Certified Translation for USCIS: What You Need to Know

What USCIS requires

Under the federal regulation that governs USCIS filings, 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3), any document containing a foreign language must be accompanied by a full English translation, which the translator has certified as complete and accurate, along with the translator's certification that they're competent to translate from that language into English.

That's it. The rule doesn't require a particular credential, and it doesn't require the translation to be notarized.

What the certification should include

A typical translator's certification is a signed statement attached to the translation. It usually includes:

• A statement that the translator is competent to translate from the source language into English
• A statement that the translation is complete and accurate
• The name of the document translated
• The translator's name, signature, address and the date

We provide a signed certification with every USCIS translation.

Do I need it notarized?

Not for USCIS. USCIS asks for the translator's certification, not a notarized translation. Some other offices, such as certain courts, schools or foreign governments, do ask for notarization, and some want an apostille on top of that. We add those steps only when the recipient needs them, so you don't pay for anything extra.

Full translation, not a summary

USCIS expects a complete translation of the whole document, including stamps, seals, signatures, handwritten notes and marginal annotations, usually described in brackets such as [stamp] or [illegible signature]. A summary or partial translation can lead to a Request for Evidence, which delays your case.

Who should translate

The regulation focuses on competence and certification, but most immigration attorneys advise against translating your own documents or asking a family member, because it can raise questions about objectivity. A professional translator with a clear certification removes that doubt.

We're an American Translators Association corporate member, and we translate from Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian Creole, Chinese, Arabic, Vietnamese and many more languages. See Certified Translation and Haitian Creole Translation.

Documents we translate most often for USCIS

• Birth, marriage and divorce certificates
• Death certificates and adoption records
• Police certificates and court records
• Diplomas, transcripts and professional licenses
• Bank statements, tax records and employment letters
• Identity documents and name change records

Mistakes that cause delays

• Partial translations. Every word, stamp and seal should be accounted for.
• Names spelled inconsistently. Spellings should match your passport and the rest of your application. Tell us the spelling you use.
• Missing certification. A translation without the translator's signed certification doesn't meet the requirement.
• Unreadable source copies. Send clear scans of every page, front and back.
• Leaving it to the last minute. Multi-page records take time to translate carefully.

How to order

1. Send clear scans or photos of every page, front and back.
2. Tell us the language, the spelling of names you use and your filing deadline.
3. We translate the full document and attach a signed certification.
4. You receive the translation electronically, with paper copies on request.