If you are applying for a WES evaluation to study in the US, you must obtain an exact, word-for-word English translation for all academic documents not originally issued in English. For Canadian evaluations, documents must be in English or French. This certified translation is mandatory. It ensures the evaluator can review your academic records without misinterpreting any details. The translation must also meet WES requirements. Otherwise, it will be rejected and delay your evaluation.
In this article, you will learn about the WES translation requirement, why it’s required, the documents you must translate and the steps to follow. You will also learn about the cost of academic document translation for WES evaluation, how long it takes and mistakes to avoid.
WES requires translated documents to ensure the evaluator can review your academic record and provide an accurate report.
WES reviews documents from many countries each year. If your academic records are in another language, certified translations ensure evaluators can understand course titles, grades, degrees, dates, and institution details.
WES compares your academic record with the education standards in the US and Canada. This process requires a precise interpretation of records to ensure an accurate report. Evaluators need to translate documents to avoid misinterpreting grades, course names, or other details that language differences can affect.
Applicants from various countries submit their records for WES evaluation daily. Translations create a common language standard, allowing fair comparison between applicants from different education systems.
A professional translator must complete all official translations, sign them, and certify their accuracy. The translation must be an accurate and complete rendering of the original academic document.
Translation requirements help prevent altered or misleading records. Professional translation creates a traceable record and holds the translator accountable. This gives more confidence in the document’s authenticity. It also protects universities, employers, and immigration authorities using WES reports.
WES requires translation to be:
WES doesn’t accept
Any academic document that is not in English (or French, for WES Canada) must be translated. The most common documents that applicants need to have translated include:
Note: WES may request supporting documents depending on your country of education, type of evaluation, and academic history. Always check your WES account for the confirmed list of required documents for your application.
To translate your documents for a WES evaluation, you must use a professional, certified translator or translation services. Here are the steps to follow:
Log in to your WES account and review the document checklist provided for your specific application. Note every document that needs to be submitted, and check which are in a language other than English.
Do not send photocopies, informal scans, or student-facing copies. You need official documents in the same format WES would accept in the original language.
Look for a translator or company that specialises in academic translation and can provide a signed certification of accuracy. Check that they have experience with your specific language pair.
Provide the translator with clear, complete copies of all documents requiring translation. Let them know upfront that the translations are for WES, so they are aware of the formatting and certification standards required.
Check that every page has been translated, every field is included, and the layout is clean and legible. Confirm that any stamps, seals, or handwritten notes have been accounted for.
Don’t allow uncertified translation to delay your WES credential evaluation process. Upload your documents to receive a translation accepted by WES.
When applying for a WES evaluation, you must submit the original documents and their translation. Here are the steps to follow
Start by logging in to your World Education Services account using your username and password. Make sure you are using the same account you created when starting your credential evaluation application.
After submitting your details and payment, you will receive a WES reference number. Once payment is confirmed, follow the instructions to upload your required documents, including translations. Keep your reference number, as you may need it during the process.
Move your cursor to the right side of your application dashboard. You will see three green dots next to your application. Click on the three dots, then select Upload Documents from the menu. This will take you to the document upload section.
After uploading your documents, all the files you submitted will be displayed on the upload page. Carefully review each file to ensure the original document and translation are both uploaded. If any file is missing or unclear, re-upload it before proceeding.
If you are unable to upload your documents digitally, click on the “Don’t want to upload digitally?” link. A pop-up window will appear with detailed instructions on how to submit your documents using alternative methods. Follow the instructions carefully to avoid processing delays.
Note: Some documents, especially academic transcripts, must be sent directly by your educational institution to WES.
Translation costs for WES evaluation range from $25 to over $100 per page, depending on document type, language pair, and provider. The final cost varies by page count and complexity. Simple certificates cost less; complex, multi-page transcripts cost more.
WES translation of standard, single-page documents in common languages takes 1–3 days. Complex documents in rare languages can take 5–7 days. USCISTranslation offers a 24 – 48 hour turnaround for tight deadlines. Request a quote for your timeline needs.
Common mistakes to avoid when translating documents for WES include submitting unofficial document records, missing pages, and failing to include certification.
Your translator should always work from official, complete copies of your documents. The accuracy of a translation is only as good as the source document, and if the original is unclear, incomplete, or unofficial, the translation will carry those same problems.
This is why it’s strongly recommended that you obtain duplicate sets of your official documents before beginning the WES process. Keep one set to send directly to WES and provide a separate set to your translator to work from. This way, both your original submission and your translation are based on verified, complete, official source documents.
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