In most cases, you have a very clear idea of which documents you want to have translated. However, some people need assistance. They want to emigrate, but they still don’t know where, or which immigration status they will apply for. This is when they come to the sworn translator with the question: What documents should I translate?
Unfortunately, this is not a question sworn translators should answer, since the list of required documents depends mainly on the following aspects:
- The country of destination.
- The immigration status applied to (student, refugee, worker, etc.)
- The reviewing authorities, whether they be just immigration authorities or also academic, professional, etc.
But we can make some comments regarding these aspects.
As for the country of destination, it is important to know whether it is a signatory to the Hague Convention. Not all countries are signatories to the Convention, so this information is important to determine whether the documents to be translated must be first legalized or apostilled. This is especially important considering legal proceedings in Venezuela require a significant investment of time and resources. Likewise, it is important to highlight that it is advisable to translate the entire document, including legalizations and apostilles, to ensure that they are not rejected at destination. In the United States and Europe, translations are much more expensive than in Latin America.
As for the actual documents being required from you, it is not the same to apply for a visa as a student with no intention of settling permanently, as a student who does intend to settle permanently after graduation, as a worker, as an entrepreneur, or as a refugee. It is important to have and follow good legal advice. Thus, we advice you to get legal representation from an immigration attorney, whose job is to orient you on these matters; we’ll handle the translations.
Finally, it is important that you take into account the type of authority (or authorities) that will review your documents. Different authorities have different requirements, included, but not limited to, stylistic considerations such as format, paper size, etc. And although we cannot give you an exhausting list, we can mention some documents that are basic in any immigration process:
- Birth certificates (your own and your children’s, if applicable).
- Criminal records.
- Identity cards (ID, citizenship card, etc.).
- Marriage certificates (if applicable).
- Academic documents (diplomas and certified transcripts, among others, depending on the level of education completed).
Translating your immigration documents (and translating them well) takes time and money. Remember that this list includes the most basic documents you will need, so it is very important that you conduct proper research and work with professionals. Contact us today to request a quote at xgtranslations@gmail.com