Translating documents for an Australian visa: NAATI translators and the Free Translating Service

According to Home Affairs' guidance on documents in languages other than English, if a document isn't in English you should provide the original and an English translation. At the time of writing:

• In Australia, the translation should be done by a NAATI-accredited (now called NAATI-certified) translator.
• Outside Australia, the translator doesn't need to be NAATI accredited.
• Either way, each translation should include the translator's full name, address, telephone number, and details of their qualifications and experience in the language, written in English.

Individual visas can have extra document rules, so check the document checklist for your visa in ImmiAccount, or ask your registered migration agent.

NAATI's online directory is the official list of NAATI-certified translators and interpreters. You can search by language pair, location and credential, and check that a translator is currently certified. Translation is direction-specific: for visa documents you need someone certified to translate into English from your language.

• Ask for a quote and turnaround time before you send documents. Prices and timings vary between translators.
• Send clear, complete copies. Unclear stamps or handwriting slow things down.
• Check names, dates and numbers in the translation against the original. Spelling of names should match your passport.
• Keep the translation with the original and use both in your application.

Once you're settled, the Free Translating Service, delivered by TIS National for Home Affairs, can translate up to 10 eligible personal documents into English for permanent residents and some temporary and provisional visa holders, within two years of the visa grant.

At the time of writing, TIS National says you must be in Australia with a valid visa. Tourist visa holders, working holiday makers and Australian citizens aren't eligible. Importantly, translations needed for visa or citizenship applications aren't eligible, so this service is for settling in, not for your visa.

Eligible documents are personal documents issued by an official authority, such as:

• Birth, marriage, divorce and death records
• Academic transcripts and education records
• Employment evidence and occupational licences
• Driver licences and identity documents
• Police certificates
• Medical records, if you need ongoing treatment in Australia

TIS National translates from the original document, not certified copies. To apply you need an Australian phone number, an email address and your passport or ImmiCard number. Check the eligibility page before applying.

Translated documents come up again in the first months: enrolling children in school, getting qualifications recognised, applying for jobs and converting an overseas driver licence. Driver licences are managed by each state and territory, and some states have their own translation rules for licences, so check your state's transport authority before you book a test.

Our first weeks in Australia checklist covers the other early tasks.

Translators work with written text; interpreters work with spoken language. NAATI certifies them separately. If you need someone to help you speak with a doctor, Centrelink or a lawyer, you need an interpreter, and in many cases you can get one free. See free interpreter services.