The safest approach is to verify the translator's credential in the official NAATI directory before you pay, and confirm the credential is Active and matches your language pair.
Why this matters
Home Affairs requires English translations for non-English documents and provides specific guidance on who should complete those translations in Australia. If translator details are incomplete or unverifiable, your application can be delayed (source: Home Affairs — Attach documents).
2-minute verification workflow
- Open the NAATI directory via NAATI Online Directory
- Search by translator name or credential number/CPN
- Check three fields:
- credential type (for document work, this is commonly
Certified Translator) - language pair (for example Chinese <> English)
- status (
Active)
- Save a screenshot of the result for your own records
What to check against your visa documents
| Checkpoint | Good sign | Risk sign |
|---|---|---|
| Credential status | Active | Inactive / no result |
| Credential type | Certified Translator for document translation | Only interpreting credentials shown |
| Language pair | Matches your source and target language | Language pair mismatch |
Delivery checklist after receiving the translation
- Translator identity is consistent with directory records
- Credential details are traceable to the directory listing
- Translation includes signature, date, and certification statement
- Names, dates, and document numbers match the source files
When to pause submission
- The provider refuses to share verifiable credential details
- The directory cannot find a matching active record
- The delivered translation is missing core certification details