Question 1

What is a certified translation?

Accepted Answer

A certified translation is a complete translation accompanied by a statement signed by the translator. In our certified translations, this statement is the Affidavit of Translation, which attests that the translation is complete and accurate and that the translator is competent to translate between the languages concerned.

Question 2

How does a certified translation differ from a standard translation?

Accepted Answer

A certified translation includes the translator's signed statement of accuracy and is prepared to meet the requirements of the receiving institution. A standard translation, without certification, is appropriate for informational or internal content that will not be submitted to an official body.

Question 3

What is a sworn translation?

Accepted Answer

A sworn translation is prepared and signed by a Public Translator and Commercial Interpreter (Tradutor Público e Intérprete Comercial), a translator licensed and registered with a State Board of Trade (Junta Comercial) in Brazil. It carries public faith (fé pública), which means Brazilian authorities presume it to be authentic. Sworn translation is intended for use in Brazil only, when the receiving institution requires this format, and it is performed and signed by the sworn translator on our team.

Question 4

Can the translator correct errors in the original document?

Accepted Answer

No. The translation must reproduce the original exactly as issued, including any errors or inconsistencies. If we identify a discrepancy, we will inform you. Corrections to the original document must be requested from the authority that issued it.

Question 5

How is the price calculated?

Accepted Answer

Pricing depends on the service. Certified and technical translation are priced per page of 1,000 characters excluding spaces. Subtitling is priced by the duration of the video, English Editing by the length and condition of the text, and sworn translation according to the rates of the public translator who signs it. The complexity of the document is also taken into account. The quote states a fixed price before you commit.

Question 6

What is the turnaround time?

Accepted Answer

The delivery date is set for each project according to the length, complexity and format of the material, and it is stated in the quote. The turnaround begins once payment is confirmed and all files have been received.

Question 7

Do I need to send the physical document?

Accepted Answer

No. A clear photo or scan is sufficient to prepare the quote, and certified translations are produced from that copy. For sworn translation, we confirm whether the receiving institution requires the physical or apostilled document and inform you before work begins.

Question 8

Does the translation keep the layout of the original document?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The translation reproduces the layout of the original, including tables, fields and the position of each item of information. In certified translations, seals, stamps and signatures are indicated where they appear, and any text on stamps is translated.

Question 9

What services does Valid Translations offer?

Accepted Answer

Valid Translations provides certified translation, technical translation and subtitling in Portuguese, English and Spanish, as well as English Editing for texts in English. Sworn translation is offered from English into Portuguese for use in Brazil only.

Question 10

Do you also work with Spanish?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Certified translation, technical translation and subtitling are available in Portuguese, English and Spanish. Sworn translation is offered from English into Portuguese for use in Brazil only, and English Editing covers texts in English. Please indicate the languages involved when you request a quote; the quote confirms the direction of the translation.

Question 11

Do your certified translations meet USCIS requirements?

Accepted Answer

Yes. For documents in a foreign language, USCIS requires a complete English translation and a certification that the translation is complete and accurate and that the translator is competent to translate. Our certified translations include both. The outcome of an application, however, depends on the agency's review of the entire case, which no translation provider can guarantee.

Question 12

Can I use a certified translation in other countries?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We prepare certified translations for institutions in different countries that accept this format. Because requirements vary by institution and by process, please indicate the country, the receiving institution and any instructions you have received. We verify the applicable requirements before work begins.

Question 13

Do you offer expedited delivery?

Accepted Answer

Expedited delivery is subject to our availability and the nature of the document. The quote confirms the delivery date and any applicable surcharge before you commit.

Question 14

How is the translation delivered?

Accepted Answer

Each certified translation is delivered as a PDF containing the complete translation, the signed Affidavit of Translation and a copy of the original. When you submit several documents, each document is delivered as a separate PDF. Sworn translations are delivered on paper or in electronic form with a digital signature, according to the format confirmed for the receiving institution. Other services are delivered in the file format specified in the quote.

Question 15

Can I review the text before final delivery?

Accepted Answer

For technical translation, subtitling and English Editing, a review stage can be scheduled as part of the project. For certified and sworn translations, we confirm names, dates, layout and any specific points you raise, while the translation itself remains faithful to the original.

Question 16

Do you serve clients in Brazil and abroad?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We serve clients in Brazil and in other countries. Submission methods and delivery terms depend on the service requested and are confirmed in the quote.

Question 17

How does technical translation differ from certified translation?

Accepted Answer

Technical translation addresses specialized content and follows the established terminology of the field. Certified translation includes the translator's signed statement and is required when the receiving institution asks for certification. A technical document may also require certified translation, depending on its intended use.

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