Translators in Vancouver or Winnipeg: Any reccomendations?

[shinytreasure 0]

Hey... has anybody happend to have used a translator in either Vancouver or Winnipeg? I need to get my Colombian Police Certificate "translated" (Spanish to English). How do you know the consulate will accept the translation (ie. must it be "Certified" or something)?

Where did you go? How long did it take? (mine info is pretty short) And what kind of $$ should I expect?

THanks

[Kathryn41 3,205]

Why not check to see if there is a local New Immigrant Organization or a Spanish Cultural Center (or something along those lines) where they may be able to suggest someone who can do the translation? You can also check with local high schools or at a University that offers Language courses and see if they have someone on staff who is fluent in both English and Spanish and may be able to provide translations.

If the translator isn't a professional, then you can both go to a Commissioner of Oaths who can take an oath from the translator that they are knowledgeable in both English and Spanish and that this is a true and accurate translation of the document in question. Most Municipalities have someone who is authorized as a Commissioner of Oaths on staff as do most MP's offices . (I was one) . The Commissioner of Oaths will then transfix their stamp on the document. It is a relatively easy and usually inexpensive route to go if you are not using a professional translator. (We didn't charge for this service).

A professional translators will be able to verify their qualifications and should provide you with some sort of statement to that effect.

Prices vary from several dollars a page to a minimum amount. It will depend on the translator. One I used to use while I still worked for the MP in Canada charged $35 for something like a birth certificate, however that was 7 years ago now.

Hope this helps.

Edited October 27, 2010 by Kathryn41

[Kathryn41 3,205]

I just Googled Immigrant Services in both Vancouver and Winnipeg and there are a number of places that come up which do offer translation services. I also googled professional translators Spanish in Winnipeg and Vancouver and again, there are quite a number of links available. There are also Spanish Centers in both cities which offer translation services. Most of these places provide free quotes, so take a look and you can then select the one that seems to meet your needs the best.

Edited October 27, 2010 by Kathryn41

[shinytreasure 0]

hey, thanks Kathryn. You're quick!

I never even thought of the university?! DUH!

Any idea what kind of "proof" would be needed to satisfy the consulate that the translation is accurate? Otherwise, I could do it myself...

[Kathryn41 3,205]

I am not sure for US immigration but for Canadian immigration they were satisfied with a statement made by the translator that they were knowledgeable in both languages involved and swear that this is a true and accurate translation of the document in question. I suggested using a Commissioner of Oaths to take the sworn statement about the translation from the translator as a quick, inexpensive and relatively available option that would make the translation more official. A professional translator will already have the necessary documentation that they will provide with the translation verifying their qualificiations.

I don't know if providing your own translation will work or not. You could always try going with your own translation (include the statement on the bottom of the translation that you are knowledgeable in both English and Spanish and swear that this is a true and accurate translation to the best of your abilities) and see if they accept it. If they don't they will probably send you an RFE for another translation.

The thing is with it being a police/criminal check I think it would be a better idea to use a disinterested third party as the translator since you have a strong vested interest in the outcome and this is a critical document. Hopefully someone else more in the know of Consulate/USCIS requirements for translations will come along and offer some advice.

In the meantime, you can certainly get some quotes on the other options.

[mkl 0]

In my fiance's caes, she had a Lebonon police certificate to have transulated so she had to send it from Hong Kong to Manila. Then she had to pay someone to "hand" deliver it to the Lebenese Embassy there in Manila. The total cost to us was approx. $100.00 USD, ($30.00 to have it transulate and $70.00 for shipping both ways and hand deliver & pickup). Good Luck

[shinytreasure 0]

Hey... thanks for the tips and suggestions. Vancouver just notified me TODAY, by email, that I have an interview scheduled on the 9th of November at 1pm. I am SO excited! (I only faxed my stuff yesterday afternoon!)

I will look into things in Winnipeg as I would like to get on the plane knowing that I have everything DONE. Yes, you are right about the 3rd person thing! I think I will start at the university.

Your responses are much appreciated.