Free Translating Service: who is eligible and what it covers
The Free Translating Service, delivered by TIS National for the Department of Home Affairs, translates up to 10 personal documents into English for free. It is for permanent residents and holders of certain listed visas (for example 189, 190, 482, 491, 820 and 309) granted in the past 2 years, who are in Australia. Tourists, working holiday makers and Australian citizens are not eligible. It does not translate documents for a visa or citizenship application. Translations are usually short extract summaries, ready within 30 calendar days, with no rush option.
Who is eligible
To use the Free Translating Service you must meet all of these conditions:
- you hold an eligible visa, granted in the past 2 years, and still valid;
- you are in Australia when you apply;
- you have had fewer than 10 documents translated by the service;
- you have not used it before on another visa granted more than 2 years ago.
The eligible visa subclasses listed by TIS National are: 100, 101, 102, 103, 114, 115, 116, 117, 143, 186, 187, 189, 190, 192, 200, 201, 202, 203, 204, 300, 309, 403, 410, 445, 449, 482, 491, 494, 785, 786, 790, 800, 801, 802, 804, 808, 820, 835, 836, 837, 838, 851, 852, 858, 864, 866, 887 and 891. The list can change without notice, and TIS National offers an eligibility checker on its site.
| Your situation | Eligible? |
|---|---|
| Permanent or listed visa granted less than 2 years ago, in Australia | Yes |
| Same visa, granted more than 2 years ago | No |
| Tourist or visitor visa | No |
| Working holiday visa (417, 462) | No |
| Student visa (500) | No, it is not on the list |
| Australian citizen | No |
| Outside Australia | No |
Which documents it covers
Only personal documents issued by an official authority, that name you and help with employment, education or community participation. The list includes birth, marriage, divorce and death records, driver licences, identity documents, academic transcripts and education records, employment evidence, police clearances and family registers. Only original documents are accepted, not certified copies.
What it does not cover
- Documents for a visa or citizenship application.
- Documents issued by private citizens.
- Translator affidavits for family court or other legal purposes.
How long it takes and what you receive
The translation is available in the online portal within 30 calendar days of the application's approval, often sooner, and there is no rush option. Most documents are translated as an extract summary of up to 100 words; a full translation is possible if you can show it is required. TIS translators hold NAATI credentials where available.
Is a free translation accepted for a licence transfer?
Yes in NSW, where it is one of only two accepted options for a licence transfer (with Multicultural NSW), and in Western Australia. See which states accept which translation.
If you are not eligible, or cannot wait 30 days
TIS National itself recommends using a NAATI certified translator if you are not eligible. A private certified translation is also the option when you need it for a visa or citizenship application, or within days rather than weeks: standard $69 per page in 24 hours, express $139 per page in 1 hour for orders paid 8am–8pm, Monday to Saturday (Sydney time) with a clear scan.
FAQ
Can working holiday makers use the Free Translating Service?
No. TIS National states that tourist visa holders and working holiday visa holders are not eligible, and neither are Australian citizens.
Can I use the Free Translating Service for my visa application documents?
No. Translations required for visa or citizenship applications are not eligible.
How long does a free translation take?
The completed translation is available within 30 calendar days of the application's approval, often sooner. There is no priority or rush option.
Is a free translation accepted for a NSW licence transfer?
Yes. NSW accepts licence translations from the Free Translating Service or Multicultural NSW. Western Australia also accepts it.
Will I get a full translation?
Most documents are translated as an extract summary of up to 100 words. You can ask for a full translation if you can show that the institution requesting the document needs one.
Sources
- TIS National, Free Translating Service, Eligibility
- TIS National, About the Free Translating Service
- Department of Home Affairs, Free Translating Service
Rules change. Check with the authority you are applying to before you submit. We re-read these pages regularly and log changes below.
Change log
- 4 November 2026: First version, based on the TIS National eligibility and "About" pages and the Home Affairs page, read on 4 November 2026.