Visa Documents Translations – What You Need To Know

Working with a NAATI accredited translator can help to make the visa application process run much more smoothly.  Unless you have a strong reason for preferring a translator from one part of the country, for example a translator in Melbourne if you need local knowledge of that area, then NAATI accreditation is the key point to look for.

Rubber stamp - Visa

Translations and online applications

It is still possible to use a translator if you plan to make an online application.  You will simply have to copy and paste the translated document into the relevant parts of the application form.  At current time there are only some visas for which online application is possible although it is reasonable to assume that this will change in the future.  It’s worth noting that even online applications often need supporting documentation sent by snail mail.

Choosing a good translator

In translation terms a good translator is one who will convey your message clearly and accurately and who will make sure that they understand not only your words but also your intention before they convert them into English.  NAATI accreditation is a seal of approval for technical efficiency, the issue then becomes one of professionalism and reliability.  Unless there is a strong reason for preferring a translator from a particular geographical area, for example a translator in Melbourne if you intend to visit that area and may wish to use their services for other purposes, then you are free to check online for candidates and agencies who meet your requirements.  Word-of-mouth recommendations and client testimonials are much more valuable than rock-bottom prices.

Be ready to answer questions

A professional translator will want to create the best translation possible and will consider it vital that they completely understand your source text.  If they don’t they will want you to clarify it before they start to translate.  The more promptly you respond, the quicker and more accurately they will be able to translate your document.

Visa Documents Translations – Have NAATI Accredited Translator Will Travel

Getting a travel visa can be the final step in a process and it’s possibly the most important step of all, otherwise all your preparation will have been for nothing.  With this in mind it’s worth taking the time to get it right.  Using a translator in Melbourne or any other major city will help to make the process go more smoothly.  Here are some key points to remember.

Get the right visa.

Most countries have different visas for different purposes, including Australia.  In many cases it’s obvious what type of visa you need, but sometimes it is less so, for example, if your trip will combine study with work experience with travel.  If in doubt, seek professional advice.

Understand the questions

Some questions on the visa form are standard, basic, information, like name and date of birth.  Other questions require you to complete information more fully.  These latter questions tend to play a critical role in your visa application so make sure that you understand them completely.  If need be have them translated into your own language before answering them.

Answer all questions full and truthfully

Never, ever, give in to the temptation to be economical with the truth when filling in a visa application form.  The simple truth of the matter is that you are far more likely to be caught out than to get a way with it, particularly in these days of cross-checking between computer databases.  There are plenty of daytime TV shows which feature people being denied entry to a country because immigration officials at the point of entry realized that there were inaccuracies on their visa application, don’t let that be you.  If there are likely to be any issues of concern with your visa application, it is far better to give an explanation of them on the form and be prepared for an interview in the embassy in your home country, than to give an evasive answer and hope for the best.

The Importance of Effective Visa Documents Translations

In some ways a visa application should be thought of in similar terms to a job application. Admittedly in the case of visas, there generally needs to be a reason for your application to be rejected, rather than a reason for it to be accepted, but at the end of the day, you want to visit a country and you need approval for that visit to take place. It therefore makes sense to make your visa application as attractive as it can be.

Of course, visa applications are a more like standardized job application forms than a CV in that there are a number of standard fields, which need to be completed and completing them fully, correctly and accurately is crucial to having your application accepted. In some cases it may help to look for a translator with specific, localized knowledge, for example a translator in Melbourne may be able to double-check any local references on your application more effectively than a NAATI accredited translator in Darwin at the opposite end of the country. In many cases, however, where in the country the translator is located is irrelevant.

The key point is to ensure that your document contains all the information an official needs to feel comfortable approving your application. Ideally the form should project a respectable and professional image, which is part of the reason why having it translated by an experienced NAATI translator can be crucial to success. In short, presenting an application in perfect English, which is completely free of any errors of spelling, grammar and punctuation is a clear signal that you are serious about your visa application and understand your obligation to act in a responsible manner when visiting Australia. This can vastly improve the impression it gives and thereby increase the chances of it being approved.