What Are the USCIS Translation Requirements?

Failing to have foreign documents that meet the USCIS translation requirements can be detrimental to the outcome of your application process. This situation is the case for all vital records, including birth certificates, marriage/divorce certificates, death certificates, academic degrees, police records, passports, financial statements, affidavits, etc. Knowing the exact USCIS requirements for translated documents can help you choose the right translation partner for the job and avoid unnecessary setbacks due to incorrect translations.  

Understanding the USCIS Translation Requirements

The main criteria for any document translated to be delivered to USCIS are that the translated document must be certified. The exact requirements as stated by the code of Federal Regulations is as follows:  “Any document containing foreign language submitted to USCIS shall be accompanied by a full English language translation which the translator has certified as complete and accurate, and by the translator’s certification that he or she is competent to translate from the foreign language into English.” Another USCIS requirement is that the translator certifies that the translation is accurate with a signed Certificate of Translation Accuracy accompanying the documents, including the translation. The following example is the standard template for a Certificate of Translation Accuracy for USCIS: I [typed name] am competent to translate from [foreign language] into English and certify that the translation of the [document title] is true and accurate to the best of my abilities.  Signature_________________________________ Name____________________________________ Address__________________________________Date_____________________________________USCIS also requires originals or photocopies of the document to be translated to cross-reference for accuracy. The exact regulation is as follows:  “Original or photocopied documents which are required to support any benefit request must be submitted in accordance with the form instructions.” Having a certified translation and the necessary supporting documents can prevent extended review times or application denials.  

Does USCIS Need the Translation to be Notarized?

Notarization is not required. Many professional translation services offer this service, and it will not affect you at all. It simply reinforces legitimacy and acts as an identifier of the translation.

Who Can Translate Legal Documents for USCIS?

While you cannot translate a document for USCIS yourself, anyone who is fluent in both languages and is willing to sign a statement saying that the translation is accurate and true is allowed to do so. It’s also important to note that you cannot use Google Translate because it can be very inaccurate and does not meet USCIS requirements. Google Translate can translate words that aren’t meant to be like names or addresses, leading to your application being denied. When in doubt, you can always hire a professional translator or translation company. By doing so, you can avoid additional delays or requests for evidence from USCIS.

What is the Most Reliable Option for Certified USCIS Translation?

Using a professional translation service is the most trusted route to obtaining a certified document that meets the USCIS translation requirements. At Bureau Works, we not only offer fast, accurate translations, but we also offer support beyond the initial translation to fix any issues you may have with the document. We understand how important it is to have everything done correctly the first time around. We also know how important it is to have an affordable translation service. We provide expert linguists and tools for high-quality translations at very competitive prices. With 134 supported languages, our localization management platform can provide you with peace of mind when it comes to certified translations.  Bureau Works provides comprehensive, affordable certified translations for USCIS. Contact our team today to learn more about how we can help you.