Submitting foreign-language documents to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) can be tricky, and even a small translation mistake can delay or derail your immigration process. Every year, countless applications are held up or rejected simply because the supporting documents weren’t translated or certified correctly.
If your immigration documents are in another language, you’ll need to include an accurate English translation that meets USCIS standards. In this guide, we’ll break down the official USCIS translation requirements, explain what makes a translation “certified,” show examples of compliant certification statements, and help you avoid the most common rejection mistakes.
What Are USCIS Translation Requirements?
The U.S. government requires that any document in a foreign language submitted to USCIS must be accompanied by a full English translation. This rule ensures that immigration officers, who may not speak the source language, can review and verify the content accurately.
Here’s what USCIS specifically states in its official policy manual: “If you submit a document with information in a foreign language, you must also submit a full English translation along with a certification from the translator that the translation is complete and accurate and that the translator is competent to translate from the foreign language into English.”
In simple terms, this means your translation must be:
- Complete, every word of the document must be translated, including stamps, seals, and handwritten notes.
- Accurate, no summarizing, paraphrasing, or omitting sections.
- Certified, the translator must provide a signed statement confirming their competence and the translation’s accuracy.
Translations that miss even a small section, such as a signature line or official seal, can be rejected as “incomplete.”
What Documents Need Certified Translation for USCIS?
Nearly all foreign-language documents submitted with an immigration petition or application require a certified translation. Here are the most common examples:
Personal and Civil Status Documents
- Birth certificates
- Marriage certificates
- Divorce decrees
- Death certificates
- Adoption papers
- Name change documents
Education and Professional Credentials
- Diplomas and degree certificates
- Academic transcripts
- Training certificates
- Professional licenses
Legal and Government Records
- Court judgments
- Police clearance certificates
- Military service records
- Immigration or visa history records
Financial and Employment Records
- Pay stubs and employment letters
- Tax returns and bank statements
- Property ownership documents
Medical or Specialized Documents
- Vaccination certificates
- Medical test results (if required for immigration)
If USCIS requests additional evidence (RFEs), you may need to submit translations for newly requested documents as well.
What Is a Certified Translation for USCIS?
A certified translation is an English translation accompanied by a signed certification statement from the translator or translation agency. This statement attests that:
- The translation is accurate and complete.
- The translator is fluent in both English and the source language.
- The translator is competent to perform the translation.
What the Certification Must Include
To be valid for USCIS purposes, the certification must clearly contain:
- Translator’s full name
- Statement of competence and accuracy
- Language pair (e.g., Spanish → English)
- Translator’s signature
- Date of certification
- Optional: company name and contact details
USCIS does not require notarization of translations, but if your case will also be used for other legal or international purposes, you may choose to get the translation notarized for extra assurance.
Example of a USCIS Translation Certification Statement
I, [Full Name], certify that I am fluent in English and [foreign language], and that the translation of the attached document is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and ability.
Signature: __________________________
Date: _______________________________
Translator’s Contact Information (optional)
Who Can Translate Documents for USCIS?
USCIS does not require translators to be officially licensed or accredited, but they must be qualified and impartial. Anyone fluent in both English and the source language may translate, except the applicant or close family members.
Allowed Translators
- Professional translation agencies
- Freelance translators
- Certified linguists with experience in legal or immigration documents
Not Allowed
- The applicant (self-translation)
- Immediate family members, such as spouses or parents
- Anyone with a direct interest in the immigration outcome
The key is neutrality and accuracy. If USCIS suspects a conflict of interest or finds errors, your translation may be rejected.
How to Submit Certified Translations to USCIS
When you’re ready to file your USCIS application, follow these submission best practices to prevent delays:
- Attach each certified translation to its corresponding original document.
- If filing online, upload the original document (in the foreign language) and the certified English translation as a single PDF.
- If mailing, ensure both documents are printed clearly and labeled (e.g., “Birth Certificate- Original” / “Birth Certificate – English Translation”).
- Do not staple or obscure pages; USCIS scans all documents.
- Keep digital and paper copies for your own records.
Scanned or PDF copies are fully acceptable as long as the translator’s signature and certification statement are visible and legible.
How to Choose a USCIS-Certified Translation Service
The safest way to ensure acceptance is to use a professional translation provider familiar with USCIS rules. When choosing a translation service, look for:
- Specialization in immigration documents
- Certification on official letterhead
- Translator’s name and signature on every certification
- Guaranteed USCIS acceptance
- 24-hour or same-day delivery options
- Secure digital submission
Avoid using automated translation tools or general freelance platforms; machine or unverified translations often contain errors that can delay your application.
How Much Does a USCIS Translation Cost?
USCIS-certified translations are generally affordable and priced per page or per document.
Typical cost ranges:
- $25-$50 per page for common languages (Spanish, French, Russian, Arabic)
- $50-$80 per page for less common or complex languages
- Rush or same-day service: additional $10–$20 surcharge per page
Pricing may also vary based on:
- The length and complexity of the document
- Whether official seals and handwritten sections require special formatting
- The delivery format (PDF, printed copy, or notarized version)
Some agencies offer bundle discounts for multi-document packages such as birth + marriage + police certificates.
Are USCIS Translation Requirements the Same for All Immigration Forms?
Yes, the same translation rule applies across all USCIS forms and petitions, including:
- Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative)
- Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status)
- Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization)
- Form I-765 (Employment Authorization)
- Form I-539 (Change of Status)
However, if your case involves foreign court orders, adoption papers, or financial documents, you may also need additional authentication or apostille services. Always review the instructions for your specific form before filing.
FAQs About USCIS Translation Requirements
- Can I translate my own documents for USCIS?
No. USCIS does not accept translations prepared by the applicant or their relatives. You must use an independent translator or a certified translation company that is fluent in both languages.
- Does USCIS require notarized translations?
Not usually. A simple certification statement is sufficient unless a consulate, court, or embassy specifically requests notarization.
- Can I submit digital copies of certified translations?
Yes. USCIS accepts clear scans or PDFs that include the translator’s certification statement and signature.
- Do I need to translate only the important sections of my document?
No. USCIS requires a complete, word-for-word translation, including all stamps, signatures, and notations.
- Will my translation expire?
Certified translations do not expire, but USCIS may request updated versions if the document content has changed (for example, marital status or name updates).
Get USCIS-Certified Translations You Can Trust
Navigating immigration paperwork is stressful enough; don’t let a translation error put your case at risk.
At Rush in Documentation, we provide 100% USCIS-compliant certified translations for all types of immigration documents, including birth certificates, marriage records, diplomas, and court judgments. Every translation is reviewed by professional linguists, includes a proper certification statement, and is guaranteed to be accepted by USCIS.
- Certified accuracy by professional translators
- 24-hour turnaround for most documents
- Secure online upload and delivery
- Guaranteed USCIS acceptance
