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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are you a genuine company? How can I know?

Provided professional translation services since 2008. Check out our public reviews if you’re uncertain, or give us a call to speak with one of our friendly translation project managers.

Is there a cut-off time for emails?

No, we are open 24/7.

Is your translation NAATI-certified?

Our translations are created by NAATI-credentialled translators whenever applicable and are thus “NAATI-certified” (although it is technically not the translation but the translator who is certified).

What is the difference between a NAATI translation and a professional translation?

A NAATI translation is created by a translator with NAATI translator accreditation. However, this accreditation is not available for all languages, so sometimes a translation sealed with our stamp has to be used instead of a NAATI translation. The quality of the translation will be the same, and it can still be used for many official purposes in such cases.

Do I need a local translator?

That will depend on your documents; although, in practice, most probably not. Our translators are not only NAATI-accredited, but they are also experienced professionals and native speakers with a lot of experience in their individual fields. You can expect to receive a high-end translation that will be appreciated by even the fussiest of readers.

Is the translation accepted by the Department of Home Affairs for immigration matters?

Yes, as our translations are created by NAATI-credentialled translators, they will be accepted by all Australian government entities, including the immigration division of the Department of Home Affairs.

Can I use the translation for VETASSESS?

Yes, but you need to find out whether your case officer requires a full or an extract translation.

Is your translation accepted by the passport department in Australia?

Yes, but you must check for yourself whether you need paper originals. If you do, we can post these to you, no problem.

Can I use the translation for citizenship purposes in Australia?

Yes.

Can I use the translation for an Australian visa application?

Yes, we guarantee acceptance of the translation by the Department of Home Affairs, but you must check for yourself whether you need paper originals.

Can I use your translation to rent a car?

Yes, but you must check for yourself whether you need paper originals. Typically you don’t.

Can I get the translation immediately even if I don’t use the express option, since it’s just a short document?

Our standard turnaround time is 3 business days, although if your translation is completed earlier than that, we will, of course, deliver it as soon as it is ready. If you want a guaranteed faster delivery, please order our express option.

Are you human?

Yes. And occasionally, we are dancers as well. All kidding aside, we provide a very personalised service, and it is our goal to ensure that clients are 100% happy with it. All our translators are experienced, professionals and native speakers. Moreover, they are NAATI-certified, which means you are sure to receive a high-quality translation that will be accepted by almost all authorities in Australia.

How can I pay for my order?

You can pay online with a Master or Visa card (secure payment via Westpac-PayWay), make a bank transfer, or send us a PayPal payment.

How can I contact you?

Chat with us here on our website, email office@migrationtranslators.com.au, call us on 07 3041 1331, or text us on 0488 824 242.

Where are you located?

Our office is at 377 Kent Street in Sydney. However, please be advised that this is not a walk-in office. We are a Web-based business, and our service is email-centred.

Do you have a walk-in office?

No, our service is Web- and email-based, which is much more convenient and allows us to provide services much more quickly.

Can I bring the document to your office?

No. It is not possible to drop off or pick up your document in person, as we do not have walk-in offices. You can rest assured, though, that we are bound to strict confidentiality as per the AUSIT Code of Ethics. In addition, we can sign a confidentiality agreement if you require one.

Is it possible to come to your office to have a same-day service?

No, that is unfortunately not possible, as we do not have walk-in offices. However, we do offer express translation services if you are in a rush (the fastest turnaround time is 6 hours), and we can express-post or courier your documents.

What time does your office open?

We respond to your phone and email enquires 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.

How do I get my document to you?

You can send us scans or photos of your documents to office@migrationtranslators.com.au, or upload your files here on the website. We will reply with a free quote within 15–30 minutes during peak hours.

Can you translate my document if I am overseas?

Yes, of course. Our service is Web- and email-based. All we need is a scan or photo of your document. We can still post your officially certified translations to any address worldwide.

I need to submit my documents to the DFAT. Can I get an electronic copy of the final document with the translator’s stamps and signature?

No. We will provide you with an electronic version (PDF file) of the translation, but this will not carry a stamp. Only the paper original that you receive in the mail will contain the translator’s personal stamp and signature. This is due to security and identity-fraud prevention measures.

My name is spelled differently in my birth certificate and my passport. Can you spell the name in the translation of my birth certificate the same way as it is spelled on my passport?

