What Is a NAATI Certified Translation and Why Does Your Visa Need One?

If you're applying for an Australian visa and your documents aren't in English, you need a NAATI certified translation. But what does that actually mean — and why does the Department of Home Affairs insist on it?

What NAATI certification means

NAATI stands for the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters. It's the body that sets professional standards for translators in Australia. A NAATI certified translator has passed a rigorous competency assessment and holds a credential recognised by government agencies, universities, and courts across the country.

When you submit a NAATI certified translation with your visa application, you're providing a document that has been produced by a credentialled professional — not a bilingual friend or an online tool.

Why Home Affairs requires it

The Department of Home Affairs processes millions of documents from applicants around the world. To ensure documents are accurate and consistent, they require translations to meet a minimum standard. NAATI certification is that standard.

Submitting a translation that isn't NAATI certified is one of the most common reasons visa applications are delayed or returned for correction.

What documents need to be translated?

Any document that isn't in English must be accompanied by an English translation. Common examples include:

• Passports and national identity cards
• Birth, marriage, and death certificates
• Academic transcripts and diplomas
• Police clearance certificates
• Medical records
• Employment contracts

How quickly can you get one?

At T-NOVA, our standard turnaround is 6–24 hours. For urgent applications, same-day or 4-hour delivery is available with a surcharge.

Every translation comes with a signed certification statement and the translator's NAATI credential number — exactly what Home Affairs needs.