❓ How to Prepare Translations for Application Documents?

🎯 Who is this for?

• International students submitting documents to Japanese schools or immigration

• Applicants unsure whether certified translations are required

• Students preparing document packages for Certificate of Eligibility or visa applications

❓ Question

I need to provide English or Japanese translations of all documents for submission to my school. Do these translations need to be done by a public organization?

✅ Answer

Not always. While Japanese translations are generally required for documents submitted to immigration through schools in Japan, the rules about who must do the translation vary depending on your school.

📝 Additional Information

📌 Japanese Translation is Required

• The Immigration Bureau requires that all foreign-language documents be submitted with a Japanese translation.

• Translations must be accurate, complete, and match the content of the original document.

👤 Who Should Translate the Documents?

There are two common patterns depending on the school:

1. Student-Translated Documents:
   Some schools ask students to prepare the Japanese translations themselves.

2. School-Translated Documents:
   Other schools only require the student to submit an English version, and the school staff will create the Japanese translation for immigration.

👉 Because of this variation, it’s very important to check with your school.

📌 Does the Translation Need to Be Certified?

• Some schools may require certified translations from a professional translator or public agency.

• Others may accept translations done by the applicant if they are accurate and neatly prepared.

• Again, your school will tell you what they accept.

📌 Preferred and Safe Approach

If you are unsure and want to be on the safe side, it’s a good idea to use a certified translator or public translation service—especially if your school recommends or requires it.

⚠️ Important Notes

• Always keep a copy of both the original and translated documents.

• Make sure the translation includes the same information and layout where possible.

• Label both documents clearly (e.g., “Original” and “Translation”).

💡 FAQs / Tips

• Can I use translation software?
  While AI tools today can produce high-quality translations, you must still have a human carefully review the content to ensure accuracy. Translations created with software alone may include errors or unnatural phrasing that could cause problems during the application review.

• What if my documents are already in English?
  Some schools still require a Japanese version for immigration. Check with your school to confirm.

🧭 Related Links

Coming soon