If you plan to immigrate to Canada, study, or work in a regulated profession, you will likely need an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from World Education Services (WES) Canada. One of the most critical—and often misunderstood—steps in the WES process is translating your academic documents correctly.
Improper or uncertified translations are among the most common reasons WES applications are delayed or rejected. Even more importantly, the same certified translations required for WES are also needed later for Canadian immigration, professional licensing, and sometimes employment.
1. What Is WES Canada and Why Translation Matters
World Education Services (WES) is a designated organization that evaluates foreign educational credentials to determine their Canadian equivalency. WES assessments are required for:
- Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker Program)
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
- Canadian universities and colleges
- Professional licensing bodies
- Some employers
If your educational documents—such as diplomas, degrees, or transcripts—are not in English or French, WES requires certified translations. Informal translations, self-translations, or translations done by friends or relatives are not accepted.
2. Documents That Must Be Translated for WES
Depending on your country of education, WES may require translation of the following:
- Degree certificates
- Diplomas
- Academic transcripts
- Mark sheets
- Graduation certificates
- Academic records issued by the university
Every document submitted in a language other than English or French must be accompanied by a complete, accurate, certified translation.
3. What Does WES Mean by “Certified Translation”?
A certified translation is not just a word-for-word conversion. It must meet strict standards to ensure accuracy, accountability, and legal validity.
For WES Canada, a certified translation must:
- Be completed by a professional certified translator or an accredited translation company
- Include a signed statement of accuracy (certification)
- Clearly identify the translator or translation company
- Accurately reflect all stamps, seals, signatures, and formatting
Translations that lack certification, contain missing information, or appear altered can result in processing delays or outright rejection.
4. Why Certified Translation Is Critical for Immigration to Canada
One of the biggest mistakes applicants make is assuming WES translations are a one-time requirement. In reality, the same certified translations are often reused for:
- Express Entry profile submission
- Permanent residence (PR) applications
- Provincial Nominee Program documentation
- Study permits
- Work permits
- Professional licensing
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has nearly identical translation requirements to WES. Using properly certified translations from the beginning saves time, money, and stress later in the immigration process.
Choosing a reputable translation provider ensures your documents are accepted both by WES and by Canadian immigration authorities.
5. Common Translation Mistakes That Delay WES Applications
Many WES applicants experience delays due to avoidable translation errors, including:
- Using non-certified translators
- Submitting partial translations
- Missing stamps, seals, or handwritten notes
- Translating only transcripts but not diplomas
- Formatting inconsistencies
- Incorrect course names or grading scales
Professional translation companies experienced with WES know how to avoid these issues.
6. Best Translation Companies for WES Canada
After reviewing acceptance rates, experience, compliance standards, and customer feedback, two companies stand out for WES translations in Canada.
1 DocsBase Canada (Best Overall Choice)
DocsBase Canada is widely regarded as the top translation provider for WES Canada applications.
Why DocsBase Canada Leads the Market:
- Certified Translations Accepted by WES and IRCC
- Extensive experience with academic documents from dozens of countries
- Fast turnaround times suitable for tight immigration deadlines
- Wide language coverage, including rare and complex languages
- Professional certification statements included with every translation
- Consistent formatting that matches WES expectations
DocsBase Canada specializes in education, immigration, and legal translations, making them an ideal choice for applicants who plan to use the same documents for WES and future Canadian immigration processes.
2 ANZ Translation Canada (Runner-Up)
ANZ Translation Canada is another reputable provider offering certified translations suitable for WES applications.
Strengths of ANZ Translation Canada:
- Certified translations accepted by WES
- Experience with academic and immigration-related documents
- Competitive pricing
- Reliable service for common language pairs
While ANZ Translation Canada is a solid option, applicants who want maximum reassurance, broader language coverage, and deeper WES-specific expertise often prefer DocsBase Canada.
7. How to Prepare Your Documents for Translation
To ensure a smooth WES submission:
- Gather clear scans of all academic documents
- Include front and back pages if applicable
- Ensure stamps, seals, and handwritten notes are visible
- Use one certified translation provider consistently
- Verify that certification statements are included
Submitting high-quality source documents helps translators produce accurate, compliant translations.
8. Final Thoughts
Translating documents for WES Canada is not just a technical requirement—it is a foundational step in your Canadian immigration journey. Certified translations ensure your education is evaluated fairly and that your documents are ready for future use with IRCC, universities, and licensing bodies.
Choosing the right translation company can make the difference between a smooth approval and months of unnecessary delays.
For applicants seeking the highest acceptance rates, compliance with WES and immigration standards, and long-term usability, DocsBase Canada is the best choice. ANZ Translation Canada remains a strong runner-up for certified WES translations.
By investing in professional, certified translations from the start, you protect your application—and your future in Canada.
