The significance of providing translated documents with an immigration application

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) mandates that all documents in a foreign language submitted for immigration or citizenship applications must include an official English or French translation.
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These translations must be completed by a certified professional translator.
Importance of Certified Translations in Immigration Applications: The Case of Hasan Gorgulu
IRCC Requirements
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) mandates that all foreign language documents submitted for immigration or citizenship applications must include certified translations in English or French. Failing to comply with these requirements can result in applications being deemed incomplete or refused.
Hasan Gorgulu’s Case
Hasan Gorgulu, a Turkish citizen, serves as a cautionary example of the critical need for certified translations. In January 2023, Gorgulu applied for a Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA), which protects individuals from being returned to countries where they face persecution, danger, or cruel punishment. To support his PRRA application, he submitted three Turkish documents along with their English translations. However, the translations were not certified, leading IRCC to reject his application as incomplete.
Gorgulu sought judicial review, arguing that the IRCC officer’s refusal to consider the documents and the subsequent rejection of his application were unreasonable.
Federal Court Ruling
The Federal Court reviewed the case, referencing Guide 5523, which outlines PRRA application procedures. The guide specifies that:
- Submissions and supporting documents must be in English or French.
- Non-official language documents must include translations with a certified translator’s declaration.
- Documents in non-official languages without certified translations will not be considered.
The court noted that IRCC staff are not required to interpret or assess non-official language documents. However, the court also found that Guide 5523 is not legally binding on IRCC officers. While it is within their discretion to reject improperly translated documents, officers are also empowered to notify applicants of issues and allow them to address errors before a decision is made.
In Gorgulu’s case, the court deemed the IRCC officer’s decision unreasonable. A reasonable officer would have recognized the translation issue as an oversight and given Gorgulu an opportunity to rectify it, especially given the high stakes of a PRRA decision.
Conclusion
This case underscores the importance of ensuring full compliance with IRCC’s translation requirements to avoid application delays or refusals. Certified translations are essential for ensuring that applications are complete and for mitigating the risk of miscommunication or procedural errors that could jeopardize an applicant’s rights and interests.

Lessons for Canadian Immigration Applicants from Hasan Gorgulu’s Case
Hasan Gorgulu’s experience serves as a valuable reminder for all current and future Canadian immigration applicants about the critical importance of properly translating foreign-language documents.
Key Takeaways:
- Certified Translations Are Essential
Submitting foreign-language documents without certified translations in English or French can lead to serious consequences, including application delays, refusals, or being deemed incomplete. - Understand IRCC Requirements
Prospective immigrants must familiarize themselves with the Canadian government’s requirements for document translations. This includes ensuring that translations are accurate, complete, and certified by a professional translator. - Leverage Available Resources
The Government of Canada provides numerous online tools and resources to guide applicants through the process of submitting properly translated documents. Utilizing these resources can prevent errors and improve the chances of a successful application.
By adhering to these guidelines, applicants can avoid unnecessary setbacks and progress more smoothly toward building a new life in Canada.
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