No. Translators are bound by the AUSIT Code of Ethics to translate only what is on the document. If there is an error in your document, you will need to go back to the authority that issued the document to have it corrected. We might be able to add an explanatory comment in some situations, though.

There is an error in my original document. Can you fix it?

No. Translators are bound by the AUSIT Code of Ethics to translate only what is in the document. If there is an error in your document, you will need to go back to the authority that issued the document to have it corrected. We might be able to add an explanatory comment in some situations, though.

Do you do Apostille stamps also?

No, we only provide certified translations. However, if you need to take your documents to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) to get an Apostille stamp, you must let us know, as we will need to provide a different certification in this case. The translator must sign and stamp all pages, so you will need to order originals as well.

Do you ship to PO Boxes?

Yes, we can ship to PO boxes all over the world.

Will I be able to receive the valid documents by email?

Yes, we first provide the certified translation by email (PDF copy). You can check the translation to ensure that everything is correct. Reasonable changes requested are free of charge. For certain purposes, you will need paper originals, which we can post to you.

Why should I get an original? Can’t I just print out my electronic copy?

You will need to check with the authority you are submitting your documents to for the specific requirements. Some only need an electronic copy, while some will require an original or a paper copy. The electronic copy is valid and certified and will have a signed stamp, but the original will have a fresh stamp and signature.

Will I see the translation before you post it?

Yes, we will send you an electronic version (PDF copy) by email first. You can check the translation to ensure that everything is correct. Reasonable requested changes are free of charge. We will not post the originals until we confirm your approval of the translation.

I also need to have documents validated as true copies. Do you do this as well?

No. If the authority you are dealing with also wants a certified copy of your original document, then you will need to get this done by a Justice of the Peace (JP). We suggest you Google for JPs in your area – typically you need to bring them your original and a copy, and they will then certify the copy. There are community JPs in many shopping centres around Australia.

I need an affidavit for the Family Court. Do you do that?

Yes, we can provide an affidavit along with the translation. However, you will have to provide the affidavit form that you want us to use, with Section A filled out. There is also an extra fee for this.

What is DFAT?

DFAT is the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. If you need to submit your documents to the DFAT to get an apostille stamp, you must let us know.

My name can be spelled in many different ways. How does the translator know which spelling to use?

For documents that are not written in the Latin alphabet, we always ask clients to provide us with the spellings of all proper nouns (people, places, organisations) in the document before we begin the translation. There are limits as to what we can do, though, because of legal regulations.

I need an Apostille. Do I do that before or after the translation?

We cannot give you advice on the apostille process. You will need to check this with the specific department or authority you are going to submit the translation to.

Can I see a scanned copy of the completed affidavit before posting?

No. You will see the translation and have the opportunity to check it before we get the affidavit; however, it is not possible to get a scanned version of the completed affidavit because it will be posted immediately after the translator’s visit to the courthouse.

Can I get the translator who has previously worked for me?

This will depend on the translator’s availability and schedule, but we will of course try to accommodate any requests. We aim for clients to be 100% happy with our service. Rest assured, though, that all the translators on our panel are experienced professionals and native speakers.

Can you notarise the translation also?

Yes, we offer notarisations for the overseas use of translation certifications. Notary fees apply, so please make sure you mention this requirement when you first enquire with us.

Do you have to see the original?

No. A scan or photo of the original document will be enough in most cases.

How much is your service per page and per word?

Please click here for details.

How much do you charge for translations?

You can check out our pricing here. If you’d like a free quote for your documents, you can send us scans or photos of your documents through the form on our website, or email them to office@migrationtranslators.com.au. We will reply immediately.

Do you offer discounts?

No. Our prices are fixed because we have very competitive prices already. However, we do have a best‑price guarantee: If you come across a lower quote for a NAATI-certified translation from another agency in Australia, we’ll match it and take off another 5%! You will need to email us the quote before ordering so that we can determine whether it is comparable, which means the same certification level, the same workflow, and the same or faster speed.

I have a translation of my document that I got in my country. Can you just certify and stamp it? And can I get a discount, since everything is already there?

No. In Australia, certified translations (done by NAATI-credentialled translators) must be created from scratch. It is not legal to simply certify existing translations, because the translator, through his/her certification, confirms that the translation is his/her own work product. As a consequence, translation companies in Australia cannot use existing translations.

How long will it take for me to receive the translation?

Our standard turnaround time is 48 to 72 hours, but we also have a range of express and same-day options.

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