There are a number of cases in which documents must be translated by a certified translator. These requirements can be broadly categorised into the following groups:
- Personal & Identity Documents: These are essential for proving identity, age, and nationality during visa or passport applications. They typically include birth certificates, passports, national ID cards, and police clearance or death certificates.
- Relationship & Family Status: This group includes documents required for family-based visa routes, such as marriage certificates, civil partnership records, divorce decrees, annulment papers, and adoption or legal child custody documents.
- Financial Documents: These are required to demonstrate self-sufficiency or meet specific income thresholds. Common examples include bank statements (often covering the last 3 to 6 months), payslips, tax returns, and property deeds or rental agreements to prove ties to a home country or accommodation in the UK.
- Academic & Professional Qualifications: These are crucial for student visas, Skilled Worker visas, or professional registration (e.g., with the GMC). University degrees, diplomas, academic transcripts, and professional licenses are frequently required.
- Legal & Medical Documents: These may be necessary for court proceedings, insurance claims, or complex visa applications. Key documents include court orders, witness statements, employment contracts, job offer letters, and medical reports.
The specific documents required may vary depending on the institution or governing body, and the list above is not exhaustive. Always check the latest official UK government guidance for the most current submission requirements.
What are Common Documents Requiring Certified Translations?