Do we need to translate any other stamps than entry exit stamps in passport?
- Thread starter Ordinary
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The rule is simple: any document presented to IRCC that includes information that is not in one of Canada's official languages requires an accompanying, properly authenticated translation. This is stated repeatedly in the instructions. The applicable PDI (cited and linked many times in this forum) makes it clear this rule applies to ALL submissions.
There is no reason to think that the content of the information that is not in an official language can somehow change the way the rule is applied. Or that a document with only a small portion in a language other than one of Canada's official languages is exempt from the rule.
The presumption is the information needs to be properly translated in order to be properly read and understood -- so, for example, how would the reviewing officer know the information is "not related" to anything in particular without having the translation? By the way, however, while there is a lot less attention given to screening the passport pages these days than there was in the past, IF and WHEN an IRCC official is examining a citizenship applicant's passport the official can be, and typically will be scrutinizing it in multiple respects. Examining entries reflecting permits, for example. Just like border officials are always looking and comparing information beyond the scope of this or that particular purpose. They are always looking for any indication something is not right about the document or the individual presenting it. Always.
HOWEVER, enforcement of the rule to provide a translation is NOT uniform. So anecdotal accounts of what was required from this or that individual can vary. During my interview, for example, I presented a passport that had stamps with information that was not in either of Canada's official languages, and there was NO problem. Took the oath two days later.
IRCC does not engage in gotcha-games. IRCC officials will often NOT make an issue of the failure to present a translation if they perceive no reason to actually need the translation. It is kind of like driving over the speed limit on the QEW. The speed limit is the rule. It is not strictly enforced.
Which means a lot of the time the citizenship applicant will be OK despite failing to strictly follow the rules, to comply with the instructions. Better approach, usually, is when in doubt, follow the instructions, and otherwise, yep, follow the instructions. For those who do not do so perfectly, which includes me, things can still go as smoothly as things go, as they did for me. But they might not.
Similarly, I cannot guarantee you will not get a speeding ticket driving 20k over the speed limit on the 401, but I can attest to having done so many, many, many times without being stopped or ticketed.
