Free Translating Service
The Free Translating Service (FTS) is provided for people settling permanently in Australia. It aims to support participation in employment, education and community engagement.
Permanent residents and select temporary or provisional visa holders are able to have up to 10 eligible documents translated into English. This applies within the first 2 years of their eligible visa grant date.
The Migration Translators delivers the Free Translating Service on behalf of the Department of Home Affairs.
Applications for the Free Translating Service are made on the Free Translating Service website. The website is easy to use and is available in English, Arabic, Farsi and Simplified Chinese.
Where available, all translations are completed by translators credentialed by the NAATI.
Free Translating Service Helpdesk
Information about the Free Translating Service, including eligibility, is available on the Free Translating Service website.
You can also contact the Free Translating Service Helpdesk by:
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email: fts@migrationtranslators.com.au
- the Contact us form
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phone: 1800 962 100
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using an interpreter:
- Call TIS National on 131 450
- State the language of the interpreter that you require
- Ask to be connected to The Migration Translators on 1800 962 100.
Cessation of COVID-19 Timeframe Waiver for Free Translating Service from 21 February 2024
Clients eligible for the FTS who were granted their visas shortly before or during the COVID‑19 pandemic were issued a special waiver to apply for the FTS beyond the two year timeframe (Special Timeframe Waiver). The Special Timeframe Waiver was provided to ensure eligible clients impacted by COVID-19 travel restrictions were not unnecessarily penalised and could still obtain their translated documents to support their arrival into Australia.
The majority of travel restrictions in Australia ended in February 2022. As a result, the Special Timeframe Waiver arrangements will cease from Wednesday 21 February 2024. Any Special Timeframe Waiver FTS applications submitted after 11.59pm Tuesday 20 February 2024 Australian Eastern Daylight Time will not be considered.
If you have any questions in relation to the Special Timeframe Waiver, including the planned cessation, contact
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