If you submit translated documents for U.S. immigration, they must meet USCIS translation requirements. All non-English documents must include a full English translation and a translator’s certification confirming accuracy, completeness, and their language competence. Submitting incomplete, inaccurate, or uncertified translations may cause delays or Requests for Evidence (RFEs).
In this article, you will learn about the USCIS translation requirements, when you need translated documents and how to get them. We will also introduce USCISTranslation’s certified translation services and how we help you get translated documents that are accepted for US immigration applications.
USCIS requires that any document containing a foreign language submitted to the agency must include a full English translation along with a certification from the translator confirming the translation’s accuracy and completeness (8 CFR § 103.2(b)(3)). For example, if you are submitting a Spanish birth certificate, you must translate it into English and submit the original copy and the English translation.
The translation must also meet the following requirements.
Note: Unlike some countries that require a licensed or court-appointed translator, USCIS does not maintain a list of approved translators or agencies. Any competent individual can certify a translation, provided they have the required certification.
You need certified translations for USCIS when submitting non-English documents for an immigration application. These often include:
If you are applying for a family-based immigration process, like a spousal visa, you need a certified translation. Documents that need translation include marriage certificates, birth certificates, death certificates and divorce decrees.
For academic or employment-based immigration, you need certified translations of diplomas, degrees, transcripts, licenses, and employment records.
If you are applying for U.S. citizenship, you may need to submit foreign civil records as part of the naturalisation process. Documents that commonly require translation in this context include identity cards, court records and police clearance certificates.
Note: USCIS does not require translators to be accredited, certified by the American Translators Association (ATA), or members of any professional body. However, using a professional translation service such as USCISTranslation significantly reduces the risk of errors that could cause delays or RFEs.
Every USCIS translation must be accompanied by a certification statement. This statement must include:
Here’s an example of the certification statement
“I, [Translator’s Full Name], hereby certify that I am fluent in both English and [Foreign Language], and that the attached translation of [Document Name] is complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge and ability.
Signature: ______________________________
Printed Name: ______________________________
Date: ______________________________”
USCIS does not require translations to be notarized for immigration applications. A translator’s certification is enough to establish the authenticity, accuracy and validity of the translation. However, if you are submitting documents to courts, foreign governments, or other U.S. agencies, they may have different requirements. Always check the receiving authority’s requirements before ordering your translation to avoid mistakes.
Translation errors are among the leading causes of RFEs and processing delays. Here are some common mistakes you should avoid.
USCIS requires a complete translation of every line, field, stamp, and seal. A birth certificate, for example, must include translations of the document title, issuing authority, registration number, and any official notations.
A translation without a signed certification statement does not meet USCIS requirements, even if flawless. Always ensure the certification is included, signed, and dated before submitting.
Google Translate or DeepL can help, but never submit these to USCIS without a complete human review. Machine translators often misinterpret legal terms, titles, names, and grammar. Inaccurate translations create inconsistencies in your application.
Even minor discrepancies in names or dates between original documents and translations, such as a single-digit error in a birth date or inconsistent spelling of a name, can cause significant problems in immigration processing, including scrutiny or the need for correction affidavits. Carefully review translations against originals before submitting.
USCISTranslations offers certified translation for US courts, embassies, universities and other government offices. Our certified translations are done by professional translators experienced in translating immigration documents. Every translation includes a certificate of accuracy and follows USCIS formatting requirements. But that’s not all, we offer transparent pricing with translation rates starting from $24.95 per page and delivered in 24-48 hours. With our 24/7 support, you never have to worry about unanswered questions or delayed responses. We are available throughout the translation process to ensure you receive the best service.
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