WES & IQAS Document Translation: What You Need to Know Before Applying
Understanding WES, IQAS, and Credential Evaluation in Canada
If you earned your education outside Canada, you will likely need a credential evaluation to have your degrees and diplomas recognized. Organizations like WES (World Education Services), IQAS (International Qualifications Assessment Service), ICES (International Credential Evaluation Service), and CES (Comparative Education Service) assess foreign credentials and provide Canadian equivalency reports.
A key part of this process is submitting certified English or French translations of your academic documents. This guide explains exactly what you need, how evaluation organizations assess translations, and how to avoid costly mistakes.
Which Documents Need Translation for Credential Evaluation?
The specific documents required depend on the evaluation organization and your country of education, but the most commonly requested include:
- Academic transcripts (mark sheets, grade reports)
- Diplomas and degree certificates
- Degree completion letters
- Course descriptions or syllabi (for detailed evaluations)
- Professional licences or certificates (for regulated professions)
If any of these documents are in a language other than English or French, you must submit a certified translation alongside the original or a certified copy.
WES Translation Requirements
WES is the most widely used credential evaluation service in Canada, particularly for Express Entry and provincial nominee program (PNP) applications. Here is what WES requires:
Word-for-Word Translation
WES explicitly requires that translations be literal, word-for-word renderings of the original documents. This means:
- Every word, number, date, and abbreviation must be translated
- The translation must follow the exact structure and order of the original
- No information should be summarized, paraphrased, or omitted
- Stamps, seals, and signatures must be noted in the translation (e.g., "[Official University Seal]")
Translator Certification
Each translation must be accompanied by a signed statement from the translator that includes:
- The translator's full name and credentials
- A declaration that the translation is a true and accurate rendering
- The translator's signature and date
- Contact information
Format
WES prefers that the translation and the original document be submitted together. For electronic submissions, a single PDF containing the scan of the original and the translation is ideal.
IQAS Translation Requirements
IQAS, used primarily for Alberta immigration and professional licensing, has similar requirements to WES but with some additional considerations:
- Translations must be done by a professional translator — IQAS may reject translations that lack proper certification
- All documents must be translated in their entirety, including any notes, addenda, or amendments
- IQAS accepts translations submitted directly by the applicant or sent from the institution
ICES and CES Requirements
ICES (used in British Columbia) and CES (run by the University of Toronto) follow the same general principles:
- Complete, certified translations of all non-English/French documents
- A signed certification statement from the translator
- Translations should accompany certified copies of the original documents
How Evaluation Organizations Assess Translations
Credential evaluators do not simply glance at your translation. They use it as a primary reference to understand your academic record. Here is what they look for:
- Accuracy of grades and course names. Evaluators compare the translated grades against known grading scales from your country. Any discrepancy can trigger a request for re-translation.
- Completeness. If a transcript has 8 semesters of courses and the translation only covers 6, the evaluation will be delayed.
- Formatting consistency. A well-formatted translation that mirrors the original helps evaluators work efficiently and reduces the chance of misunderstanding.
- Certification statement. Without a proper certification statement, the translation may be rejected outright.
Common Mistakes That Delay Credential Evaluations
Submitting Uncertified Translations
Translations without a signed certification statement from the translator will not be accepted by WES, IQAS, or any reputable evaluation organization. Always verify your translation includes this statement.
Paraphrasing Instead of Translating
Some translators summarize course names or rearrange information for readability. While this might seem helpful, evaluation organizations require exact, literal translations. "Introduction to Organic Chemistry" must not be shortened to "Chemistry."
Omitting the Grading Scale
Many academic transcripts include a grading scale legend (e.g., "A = 90-100%, B = 80-89%"). This must be translated along with the rest of the document, as evaluators rely on it to assess your grades.
Using an Unqualified Translator
While friends or family members may speak both languages fluently, WES and IQAS require translations from professional, independent translators. A family member's translation will be rejected.
Tips for a Successful Credential Evaluation
- Order your translations and evaluation at the same time. This ensures you do not miss any required documents.
- Request a detailed evaluation if needed for professional licensing. A standard evaluation compares your overall degree, while a detailed (course-by-course) evaluation assesses individual courses.
- Send clear, complete document scans. Make sure every page of every transcript is included and legible.
- Work with a provider experienced in academic translations. At A2Z Language Hub, we translate academic documents for WES, IQAS, ICES, and CES daily and know exactly what each organization expects.
Cost and Turnaround
Academic transcript translations typically cost $55 to $85 per page, depending on the complexity and language pair. Standard turnaround is 3 to 5 business days, with rush options available. Visit our pricing guide for detailed cost breakdowns.
Get Your Academic Documents Translated Today
Do not let translation issues delay your credential evaluation. A2Z Language Hub provides accurate, word-for-word certified translations that are accepted by WES, IQAS, ICES, CES, and all major Canadian evaluation organizations.
Ready to get started? Request your free quote and get your academic documents translated by experts who understand what credential evaluators need. Explore all our translation services to learn more.
