Translating Foreign Documents for USCIS: Requirements and Certification Process
USCIS requires certified translations of foreign language documents. Here's how to get documents properly translated and certified.
Quick Answer
USCIS accepts foreign language documents only with certified English translations. Translator must be competent in both languages (not necessarily professional), include certification statement under penalty of perjury, translate completely and accurately, and provide both original document copy and translation. Professional translation services ($20-$100 per page) easiest option. Friends/family can translate if competent in both languages and include proper certification.
Key Takeaways
All foreign language documents need certified English translations
Translator doesn't need to be professional (but must be competent)
Certification statement required declaring accuracy under penalty of perjury
Submit both original document copy AND translation
Common documents: birth certificates, marriage certificates, diplomas, bank statements
Professional services cost $20-$100 per page
Key Takeaways
All foreign language documents need certified English translations
Translator doesn't need to be professional (but must be competent)
Certification statement required declaring accuracy under penalty of perjury
Submit both original document copy AND translation
Common documents: birth certificates, marriage certificates, diplomas, bank statements
Professional services cost $20-$100 per page
Table of Content
USCIS Translation Requirements
Any document in foreign language must have complete English translation accompanying it. USCIS doesn't read foreign languages except English.
Translation must include:
Complete translation of entire document (every word)
Certification statement from translator
Translator's signature and date
Both translation and original document copy
Partial translations aren't accepted. Every word on original document must be translated, including stamps, handwritten notes, and official seals.
Certification Statement Template
Translator must include this certification on separate page or at bottom of translation:
Required language: "I, [translator name], certify that I am competent to translate from [source language] to English, and that the above/attached translation is complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief."
Signature: _________________ Date: _________________
This statement is made under penalty of perjury. Lying in certification can result in immigration fraud charges.
Who Can Translate
Anyone competent in both languages can translate, including professional translation services, bilingual friends or family members, you yourself (if translating third-party documents, not your own), or colleagues fluent in both languages.
Translator Type | Cost | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
Professional service | $20-$100/page | Guaranteed accuracy, fast turnaround | Expensive for many documents |
Friend/family | Free | No cost, convenient | May make mistakes, USCIS scrutiny if poor quality |
You (self-translate) | Free | Know the document | Cannot translate your own documents |
USCIS doesn't require notarization of certification, just translator's signature and certification statement.
Common Documents Requiring Translation
Personal documents:
Birth certificates
Marriage certificates
Divorce decrees
Death certificates (for deceased relatives)
National ID cards
Military service records
Educational documents:
Diplomas
Transcripts
Degree certificates
Professional licenses
Financial documents:
Bank statements
Tax returns from home country
Property ownership documents
Employment letters
Legal documents:
Court records
Police clearances
Adoption papers
Name change documents
Professional Translation Services
Many services specialize in immigration document translation. They provide certified translations meeting USCIS requirements.
Reputable services:
Local translation agencies
Online services (ImmigrationTranslators.com, RushTranslate, etc.)
University language departments
Consulate-referred translators
Costs vary:
Simple documents (birth certificate): $20-$40
Complex documents (transcripts): $50-$100
Rush service: 50-100% premium
Notarization (if desired): additional $10-$20
DIY Translation by Friends/Family
If friend or family member translates, they must include proper certification statement. They cannot be party to the immigration petition (if your spouse is translating for your green card application, USCIS may question it).
Quality requirements:
Accurate translation of all content
Proper formatting maintaining document structure
Clear, legible English
Professional appearance
Poor quality translations raise red flags. If translator's English is poor or translation has obvious errors, USCIS may issue RFE requesting professional translation.
Formatting Translations
Best practices:
Type translation (handwritten rarely acceptable)
Maintain document layout when possible
Include translation of stamps, seals, signatures
Note untranslatable elements (explain rather than skip)
Number pages if multi-page document
Attach translation to copy of original with paper clip
Don't alter original documents or translations after signing certification.
What You Cannot Do
Prohibited actions:
Translate your own documents (birth certificate, diploma, etc.)
Submit translation without certification statement
Translate partially, omitting sections
Use Google Translate without human verification and certification
Notarize instead of certify (notarization alone insufficient)
Special Considerations
Complex documents: If document has legal terminology, professional translator recommended. Medical records, court documents, and contracts require expertise.
Multiple languages: If document contains multiple languages (common in India with English/Hindi mix), translate non-English portions only but explain which portions are already in English.
Handwritten notes: Translate all handwritten notes, even marginal comments. If illegible, note in translation: "[Handwritten note illegible]"
Document Authentication vs Translation
Translation is separate from authentication (apostille). Some countries require documents be authenticated/apostilled before USCIS accepts them. This is different from translation requirement.
