Free Interpreting & Translation (TIS National · NAATI)
Even if your English is still limited, you can communicate in your own language at hospitals, GPs, government offices and banks. This guide explains how to use the government's free telephone interpreting service TIS National (131 450) and NAATI-certified interpreting and certified translation for visa, licence and bank submissions.
This guide is general information explaining how newly settled non-English-speaking residents can use the government's free interpreting service TIS National and NAATI-certified interpreting and translation, so that they can communicate without a language barrier at hospitals, government offices, banks and legal consultations. It is not legal or migration advice, and phone numbers, eligibility, fees and program names may change, so always check the latest information on each organisation's official website.
Don't put off seeing a doctor, making a report or seeking advice just because your English is limited — using an interpreter is a normal right, and in many cases it is provided free of charge.
What is free interpreting & translation support?
Australia is a multicultural society with many residents whose first language is not English. That's why, even if your English is still limited, the government runs interpreting services so you can communicate in your own language at hospitals, government offices and banks. There are two key parts.
- TIS National (Translating and Interpreting Service) — a phone and on-site interpreting service run by the Department of Home Affairs. The immediate phone interpreting number 131 450 is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year, in 150+ languages.
- NAATI (National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters) — Australia's national certification body for interpreters and translators. A certified translation submitted for a visa, licence or bank, and certified interpreters, must hold NAATI certification to be officially recognised.
In short, if you need to 'communicate by talking', use a TIS interpreter; if you need to 'officially translate documents into English', use a NAATI-certified translation. Don't put off seeing a doctor or making a report just because your English is limited.
How to use TIS National free phone interpreting (131 450)
If you urgently need an interpreter, call 131 450. Immediate phone interpreting operates 24 hours a day, every day of the year and supports 150+ languages (from outside Australia, +613 9268 8332).
Immediate phone interpreting
This is the service you use straight away, without a separate booking, when you suddenly need an interpreter with a hospital, government office or bank. The call costs only the price of a local call. The Australian Government supports 150+ languages through more than 2,700 interpreters (depending on the language and time of day, there may be a short wait to connect).
Two ways to connect
- Option 1 — let the organisation call: if you are on a call with or visiting a hospital or government office, ask the staff member 'I need an interpreter' (an interpreter in [your language]). Eligible organisations will connect a TIS interpreter directly, and in this case the interpreting cost is often covered by the organisation (free).
- Option 2 — call yourself: first call 131 450 and say your language, then give the phone number of the organisation you want to reach, and the interpreter will connect you together on a three-way call.
If you need pre-booked interpreting or on-site interpreting, apply separately through a TIS Online account.
Who uses it for free — eligibility for free use
TIS National provides interpreting to non-English speakers, and in many situations the user does not pay for the interpreting. However, 'who covers the cost' depends on the organisation you are calling and the purpose.
- Healthcare — when a registered healthcare provider such as a GP or pharmacy treats a non-English-speaking patient, the provider can use free TIS interpreting, so in many cases the patient is not charged an interpreting fee.
- Settlement & non-profit — free interpreting may also be provided for calls with government-designated settlement services and some non-profit or community organisations.
- Government & public bodies — many federal and state government agencies contract with TIS to provide interpreting free of charge to non-English-speaking residents.
Conversely, calls for private purposes (for example a business transaction) or with ineligible organisations may incur a fee. If you're unsure, ask 'Is this interpreter free?' before starting the call. Check the exact free-eligible cases and conditions against the latest criteria on the TIS National official website.
NAATI-certified interpreting & certified translation (for visa, licence & bank submissions)
When you submit documents in a foreign language to an Australian organisation — such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate, graduation certificate or driver's licence — you often need not a simple translation but a certified translation produced by a NAATI-certified translator (Certified Translator). NAATI (naati.com.au) is Australia's national certification body for interpreters and translators, issuing Certified Interpreter and Certified Translator credentials.
Certified interpreting and translation have several credential levels (for example Certified Provisional Interpreter, Certified Interpreter, Certified Translator, etc.), and for languages with low demand they are managed under the 'Recognised Practising' credential. NAATI certification usually expires 3 years after issue and requires recertification, so check that the certification noted on your submitted document is currently valid.
These are the times you need a NAATI 'certified translation'
The following recipients usually require a certified translation from a NAATI-certified translator (requirements vary by organisation and over time, so confirm directly with the relevant organisation before submitting).
- Visa & citizenship — when submitting foreign-language documents to the Department of Home Affairs (non-English documents require a certified translation to be attached).
