UK Immigration Translation Requirements 2026: Complete Guide

If you are applying for a UK visa in 2026, understanding the translation requirements is essential. Submitting incorrectly certified documents is one of the most common reasons for visa delays and refusals. This guide covers everything you need to know.

What UKVI Requires for Translated Documents

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that any document not in English or Welsh must be accompanied by a certified translation. The requirements are consistent across all visa types, whether you are applying for a spouse visa, skilled worker visa, or student visa.

Every certified translation must include four essential elements:

• A statement of accuracy – confirmation that the translation is a true and accurate rendering of the original document
• The date of translation – when the translation was completed
• The translator's full name and signature – identifying who completed the work
• Contact details – allowing the Home Office to independently verify the translation if needed

The translation must be complete. Summaries, abridged versions, or partial translations are not accepted.

Important: Notarisation Is Not Required

One of the most common misconceptions is that translations need to be notarised. UKVI explicitly states that notarisation is not required. A properly certified translation from a professional translator is sufficient for all UK visa applications.

Paying £30–50 for a notary stamp adds no value to your application and is an unnecessary expense.

Who Can Translate Your Documents?

Your translation must be completed by a professional third party. The Home Office requires translations to be independently verifiable, which means:

• You cannot translate your own documents
• Family members cannot translate your documents
• Immigration advisers should not translate documents

While UKVI does not maintain an approved list of translators, using a translator who is a member of a professional body (such as the Institute of Translation and Interpreting or Chartered Institute of Linguists) provides additional credibility.

Major Immigration Changes for 2026

Several significant changes affect UK immigration in 2026. While the core translation requirements remain the same, these broader changes may affect your application.

eVisa Replaces Physical Documents

As of 31 December 2024, Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) are no longer issued. All visa holders must now set up a UKVI account to access their digital immigration status (eVisa). If you are granted a visa in 2026, you will receive an eVisa rather than a physical card.

Your eVisa cannot be lost, stolen, or damaged like physical documents. You can use it to generate share codes for employers and landlords to verify your immigration status.

Higher English Language Requirements (8 January 2026)

From 8 January 2026, new applicants for Skilled Worker, Scale-up, and High Potential Individual visas must demonstrate B2-level English proficiency. This is higher than the previous B1 requirement.

B2 level means being able to understand detailed information and express yourself clearly in complex or professional situations. It is roughly equivalent to A-Level standard, compared to B1 which is closer to GCSE level.

Those extending their existing visas can continue to rely on their previous B1 English evidence.

Spouse Visa Financial Requirements

The minimum income requirement for sponsoring a spouse or partner visa is currently £29,000 per year. This increased from £18,600 in April 2024.

If you applied before 11 April 2024, you may still qualify under the transitional £18,600 threshold. A Migration Advisory Committee review in 2025 suggested the threshold may be reconsidered, but no changes have been announced yet.

Settlement Qualifying Period

The government has proposed extending the qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) from 5 years to 10 years for Points Based System migrants. This change is expected to begin in April 2026.

Documents That Commonly Need Translation

The following documents frequently require certified translation for UK visa applications:

Identity Documents

• Birth certificates
• Passports (non-English sections)
• National identity cards

Relationship Evidence

• Marriage certificates
• Divorce decrees
• Civil partnership certificates

Financial Documents

• Bank statements
• Tax returns
• Payslips
• Employment contracts

Educational Documents

• Degree certificates
• Diplomas
• Academic transcripts

Legal Documents

• Police certificates
• Court orders
• Powers of attorney

Document Validity and Timing

While certified translations themselves do not expire, the underlying documents may need to be recent:

• Bank statements – typically within 28 days of your application
• Employment letters – within 3 months
• Police certificates – check specific country requirements

It is advisable to have your translation completed close to your application date, particularly for financial documents.

Common Translation Mistakes That Lead to Visa Refusals

Every year, thousands of visa applications are refused due to avoidable documentation issues. Here are the most common translation-related mistakes:

1. Missing certification statement – the translation lacks a formal declaration of accuracy
2. No contact details – the Home Office cannot verify the translation
3. Self-translation – translating your own documents, even if you are fluent
4. Family member translation – having a relative translate for you
5. Partial translation – only translating some sections of a document
6. Machine translation without review – submitting raw Google Translate output
7. Poor formatting – translations that do not mirror the original layout

If a key document is disregarded because the translation is defective, your application can be refused for failure to provide required evidence.

Tips for a Successful Application

• Submit originals with translations – UKVI requires both the original document and the translation. Valuable documents like birth certificates will be returned.
• Keep translations together – ensure each translation is clearly matched to its original document.
• Check document dates – verify that financial documents meet the recency requirements before translating them.
• Use professional services – while it may be tempting to save money, a rejected application costs far more in fees, time, and stress.
• Keep copies – retain copies of all documents and translations for your records.

Specific Visa Type Guidance

Student Visa

For student visa applications, your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) is issued in English by your institution. However, you will need to translate any supporting documents such as academic transcripts, degree certificates, and financial evidence.

From November 2025, the living costs requirement is £1,171 per month (up to £10,539 total). Bank statements showing these funds must be translated if not in English.

Spouse and Family Visa

Marriage certificates from overseas must be translated, along with any evidence of your relationship such as joint financial documents or correspondence.

If you are using savings to meet the financial requirement (minimum £88,500 after excluding the first £16,000), bank statements must show funds held for at least six consecutive months and must be translated.

Skilled Worker Visa

Qualifications used to demonstrate you meet the skill level requirement must be translated if not in English. From 22 July 2025, the minimum skill threshold is RQF Level 6 (degree level).

If you are relying on overseas qualifications, you may also need a UK ENIC (formerly UK NARIC) statement confirming the equivalency, in addition to the translated certificate.

Get Your Documents Translated

We provide UKVI-accepted certified translations for all document types, with same-day delivery available. Our translations include all required certification elements and are accepted by the Home Office, courts, and universities.

Get an instant quote or contact us if you have questions about your specific documents.