French or English, either in Canada or abroad.
It turned out that my school credentials are fined except for one thing: I had to look for a translation service in Calgary, Alberta.
Why is it that my high school diploma is written in Tagalog when all of my school-related documents are written in English?
I love my school and the national language; but I just realized how important is the translation of document especially for living and working overseas.
The Search for a Translation Service
My first instinct is to check online the settlement agencies in Calgary providing document translation:
I may have missed something so if you know other organizations, though not in Calgary, let us know in the comment.
Between the two settlement agencies, I chose ISC which proved that I made the right choice, not that the alternative is less favourable.
The document translation of Immigrant Services Calgary includes:
- Birth certificates
- Death certificates
- Marriage certificates
- Driver’s licences
- Divorce certificates
- Diplomas and transcripts
- Professional accreditation documents
- Employment records and reference letters
- Passport pages and stamps
- Agency flyers and brochures
As I’ve mentioned, I need a translation service for my diploma as part of the Canadian citizenship requirement of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Apart from IRCC, the translated documents of ISC are also accepted by the following institutions:
- International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS)
- World Education Services (WES Canada)
- Child Care Staff Certification Office
- Mount Royal University
- SAIT Polytechnic
- Bow Vallery College
- Alberta Transportation
- Service Alberta – Motor Vehicles
If you have more questions, do not hesitate to send an email or call. The staff are friendly whether in person or online correspondence. And prepare to immediately respond because they wouldn’t keep clients waiting for answers.
Contact Information:
Immigrant Services Calgary
Address: #1200, 910 – 7th Avenue SW Calgary, AB T2P 3N8
Tel. No. for Translation: (403) 444-3491
Tel. No: (403) 265-1120
Fax: (403) 266-2486
Email for Translation: translate.lb@immigrantservicescalgary.ca
Email: info@immigrantservicescalgary.ca
Office Hours:
8:30 am – 4:30 pm Monday to Wednesday
8:30 am – 7:00 pm Thursday
8:30 am – 1:30 pm Friday
8:30 am – 4:30 pm Saturday – Immigrant Languages & Vocational Assessment Referral Center (ILVARC)
5 Steps of Document Translation of Immigrant Services Calgary
The translation service is easy and fast while the fee is reasonable. OK so I sound like an advertisement.
I wouldn’t mind if it is worth spreading a positive review for the benefits of others.
So now that I’m assuming you are considering my recommendation, I’ll show you how to save time and get your translated documents in less than a week:
- Download the Translation Request Form. If you have question, refer to the contact information.
- Submit the accomplished form and scanned PDF copy of the document to be translated.
- Check your email for the quote. For the language proof for the Canadian citizenship, the affidavit from the translator is required so make sure it is included in the quote.
- Approve the quote for the translation service. For your reference, I spent $70 (paid in cash) which may not be the same for others. It will depend on the number of words, delivery method etc.
- Pick up the document or wait on the mail with additional fee. I chose the former and if you plan to do the same, read the tips further down the post.
Processing Time: 5 to 10 business days
What surprised me was that I exchanged emails even on Saturday to the accommodating staff of ISC. By weekdays, I received a phone call that the translated diploma from Tagalog to English is ready for pick up.
From email inquiries to the downtown Calgary trip, it took me 10 days to have the documents in my hand: affidavit, translation, and certified true copy of the diploma.
Pick Up the Translated Document
If you decided to pick up the document, the best way to get there is through C-Train. Get off at the 7th Street SW Station then walk for a few minutes.
The office is located in the 12th floor. I received the document and paid (in cash) at the reception.
If you have any question regarding the documents or about s0mething else (guess what, I asked more about Canadian citizenship), ask the friendly staff.
Well, what can I say, right then and there, I filled up the survey and give them a perfect score. Satisfaction is best expressed through words so after the survey here is a blog post which I hope can help you in the best possible way.
Final Thoughts
The translation services in Canada has caught my attention that I would want to explore the other ways to translate a document.
I learned from this experience the importance of getting acquainted with settlement agencies in Canada wherever you are. As soon as you arrive, find ways to involve yourself with the activities and learn the services which might come in handy in the future.
I’ve known Immigrant Services Calgary through another settlement agency. Although I was having a hard time searching for certified translation services, this association made it easier for me to trust ISC.
Have you found another translation company or other ways? Share your experience and question.
Resource: Application for Canadian Citizenship Under Subsection 5(1)
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