USCIS requires a certified English translation for every document in a foreign language submitted for an application. The certified translation must also be accompanied by a signed certification statement.
This certification confirms the translator is fluent in both languages and that the translation is complete and accurate.
This article includes a free copy-and-paste USCIS translation certification form and the mistakes that get certifications rejected.
The certification form must include:
Note: Every translated document needs its own signed statement. Using one certification statement for multiple documents will be rejected.
| Not required | Why it’s a common misconception |
| Notarization | A notarized translation is a separate, optional service some agencies request |
| ATA membership | Canada requires translators to belong to a professional translation body. USCIS does not. The translator only needs to be competent to translate both languages. |
| A government credential | The UAE requires translators to be licensed by the Ministry of Justice. On the other hand, there is no state or federal “certified translator” license for USCIS purposes. |
| A USCIS-approved translator list | France maintains a sworn translator national register at the Cour de Cassation. USCIS, on the other hand, has no official list of pre-approved translators or agencies. |
Copy the block below, fill in the brackets, and attach it to your translation. This wording covers everything USCIS rules require.
| I [typed name] am competent to translate from [foreign language] into English and certify that the translation of the [document title] is true and accurate to the best of my abilities. Signature_________________________________ Name____________________________________ Address__________________________________ Date___________________________ |
USCIS’s own sample certification uses a formal letterhead-letter format addressed to a “Service Center Officer.” The block version above covers the same required elements in a simpler layout. Either format is acceptable.
If you prefer a ready-to-edit file, tap the link below to download the free USCIS translation certification template in Word format.
Note: This free template is a starting point and does not replace professional review. To avoid the risk of RFEs, order your certified translation from USCISTranslation.
There’s no explicit rule from USCIS that prevents you from translating your documents. But it is very risky.
Translations from parties directly interested in the outcome of the application attract higher scrutiny. This can trigger a Request for Evidence (RFE). The same risk applies even if the document is translated by a family member.
To avoid this, we recommend using an independent third-party translator. Here’s why:
For documents submitted to USCIS, a common practice is to use a translator who isn’t the applicant. This also means avoiding a family member or close friend. A professional translation service removes that conflict of interest entirely.
A compliant USCIS translation certification form is simple on paper, but small details, like missing an address, using one certificate for three documents, or skipping the competency statement, trigger delays and RFEs.
If you’d rather not risk it, USCIS Translations provides certified translations that meet USCIS requirements, starting at $24.99 per page, with delivery in as little as 12 hours. Every translation includes a signed certification statement, ready to submit.
Order your certified translation today, accepted by USCIS and other authorities in the United States.
Fast, certified legal translations for visas, court documents, contracts, and more.
A certified translation is a complete word-for-word translation of the original document. As a result, it must include the same elements in the original to be valid for official use.
Read Rapid Translate reviews, pricing, and turnaround times to see if it’s legit, plus how it compares to USCISTranslations for certified translation.
Based on our own order data, the average cost of certified translations is between $24.99 and $49.88. The median cost is $35.92 per page. When combined with sworn translation requirements, notarization, or rush delivery, per-page costs can reach $70 or more.
