USCIS Certified Translations: What They Are, Why You Need Them, and How to Get Them
- Tifini Vega
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
When applying for immigration benefits in the United States, accuracy and compliance are essential. One of the most common requirements—and one that often causes confusion—is the need for USCIS-accepted certified translations. Any document submitted to USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) that is not in English must be accompanied by a complete, accurate, certified English translation.
This guide explains what certified translations are, why they matter, and how to ensure your documents meet USCIS standards the first time.
What Is a USCIS-Certified Translation?
A USCIS-certified translation is more than simply converting a document from one language to another. USCIS requires that the translation be accompanied by a signed certification statement confirming:
The translator is qualified and competent to translate the document.
The translation is complete, accurate, and faithful to the original text.
Nothing has been added, omitted, or interpreted.
This certification is crucial—without it, USCIS may reject the document or issue a Request for Evidence (RFE), delaying your application.
Why USCIS Requires Certified Translations
USCIS officers must be able to review your documents with complete clarity. Certified translations ensure:
1. Accuracy
Every word, seal, stamp, and notation must be translated so the reviewing officer understands the full context.
2. Consistency
Immigration documents often must match information across applications, forms, and records. A precise translation ensures consistency.
3. Accountability
The certification statement holds the translator accountable for the accuracy and completeness of the translation.
These requirements help prevent misunderstandings, errors, or delays that can affect immigration processing.
What Documents Require Certified Translations?
Any foreign-language document submitted to USCIS must include a certified translation. Common examples include:
Birth Certificates
Marriage Certificates
Divorce Decrees
Death Certificates
Police Certificates and Background Checks
Court Records
Academic Transcripts
Diplomas and Degrees
Financial Records
Adoption Records
Medical Records (when required)
Affidavits and Sworn Statements
If the document supports your immigration application and is not in English, it must be translated and certified.
USCIS Requirements for Certified Translations
To meet USCIS standards, all certified translations must include:
1. Complete Translation
The entire document must be translated—front, back, stamps, signatures, marginal notes, watermarks, and even handwritten portions.
2. Accurate Representation
The translation must reflect the original text exactly, without interpretation or embellishment.
3. Translator Certification Statement
USCIS requires a signed statement including:
Translator’s name
Translator’s signature
Translator’s contact information
A statement affirming competence and accuracy
A typical certification statement reads:
“I certify that I am competent to translate from [language] to English and that the translation is a complete and accurate representation of the original document.”
Common USCIS Mistakes to Avoid
Many delays happen because of easily preventable issues. Here are the most frequent errors:
Submitting a translation without a certification statement
Omitting stamps or handwritten notes
Using unqualified translators
Submitting partial translations
Re-typing documents without indicating illegible portions
Using machine translation tools (never allowed)
A fully certified, professional translation eliminates these risks.
How to Get a USCIS-Accepted Certified Translation
Step 1: Gather Your Original Document
Ensure you have a clear, legible copy. USCIS does not require the original unless specifically requested, but the translation must match the original exactly.
Step 2: Submit the Document for Translation
You can upload a scanned copy or clear photo. All pages and sides must be included.
Step 3: Professional Translation
Your document will be translated by a qualified, human linguist. The translation is formatted clearly for USCIS review.
Step 4: Receive Your Certified Translation
You’ll receive a complete English translation plus the translator’s signed certification statement.Certified translations are typically delivered digitally unless a hard copy is requested.
Step 5: Submit With Your Immigration Application
Attach the certified translation directly behind the foreign-language document when sending your immigration packet.
Who Benefits From Certified Translations?
Certified translations are commonly required for:
Green Card applications
Citizenship applications
Visa petitions
K-1 fiancé(e) visas
Family-based immigration
Employment-based immigration
DACA
Adjustment of status
Consular processing
If you're preparing any immigration paperwork, certified translations are often part of the process.
Why Choose a Professional Linguist for USCIS Translations
A professional translator ensures:
High accuracy
Fast turnaround
USCIS-compliant formatting
Acceptance-ready certification
A smoother overall immigration process
This eliminates the risk of delays, errors, or Requests for Evidence.
Final Thoughts
Certified translations play an essential role in every immigration process. By ensuring your translations are complete, accurate, and properly certified, you can avoid unnecessary delays and help your application move forward smoothly.
If you need assistance with USCIS-accepted certified translations, you’re welcome to reach out anytime. I’m here to help you complete the process quickly and correctly.
If you need a USCIS-accepted certified translation, we can help. Our translators prepare complete, accurate, and fully certified translations for immigration, visas, citizenship applications, and consular processing.
You can order your certified translation directly through our website here:
We provide fast, accurate, USCIS-compliant certified translations to clients nationwide, ensuring your immigration documents are accepted the first time.
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