Following on from the Home Office Saga (Parts 1, 2 and 3!) we have now received a satisfactory response from the UK Border Agency. They have confirmed that the credentials and signature of the individual translator or the translation provider (i.e. translation company) can be stated on the certification.

In their email they told us that we were “interpreting the word ‘translator’ more literally” than intended: “Our intention is that it should mean either an individual or an organisation, dependent on the circumstances”.

They assured us that they will review these paragraphs next time they publish the Tier 4 policy guidance, making the points clearer regarding the translation guidelines.

So, when it comes to official Guidance, be wary of taking things too literally!