NAATI Certified Translation FAQ
What is a NAATI certified translation?
A NAATI certified translation is a document translated by a professional accredited by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters. It includes the translator’s official stamp, certification statement, and signature, making it a legal document accepted by Australian authorities.
Do I need a NAATI translator for my Australian visa application?
Yes. The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) requires all non-English documents submitted within Australia to be translated by a NAATI certified translator to ensure accuracy and prevent fraud in the immigration process.
Which identity documents commonly require NAATI translation?
We frequently translate Birth Certificates, Marriage Certificates, Passports (ID pages), National Identity Cards, Divorce Decrees, and Change of Name certificates for Brisbane clients.
Can you translate documents for a QLD Driver License transfer?
Yes. Our NAATI certified translations of overseas licenses are recognized by the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) for license conversions and for driving legally on Queensland roads.
Do you provide translations for Skills Assessments (ACS, Engineers Australia)?
Absolutely. We translate Degree Certificates, Academic Transcripts, and Professional Reference Letters required for skills assessment bodies like the Australian Computer Society (ACS), Engineers Australia, and VETASSESS.
What employment documents do I need to translate for a 482 or 189 visa?
Commonly required documents include Employment Contracts, Payslips, Tax Statements, and Employer Reference Letters. These must be translated in full, including any company stamps or official letterheads.
How much does a NAATI translation cost in Brisbane?
Standard one-page documents like a Birth Certificate or Driver License typically start from $60. We provide free, transparent quotes for more complex legal or medical documents.
How long does the translation process take?
Our standard turnaround is 1-2 business days. However, we offer an Express Service for urgent requests by email often within 24 hours for fewer documents.
Will the translation be accepted for Australian Citizenship applications?
Yes. Our NAATI certified translations meet all the requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs for Citizenship applications, including the translation of penal clearance certificates (Police Checks).
Do I need to provide the original physical document?
No. A high-quality scan or clear photo of your document is sufficient. You can upload these directly to our website, and we will work from the digital copy to provide your certified translation.
Do you translate Police Clearance Certificates for visa character requirements?
Yes, we regularly translate Police Checks and Penal Clearances from all countries. These are essential for meeting the character requirements of almost all Australian visa subclasses.
Can I use your service for University admissions in Brisbane?
Yes. Our translations are accepted by UQ, QUT, Griffith University, and other institutions for verifying academic qualifications and transcripts during the enrollment process.
What is the difference between an 'Extract' and a 'Full' translation?
A 'Full' translation includes every word on the page, including stamps and marginal notes. Most Australian government departments, especially for visa purposes, require a Full translation rather than a summary or extract.
Are digital NAATI translations valid for online visa lodgement?
Yes. Since the introduction of the NAATI digital stamp, electronic versions (PDFs) are widely accepted by ImmiAccount and other online government portals.
Can you translate financial documents for Business or Investor visas?
Yes. We translate Bank Statements, Audit Reports, Property Deeds, and Business Registration documents required for Subclass 188 or 888 visa applications.
Do you offer hard copies of the translations?
While digital copies are standard, we can provide hard copies with fresh NAATI stamps sent via Express Post to any address in Brisbane or across Australia.
Is there a 'use by' date for NAATI translations?
While the translation itself doesn't 'expire,' some authorities (like TMR or DHA) may require that a translation was completed within the last 12–24 months, or that the original document is still valid.
Can you translate Medical Reports for visa health waivers?
Yes. Our translators are experienced in medical terminology and can provide certified translations of doctor's reports, hospital records, and vaccination certificates.
Do I need to visit your Brisbane office in person?
There is no need to visit. We operate a fully online service for Brisbane residents, allowing you to manage the entire process from your phone or computer.
What languages do you support for NAATI translation?
We support over 150 languages, including Chinese, Spanish, Arabic, Japanese, Korean, German, French, and Portuguese, all handled by NAATI-certified professionals.
Will my translation look like the original document?
Yes. We strive to maintain the original layout and formatting so that the case officer can easily compare the translation with your original source document.
Do I need a digital or a 'wet-ink' physical stamp?
For most online visa applications (ImmiAccount), a digital NAATI stamp is perfect. If you do require a physical 'wet-ink' signature and stamp on a hard copy, you need to request for this before we commence.
Can you translate damaged or blurry documents?
We can translate what is legible. If parts of your document are obscured or damaged, we will mark those sections as '[illegible]' in the translation. To avoid rejection by authorities, we recommend providing the clearest possible scan or a secondary supporting document.
What are the specific NAATI requirements for AHPRA?
AHPRA has strict rules: they do not accept 'extract' translations. We provide the 'full' NAATI-certified translations required for medical registration. Additionally, we can send your translation directly to AHPRA if they have requested a verified digital delivery from the translator.
Can I get a NAATI translation for an Apostille (DFAT)?
Yes. If you are using your document overseas, DFAT may need to 'legalise' it. We ensure our translations meet the specific DFAT formatting standards, including the mandatory translator's name, signature, and date on every page, so they are eligible for an Apostille or Authentication.
Do you translate social media or chat logs for partner visas?
Yes, we frequently translate WhatsApp, WeChat, and Facebook chat logs as evidence of a 'genuine and continuing relationship' for Subclass 309/100 or 820/801 visas. We provide a concise yet certified translation of the relevant parts of your communication history.
Can I use the same translation for multiple government agencies?
Generally, yes. A NAATI-certified translation is a legal document that can be used for the Passport Office, TMR, and the ATO simultaneously. However, always check if the specific agency requires an 'original' hard copy or if a high-quality scan of the translation is sufficient.
What happens if my name is spelled differently across documents?
We must translate the names exactly as they appear on the source document. However, we can add a 'Translator's Note' to clarify transliteration variations (e.g., variations in Chinese Pinyin or Arabic names) to help the Case Officer understand that the documents refer to the same person.
Are your translations valid in New Zealand or other countries?
NAATI is an Australian body, but its certifications are widely recognized in New Zealand. For countries like Canada, the USA, or the UK, our translations are usually accepted as 'certified translations' because of our professional accreditation, though you should check the specific requirements of the receiving country.
