Translation intersects with the apostille process at two distinct points: what the Canadian authority needs to process your submission, and what the foreign recipient needs to use the document.

All documents submitted to a Canadian competent authority must be in English or French. A document in Spanish, Chinese, Arabic, or any other language needs a certified translation accompanying it before the authority will review the submission.

That translation must come from a translator who is a member of a recognized provincial translators' association (under CTTIC - the Canadian Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters Council), or from an Ontario notary who attests to speaking both languages and includes the required statement.

The allonge is printed in English and French per the Convention standard. It does not need translation. Receiving parties internationally recognize the standardized 10-field format without translation.

After the apostille is issued, the underlying document may also need translation into the destination country's language. Italian immigration needs Italian translations. Korean immigration needs Koreans.

The standard sequence is:

• Obtain the document in its original language
• Submit the original to the Canadian authority for the apostille
• After receiving the apostilled original, have the document translated by a qualified translator
• Deliver the apostilled original and the translation to the foreign authority
• The apostille goes on the original, not on the translation.

Some countries require the translation to be apostilled as well. In that case:

• Have the document translated
• Have the translation notarized by a Canadian notary
• Submit the notarized translation for apostille
• Deliver both the apostilled original and the apostilled notarized translation

The Italian Consulate General of Toronto accepts a translation notarized by an Ontario notary and then apostilled, as an alternative to their own certification process. Confirm the specific requirement with the receiving authority before choosing which path to follow.