If you’re applying for U.S. immigration benefits, submitting your documents in English is not optional—it’s a requirement. Any supporting document written in a foreign language must be accompanied by a certified English translation that complies with strict USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) standards.
But what exactly qualifies as a certified translation? Who can prepare it? How do you avoid delays or denials? And where can you order one online with confidence?
This guide answers all of those questions, offering everything you need to know about getting your documents properly translated for USCIS applications.
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What is a certified translation for USCIS?
A certified translation for USCIS is a complete, word-for-word translation of a document originally written in another language, accompanied by a signed certificate from the translator or translation company.
This certification confirms two things:
- The translation is complete and accurate
- The translator is competent in both English and the source language
USCIS uses this certification to ensure that the information being reviewed is accurate and legally reliable. Without this certification, your submission may be rejected or delayed.
Which documents require translation for USCIS?
Any document not written in English and submitted to USCIS must be translated and certified. Common examples include:
- Birth certificates
- Marriage certificates
- Divorce decrees
- Death certificates
- Passports (select pages)
- Police clearance records
- Academic diplomas and transcripts
- Court judgments
- Affidavits and notarized declarations
- Adoption records
- Bank statements (when required for financial support)
Keep in mind that every part of the document—including stamps, seals, handwritten notes, and official markings—must be translated. Omissions or summaries are not acceptable.
Who can provide certified translations for USCIS?
USCIS does not require the translator to be a government-certified interpreter or an ATA member. However, the translator must:
- Be fluent in both English and the source language
- Provide a signed Certificate of Accuracy
- Be impartial (you cannot translate your own documents or have a relative do it)
USCIS explicitly prohibits applicants from submitting self-translated documents, even if the applicant is fluent in both languages.
To ensure compliance and avoid rejection, most applicants choose a professional translation service like TranslationsCertified.com, which guarantees that each document meets USCIS standards.
What are the official USCIS translation requirements?
USCIS requires that all foreign-language documents be submitted with a certified English translation that meets the following criteria:
- Complete, word-for-word translation
Every element must be translated exactly as it appears, including seals, stamps, handwritten text, and formatting.
- A signed Certificate of Accuracy, which must include:
- A statement affirming the translator’s fluency in both languages
- A statement declaring the translation is complete and accurate
- The translator’s full name, signature, and date
- The translator’s contact information
- Formatting that mirrors the original
The translation should preserve the layout and sectioning of the original document for easy comparison.
- Clear, legible presentation
Translations should be typed (not handwritten), professionally formatted, and delivered in PDF or printed format, depending on your method of submission.
Note: Notarization is not required by USCIS, but other agencies (such as embassies or courts) may request it.
How to Order a Certified Translation for USCIS
Ordering a certified translation online with Translations Certified is simple and secure:
- Upload your document using our secure online form
- Select the language pair (e.g., Spanish to English)
- Receive a quote and estimated delivery time within one business day
- Choose to pay now or later — once your certified translation is ready
- Receive your certified PDF by email within 1–2 business days, ready to include in your USCIS application
All translations are handled by professional linguists and include a USCIS-compliant Certificate of Accuracy. We ensure each translation meets the formatting and content standards required by immigration authorities, and we guarantee delivery within the promised timeframe.
What’s Included:
- Word-for-word certified translation
- Certificate of Accuracy
- Delivery via email in PDF format
- Optional notarization and printed copies available upon request
At just $14.50 per page, our service offers both quality and affordability.
USCIS requires all foreign-language documents to be submitted with certified English translations that meet strict formatting and certification rules. Failing to meet these requirements can cause delays—or worse, denials—in your immigration process.
Working with a trusted provider like Translations Certified ensures that your documents are translated accurately, certified correctly, and ready for submission. With transparent pricing and quick turnaround, we make the process easy and compliant from start to finish.
References
- USCIS Policy Manual – Volume 1, Part B, Chapter 4: Translations
https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-1-part-b-chapter-4
- Code of Federal Regulations – 8 CFR § 103.2(b)(3)
https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-103/section-103.2#p-103.2(b)(3)
- USCIS Form Instructions (Example: I-485, I-130, N-400)
https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/forms/i-130instr.pdf
- American Translators Association (ATA) – What Is a Certified Translation?
https://www.atanet.org/client-assistance/what-is-a-certified-translation/