Does my document need an English translation?

Yes, for every document that is not in English. Home Affairs says “All documents not in English must be translated into English.” A document already in English needs no translation. For one only partly in English, no rule we quote says how Home Affairs treats it, so ask Home Affairs, naming the document and the parts already in English. The checker gives the answer for your visa and document in 1 second. See who may translate for a visa and documents already partly in English.

Yes, if it is not in English. Home Affairs says “All documents not in English must be translated into English”, and the partner visa checklists name the certificate itself: “Provide a birth certificate showing the names of both parents”. Before you decide it is in English, look at every part: printed text, stamps, seals and handwritten notes. In the checker, pick your visa, then Birth certificate, to see the rule quoted with the date we checked it. Birth certificate translation has the detail.

Yes, each document that is not in English. Home Affairs’ citizenship page says “Provide an English translation for all documents that are not in English.” For translations made in Australia, Home Affairs’ wording on using a NAATI-certified translator ranges from “should” to “must”, depending on the page. The citizenship page adds that each translation should show the translator’s full name, address and telephone number. Under our NAATI certification option, the translation shows the translator’s name and practitioner number, but not their address or phone number, so ask Home Affairs before you order. TIS National’s free service excludes translations “required for visa or citizenship applications”. Citizenship document translation has more.

Yes, for any document you show that is not in English. The Australian Passport Office says “If your documents aren’t in English, you’ll need to get them translated in full and stamped by an accredited translator before you show them to us.” An adult born overseas may not need a birth certificate at all: the Passport Office asks for one when “your Australian citizenship document does not show your gender or place of birth”. TIS National’s free service is closed to citizens: “Australian citizens are also not eligible for this service.” Passport application translation covers the documents involved.

In New South Wales and Queensland, yes, for documents not in English. The NSW Government says “foreign language certificates and documents must be translated into English by a National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters accredited translator.” Queensland’s registry asks for a translation by a translator certified by NAATI, plus a certified copy of the original. We have not checked other states’ registries, so there the checker answers MAYBE. The celebrant guidelines say a celebrant “should ask the couple to seek an official NAATI certified translation of the document”, so ask your celebrant which translation they want before you order. Marrying in Australia with foreign documents has more.

It depends on the assessor. All four we quote want an English translation of any document not in English, with the original beside it. The ACS and TRA name NAATI for translations done in Australia. VETASSESS says “a registered translation service must be used”, and does not define “registered”. Engineers Australia wants “the translator’s registered ID, name and contact details on each copy”. Under our NAATI certification option, the translation shows the translator’s name and practitioner number, but not their phone number or address, so for Engineers Australia the checker answers MAYBE: ask it before you order. What each skills assessor asks for quotes all four.

Maybe, but ask Services Australia first: it may translate the document for you at no charge. It says “We might ask you for a document when you claim a payment or service. If it’s not in English, we can translate it for free.” You ask for this when you call or visit. So for a document not in English, the checker answers MAYBE for Centrelink and Medicare and points you there before you pay anyone, us included. TIS National runs a separate free service with its own rules: see who can use the free translation service.