Applying for a Green Card is exciting; it’s your path toward permanent residency in the U.S. But before USCIS can approve your application, every document you submit must be clear, accurate, and in English. Thus, you need a certified translation for a green card application. It’s a strict USCIS translation requirement that can determine whether your application moves forward smoothly or gets delayed.
What Is a Certified Translation for USCIS?
A certified translation is a translation accompanied by a signed certification statement from the translator or translation agency. This statement confirms that the translation is accurate and complete, meeting the official standards required by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). In short, you must approve that “This document has been translated faithfully by a qualified professional.”
What does the USCIS Translation Certification Statement include?
It’s basically the translation of the original document with a compliant certification statement that specifies:
- Translator’s full name
- Translator’s signature
- Date of certification
- Statement of accuracy and completeness
- Translator’s contact information
USCIS officers rely on certified translations to verify the authenticity of your foreign-language documents. Without a valid certification, your entire application may be delayed or denied, even if the translated content itself is correct.
Which Documents Require Certified Translation for a Green Card Application?
We all know how time-consuming and tiring the collection of green card documents is. Here, people always wonder which of these documents must be in English. Long story short, any document not written in English must be translated and certified.
Common Green Card documents that require certified translation include:
- Birth certificates: to prove identity, nationality, and parentage
- Marriage certificates: for family-based applications or spousal sponsorship
- Divorce decrees: to prove marital status if previously married
- Death certificates: if applying as a widow(er)
- Police clearance records or background checks: to verify good conduct
- Court records or legal judgments: if applicable
- Academic records or diplomas: for employment or skills-based categories
- Affidavits and civil documents: from your home country’s government
Tip: Always submit both the original document copy and the certified English translation side by side. USCIS needs to see both versions for verification.
What Happens If Your Translation Doesn’t Meet USCIS Standards?
Submitting a non-compliant translation can trigger unnecessary delays or outright rejection. USCIS reviews thousands of applications each week, and incomplete or uncertified translations are one of the most common reasons for requests for evidence (RFEs).
USCIS Rejection Reasons
Generally, USICS rejects translations for green card applications if:
- The translation wasn’t certified (missing statement or signature)
- The translator wasn’t impartial (self-translations are not accepted)
- Parts of the document were omitted, such as seals or handwritten notes
- The translation contained errors or formatting inconsistencies
- The certification statement lacked contact details or date
If USCIS finds your translation non-compliant, they’ll issue an RFE (Request for Evidence), which can delay your Green Card process by weeks or months.
How to Avoid Rejection?
USICS never rejects without sound reasoning. Thus, you’ll simply need to follow all the rules USICS sets, such as:
- Always hire a professional translation agency familiar with USCIS standards.
- Double-check the certification statement for completeness.
- Never attempt to translate your own documents, even if you’re fluent.
- Submit clear, legible scans of your originals.
Who Can Provide a Certified Translation for USCIS?
When submitting foreign-language documents to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), you’re required to include an English translation accompanied by a signed certification statement confirming its accuracy. However, one common misconception is that the translator must be ATA-certified (from the American Translators Association).
That’s not the case. USCIS does not require ATA certification, only that the translator be competent in both languages and impartial. So, who can actually provide a certified translation? You generally have three main options, depending on your needs and budget.
1. Professional Translation Agencies
If you want the process to be smooth and fully compliant, a professional translation agency is often your best choice. These agencies specialize in handling official documents and understand the exact formatting and certification requirements set by USCIS.
They typically provide:
- A signed certification statement confirming the accuracy of the translation.
- Optional notarization for added assurance.
- Fast turnaround times, usually within 24–48 hours.
This option is ideal if you’re submitting multiple documents or want complete peace of mind knowing everything meets federal standards.
2. Independent Professional Translators
For simpler documents, like birth certificates, marriage certificates, or transcripts, you can also work directly with an independent translator. The key requirement is that the translator must be fluent in both languages and able to accurately translate all text, stamps, and seals.
They’ll also need to include a certification statement signed by them, stating that the translation is complete and accurate to the best of their ability.
This option can be more affordable while still fully valid for USCIS, as long as the translator is competent and impartial.
3. ATA-Certified Translators
While not mandatory, choosing an ATA-certified translator can add an extra layer of credibility — especially for high-stakes applications like visas, green cards, or legal proceedings. ATA certification means the translator has met national professional standards and passed rigorous exams in language proficiency and translation accuracy.
If your case involves complex legal or technical documents, an ATA-certified translator may be the safest choice.
Important note: You cannot translate your own documents or those of a close relative, even if you are fluent in English. USCIS specifically requires that the translation be done and certified by an independent third party to ensure objectivity and avoid any conflict of interest.
How to Get a Certified Translation for Your Green Card Application
Getting a certified translation for USCIS is not difficult, especially when you know the process.
Step 1: Scan or Photograph Your Document
Make sure the entire document is visible, including any stamps, signatures, or seals.
Step 2: Upload It to a Certified Translation Service
Choose a USCIS-compliant translation agency (like Rush in Documentation) that guarantees acceptance and provides certification statements with each translation.
Step 3: Confirm Personal Details
Verify that names, dates, and document numbers match your official records before submission.
Step 4: Review the Completed Translation
Check spelling, accuracy, and layout. A professional service will format the translation to mirror your original document for easy comparison.
Step 5: Receive and Submit
You’ll receive your certified translation (usually as a PDF). Include it with your Green Card application package, either electronically (for online filing) or printed with your mailed documents.
Recommendation: Keep digital copies of your translations. USCIS may request duplicates or digital uploads later during processing.
How Much Does Certified Translation Cost?
The cost of certified translation depends on language, document type, and turnaround time.
| Service Type | Average Cost | Delivery Time |
| Standard certified translation | $30–$60 per page | 24-48 hours |
| Notarized translation | +$15–$25 | 1-2 business days |
| Rush (same-day) delivery | +$20–$40 | Same day |
| Large document packages | Custom quotes | Varies |
Most translation agencies charge per page, not per word, since USCIS documents are typically short (1–2 pages each).
When comparing services, check whether the price includes:
- Certification statement
- Formatting to match the original
- Digital delivery (PDF)
- Optional notarization if required
Transparency is key; always request a clear quote before ordering.
FAQs
Do I need a certified translation for my Green Card application?
Yes. Any document not in English must include a certified English translation that meets USCIS standards for green card applications.
Can I translate my own documents for USCIS?
No. Self-translations are not accepted, even if you’re fluent in English. The translator must be a neutral, qualified third party.
What if my translator is not ATA-certified?
That’s fine. ATA certification is optional. USCIS only requires that the translator/translation company be competent and include a signed statement of accuracy.
Does USCIS accept notarized translations?
Yes, but notarization is not mandatory unless specifically requested. A certified translation alone is sufficient for USCIS.
How fast can I get a certified translation?
Most certified translations are completed within 24-48 hours, with same-day options available for urgent submissions.
Why Choose Rush in Documentation for Certified Green Card Translations
At Rush in Documentation, we specialize in USCIS-certified translations that are guaranteed to meet every requirement.
- 100% USCIS Acceptance Guarantee
- Translations for all major languages
- 24-hour turnaround for most documents
- Professional human translators, never machines
- Transparent, per-page pricing
- Free PDF delivery and optional notarization
Whether you need a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or police record translated, our team ensures every detail is accurate, formatted, and officially certified for USCIS acceptance.
The Green Card application process is detailed, and document translation is one of those small but critical steps you can’t afford to get wrong. A single missing signature or uncertified translation can delay your approval for months.