Process:
Get original document from issuing authority
Authenticate/apostille if required by your country
Make copy of authenticated document
Translate copy into English with certification
Submit both translation and copy to USCIS
USCIS Translation Requirements
Any document in foreign language must have complete English translation accompanying it. USCIS doesn't read foreign languages except English.
Translation must include:
Complete translation of entire document (every word)
Certification statement from translator
Translator's signature and date
Both translation and original document copy
Partial translations aren't accepted. Every word on original document must be translated, including stamps, handwritten notes, and official seals.
Certification Statement Template
Translator must include this certification on separate page or at bottom of translation:
Required language: "I, [translator name], certify that I am competent to translate from [source language] to English, and that the above/attached translation is complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief."
Signature: _________________ Date: _________________
This statement is made under penalty of perjury. Lying in certification can result in immigration fraud charges.
Who Can Translate
Anyone competent in both languages can translate, including professional translation services, bilingual friends or family members, you yourself (if translating third-party documents, not your own), or colleagues fluent in both languages.
Translator Type | Cost | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
Professional service | $20-$100/page | Guaranteed accuracy, fast turnaround | Expensive for many documents |
Friend/family | Free | No cost, convenient | May make mistakes, USCIS scrutiny if poor quality |
You (self-translate) | Free | Know the document | Cannot translate your own documents |
USCIS doesn't require notarization of certification, just translator's signature and certification statement.
Common Documents Requiring Translation
Personal documents:
Birth certificates
Marriage certificates
Divorce decrees
Death certificates (for deceased relatives)
National ID cards
Military service records
Educational documents:
Diplomas
Transcripts
Degree certificates
Professional licenses
Financial documents:
Bank statements
Tax returns from home country
Property ownership documents
Employment letters
Legal documents:
Court records
Police clearances
Adoption papers
Name change documents
Professional Translation Services
Many services specialize in immigration document translation. They provide certified translations meeting USCIS requirements.
Reputable services:
Local translation agencies
Online services (ImmigrationTranslators.com, RushTranslate, etc.)
University language departments
Consulate-referred translators
Costs vary:
Simple documents (birth certificate): $20-$40
Complex documents (transcripts): $50-$100
Rush service: 50-100% premium
Notarization (if desired): additional $10-$20
DIY Translation by Friends/Family
If friend or family member translates, they must include proper certification statement. They cannot be party to the immigration petition (if your spouse is translating for your green card application, USCIS may question it).
Quality requirements:
Accurate translation of all content
Proper formatting maintaining document structure
Clear, legible English
Professional appearance
Poor quality translations raise red flags. If translator's English is poor or translation has obvious errors, USCIS may issue RFE requesting professional translation.
Formatting Translations
Best practices:
Type translation (handwritten rarely acceptable)
Maintain document layout when possible
Include translation of stamps, seals, signatures
Note untranslatable elements (explain rather than skip)
Number pages if multi-page document
Attach translation to copy of original with paper clip
Don't alter original documents or translations after signing certification.
What You Cannot Do
Prohibited actions:
Translate your own documents (birth certificate, diploma, etc.)
Submit translation without certification statement
Translate partially, omitting sections
Use Google Translate without human verification and certification
Notarize instead of certify (notarization alone insufficient)
Special Considerations
Complex documents: If document has legal terminology, professional translator recommended. Medical records, court documents, and contracts require expertise.
Multiple languages: If document contains multiple languages (common in India with English/Hindi mix), translate non-English portions only but explain which portions are already in English.
Handwritten notes: Translate all handwritten notes, even marginal comments. If illegible, note in translation: "[Handwritten note illegible]"
Document Authentication vs Translation
Translation is separate from authentication (apostille). Some countries require documents be authenticated/apostilled before USCIS accepts them. This is different from translation requirement.
Process:
Get original document from issuing authority
Authenticate/apostille if required by your country
Make copy of authenticated document
Translate copy into English with certification
Submit both translation and copy to USCIS
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I translate my own birth certificate?
No. You cannot translate documents about yourself. Someone else must translate and certify.
Does translator need to be certified professional?
No. Anyone competent in both languages can translate. Professional certification not required, just competence and certification statement.
How much do professional translations cost?
$20-$100 per page depending on document complexity, language pair, and turnaround time. Simple documents cheaper than complex legal documents.
Does certification need to be notarized?
No. USCIS doesn't require notarization. Translator's signature and certification statement under penalty of perjury is sufficient.
What if translation has minor errors?
Minor typos usually not issue. Major errors or mistranslations can cause RFE or denial. Use quality translators for important applications.
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