A13.5 Translations (29/11/2010)

1. Applicants must provide a certified translation for any documents not written in English.
2. Translations must:
   1. not be made by an applicant's family member or a person with an interest in the outcome of the application, or an immigration adviser assisting with the application; and
   2. be certified as a correct translation made by a person familiar with both languages and competent in translation work; and
   3. be prepared and certified by a recognised private or official translation service; and
   4. be on the official letterhead of the translation service; and
   5. bear the stamp or signature of the translator; and
   6. bear the full name of the translator; and
   7. be accompanied by the original documents or certified copies; and
   8. be paid for by the applicant.
3. Translations may be prepared by:
   1. the Translation Service of the Department of Internal Affairs; or
   2. language departments of secondary schools or universities; or
   3. reputable people within the community who are known to translate documents accurately, with the exception of those listed in A13.5(b)(i); or
   4. embassies (if the translation is endorsed with the appropriate embassy seal); or
   5. any other recognised private or official translation service.
4. An immigration officer may:
   1. request a translation of the complete document where the translation is of a selected part(s) of the document; and
   2. request a translation by a different (specified) translation service where they are not satisfied by the initial translation.

Note: If a translation by a different (specified) translation service is requested the reason(s) behind the request must be clearly documented and conveyed to the applicant by INZ.

Effective 29/11/2010