Translating immigration documents for the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is essential when submitting applications that include non-English documents. USCIS requires all foreign-language documents to be accompanied by a full English translation. Accurate translations help prevent delays and ensure that applications are processed smoothly.
Which Documents Need Translation for Immigration?
Any document submitted to USCIS that is not in English must be translated. The following are common documents that require translation:
- Birth certificates
- Marriage certificates
- Divorce decrees
- Death certificates
- Passports
- Driver’s licenses
- Academic transcripts
- Diplomas
- Police records
- Court documents
- Adoption papers
- Medical records
All translations must adhere to the USCIS translation requirements.
What are USCIS Requirements for Translation?
USCIS requires that all foreign-language documents submitted as part of an immigration application must be accompanied by a full English translation. The translation must be accurate, complete, and reflect the original document’s content without omission or alteration. It must also be certified by the translator or the translation service. The certification must include a statement confirming that the translator is competent to translate from the foreign language to English and that the translation is accurate.
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What Is a Certified Translation?
A certified translation is a translation accompanied by a signed statement from the translator or translation company. This statement affirms that the translator is fluent in both the original language and English, and that the translation is a true and complete representation of the original document. Certified translations are required by USCIS for all foreign-language documents submitted as part of an immigration application.
What Is a Certificate of Translation Accuracy?
A certificate of translation accuracy is a document that certifies the accuracy of a translation. It includes a statement from the translator or translation service attesting that the translation is complete and accurate to the best of their ability.
The certificate of accuracy certifies that the translator is qualified to translate from the foreign language into English. This certificate must accompany each translated document submitted to USCIS.
Get more information about certified translations on this page.
How Can I Translate Immigration Documents
To get documents translated for immigration purposes, follow these steps:
1. Identify the documents
Determine which documents need translation based on the USCIS requirements. Common documents include birth certificates, marriage certificates, and academic records.
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2. Choose a qualified translator or service
Ensure the translator or translation service is fluent in both the original language and English, and capable of providing certified translations. Look for professionals or agencies with experience in USCIS document translation.
3. Request a certified translation
Ask the translator or service to provide a certified translation, which must include a signed statement attesting to the accuracy of the translation and the translator’s qualifications.
4. Review the translation
Verify that the translation is complete and accurate. Make sure it includes all parts of the original document, including signatures, seals, and stamps.
5. Obtain the certificate of translation accuracy
Ensure that the translator provides a certificate of translation accuracy, which must be submitted alongside the translated document to USCIS.
6. Submit the documents
Include the original foreign-language document, the certified English translation, and the certificate of translation accuracy when submitting your application to USCIS.
Additional Questions
Can I Translate My Own Documents for USCIS?
USCIS does not allow individuals to translate their own documents. Even if you are fluent in both the original language and English, you cannot provide a certified translation of your own documents. The translation must be done by a third party who can certify that the translation is accurate and complete.
How can I translate a birth certificate?
Birth certificates are one of the immigration documents that people typically try to translate on their own. The rules for translating birth certificates are no different than any other immigration document. If you would like to know more about the translation of birth certificates specifically, view this page.
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Your documents will be translated and certified by a professional translator in 300+ languages for $24.95 per page.
Who Can Translate Immigration Documents?
Any qualified person who is fluent in both the original language and English can translate immigration documents, as long as they are not the applicant or petitioner. The translator must provide a certification stating that they are competent to translate and that the translation is accurate. Professional translation services or individuals with proven language proficiency are commonly used for this purpose.
Does USCIS Require a Notarized Translation?
USCIS does not require notarized translations. The only requirement is that the translation be certified, which means that it must include a signed statement from the translator or translation service confirming that the translation is accurate and complete. While notarization is not required, it is important that the certification meet USCIS standards for accuracy and reliability.
Can I Use Machine Translation for USCIS Documents?
USCIS does not accept machine translations, such as those generated by translation software or online tools. All translations must be certified, meaning they must come with a signed statement from a qualified translator confirming the accuracy and completeness of the translation. Since machine translations often lack accuracy and cannot provide certification, they are not suitable for USCIS document submissions.
How Long Does It Take to Get Documents Translated for USCIS?
The time required to get documents translated for USCIS depends on the length and complexity of the documents, as well as the translator’s availability. On average, it takes 1 to 3 business days for shorter documents, such as birth or marriage certificates. Larger or more complex documents, such as legal contracts or academic transcripts, may take several days to a week. Expedited services are often available for an additional fee, reducing the turnaround time. It is important to plan ahead to allow enough time for translation before submitting documents to USCIS.
How Much Does It Cost for Immigration Translation?
The cost of translating immigration documents varies depending on the length, complexity, and language of the document. Prices can vary between translation services, so it is recommended to compare rates before choosing a provider. Expedited services or translations requiring specialized expertise may also incur additional fees.
For common documents like birth or marriage certificates, certified translation service providers typically charge between $20 to $50 per page. More complex documents, such as legal or medical records, may cost more, ranging from $50 to $100 or higher per page.
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Can USCIS Reject My Translated Documents?
Yes, USCIS can reject translated documents if they do not meet the required standards. Common reasons for rejection include incomplete translations, inaccuracies, missing certification, or if the translator is not qualified. Translations must be accurate, complete, and accompanied by a certificate of translation accuracy, which confirms the translator’s competence and the accuracy of the translation.
If the translation is done by the applicant or a machine translation, USCIS will reject it. Ensuring the use of a certified and qualified translator helps prevent rejection.
Final Thoughts
Translating immigration documents accurately and in compliance with USCIS requirements is crucial for the smooth processing of applications. All translations must be certified, completed by qualified translators, and include a certificate of translation accuracy. By following the correct procedures, applicants can avoid delays or rejections of their documents.