- Driver's licence — when having a foreign licence recognised by a state transport authority (for example Service NSW, VicRoads, etc.).
- Banking, finance & qualification recognition — opening an account, evidencing qualifications or work history, and various public processes.
Always confirm first whether the recipient requires a 'certified translation' and whether the NAATI certification must be currently valid. A translation in the wrong format may be rejected.
Finding a certified practitioner (NAATI directory · CPN check)
Search in the online directory
You can search for certified practitioners directly in the NAATI online directory (directory.naati.com.au) by language, credential and interpreting/translation type. If you need a certified translation, look for someone with a 'translation' credential; if you need on-site or phone interpreting, look for someone with an 'interpreting' credential. Cost and turnaround vary by translator, so it's good to confirm a quote in advance.
Verify with the certification number (CPN)
NAATI-certified practitioners have a unique Certified Practitioner Number (CPN). If you doubt whether a translation you received or an interpreter's credential is genuine, you can verify the credential by CPN on the NAATI website. Also, since NAATI certification expires after 3 years, if the receiving organisation requires a 'currently valid' certification, also check whether it has expired.
Free interpreting by sector (healthcare · settlement · legal)
Healthcare — hospitals, GPs & pharmacies
If English feels difficult during an appointment or in an emergency, ask at reception 'I need an interpreter'. Registered healthcare providers can use free TIS interpreting, so in many cases the patient is not charged an interpreting fee. Some states (for example Victoria's Health Translations) also provide health information materials in many languages. Telling the interpreter your symptoms and medication names slowly, one at a time, makes it more accurate.
Government offices, banks & settlement support
You can also use an interpreter for calls with government and public bodies on matters such as visas, tax, welfare and banking. Many government agencies contract with TIS to provide interpreting free of charge to non-English-speaking residents. Call the organisation and request an interpreter, or first call 131 450 and give them the organisation's number. Make full use of interpreting for the administrative steps in early settlement.
Legal & reporting
You can also use an interpreter for legal-related calls such as reporting unpaid wages, rental disputes and free legal advice (Community Legal Centre, Legal Aid). However, court interpreting or complex matters involving a visa may require an interpreter or specialist experienced in that area, so depending on the importance of the matter, consult a NAATI-certified interpreter, a lawyer or a registered migration agent.
Official source links
- TIS National (131 450)(opens in a new window)
Government free phone & on-site interpreting — immediate phone interpreting 131 450 (24/7, 150+ languages)
- NAATI (naati.com.au)(opens in a new window)
National certification body for interpreters & translators — guide to certified interpreters and certified translation
- NAATI Online Directory(opens in a new window)
Online directory to search for certified practitioners and verify credentials by CPN
- Department of Home Affairs — TIS National(opens in a new window)
Department of Home Affairs TIS National guide — who is eligible for free interpreting and how to use it
- Health Translations (Victoria)(opens in a new window)
Health information materials in many languages (provided by the State of Victoria, for nationwide reference)
Always check the latest phone numbers, free-use conditions, eligibility and fees on each website. This guide is general information, and requirements for individual matters may differ by organisation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is interpreting really free?▾
In many cases it is free. TIS National provides free interpreting to non-English speakers, and for calls with eligible organisations — such as healthcare providers (GPs, pharmacies, etc.), settlement services and some non-profits — the organisation covers the cost of free interpreting. However, not every situation is automatically free, and conditions vary by organisation and purpose, so it's good to ask 'Is the TIS interpreter free?' before the call. The immediate phone interpreting itself costs only the price of a local call.
Can I use an interpreter at night or on weekends?▾
Yes. TIS National immediate phone interpreting (131 450) operates 24 hours a day, every day of the year. You can communicate in your own language even at emergency departments, after-hours clinics and in urgent situations. However, pre-booked interpreting and on-site interpreting require a separate request and scheduling.
What is the difference between a TIS interpreter and a NAATI certified translation?▾
TIS National is a spoken 'interpreting' service that helps with real-time conversation by phone or in person. A NAATI-certified 'translation' is a 'certified translation' of documents such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate or driver's licence into English — a written translation accepted for visa, licence and bank submissions. So if you need to 'communicate by talking', use TIS; if you need to 'officially translate documents into English' for submission, you need a NAATI-certified translator.
Where do I find a certified interpreter or translator?▾
You can search the NAATI online directory (directory.naati.com.au) for certified practitioners by language and credential. You can also verify a credential using the Certified Practitioner Number (CPN) shown on a translation. NAATI certification usually expires after about 3 years and requires recertification, so check in advance whether the receiving organisation requires a 'currently valid' NAATI certification.