Certified photocopy of the original document

[Dr Omega]

Dear fellows,

I didn't sleep for a week for this issue, trying to read all the topics and comments related to it and I am still confused. I have sent some members private messages and still confused by the different answers. So I am making this topic for general discussion.

For translation, the CIC requirements are:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?qnum=018&top=4

• the English or French translation and
• an affidavit from the person who completed the translation and
• a certified photocopy of the original document

And for the certified photocopy, it has to bear the following from an authorized person:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/glossary.asp#certified_photocopy

• their name and signature
• their position or title
• the name of the original document
• the date they certified the document
• the phrase “I certify that this is a true copy of the original document.”

By:

• notary public
• commissioner of oaths, or
• commissioner of taking affidavits

I have read a lot of comments that this was meant for the old system when people had to submit hard copies, but this page was updated on 03/11/2019. And if it is the case, why did they mention it? It should be axiomatic as people should send a certified photocopy of all original documents whether it is in English/French or any other language if they are sending hardcopies.

I have read about people who neglected it completely and it worked fine with them. I have read comments saying that the certified photocopy is the one attached with the translation and stamped by the translator, which makes more sense to me than the photocopy certified by a notary, but it does not match the requirements by CIC.

And the result is still absolute confusion. I hope you could help me in understanding the exact requirement. Is the certified photocopy by a notary is the one that I should send to the translator to stamp it and translate because clearly, a translator cannot do it with the aforementioned requirements? Or it is a separated process from translation, I mean I send the original to the translator to translate and stamp a photocopy with his stamp and get another certified photocopy from a public notary then I combine the original + translation + stamped photocopy by translator + affidavit + certified photocopy by a public notary in one pdf file?

I am in a desperate need of your help guys, thanks in advance ...