UKVI Translation Requirements

We see rejected certifications when clients have used unaccredited translators, freelance bilinguals or family members. The rejections we see most often, in order:

1. No verifiable translator qualification. "Sarah, native speaker, has translated this" is not a qualification. Receiving authorities look up the translator on the ITI or CIOL register; if there is nothing to find, the certificate is rejected.
2. Missing Statement of Truth. A translator's signature without a clear statement that the translation is true and accurate is not a certification - it is just a signed translation.
3. Wrong format. The translation is delivered as a Word document with no source attached. UK authorities want a single PDF with source and translation visible side by side.
4. Source mismatch. The translator certified a translation from a photocopy of a photocopy, with critical text illegible. The certificate cannot truthfully say "true and accurate" if half the original is unreadable.
5. Translator translated their own document. Translators cannot certify translations of their own personal documents - the receiving authority will reject the obvious conflict of interest.

Every certified translation we issue is checked against this list before release. If your previous translation was rejected, send it to us along with the rejection letter; we will tell you which of the five caused it.

The canonical wording is published in the government's certifying a document guidance. For a document not written in English or Welsh, it asks the translation company to confirm in writing on the translation:

• that it is a 'true and accurate translation of the original document'
• the date of the translation
• the full name and contact details of the translator or a representative of the translation company

UK Visas and Immigration applies the same standard: confirmation of accuracy, the date, the translator's full name and signature, and contact details. The guidance explicitly states that translations do not need to be notarised or certified by a solicitor.

The professional bodies publish matching guidance: see the CIOL guide to certified translations and the ITI guide to official and sworn translation. Every certified translation we issue carries this exact wording on a signed certification letter. For how long each option takes, see our certified translation turnaround guide; if you have been asked for a "sworn translation", our sworn translation guide explains what that means in the UK.

The most frequently translated documents for UKVI applications include:

• Identity documents: Birth certificates, passports, national ID cards
• Relationship evidence: Marriage certificates, divorce decrees
• Financial documents: Bank statements, tax returns, payslips
• Employment documents: Employment letters, contracts, reference letters
• Educational documents: Degrees, diplomas, transcripts
• Legal documents: Court orders, police certificates

To ensure your translation is accepted:

1. Use a professional service - Not a friend, family member, or free online tool
2. Check certification is included - The signed statement of accuracy is essential
3. Verify translator details are present - Name, credentials, and contact information
4. Submit originals too - Always include the source documents
5. Ensure completeness - Every part of the document must be translated, including stamps and seals

Applying from London? Our certified translation London page covers same-day PDF return on weekday orders placed before 12:00 UK time, with tracked Royal Mail delivery to any London postcode when a paper copy is needed.