Translation Requirements for USCIS
When submitting supporting documents to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), it’s essential to meet their translation standards.
According to 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3), "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."
Key Requirements for USCIS Translations:
Complete Translation: Every element of the document must be translated, including seals, signatures, and notations. Any omissions or inaccuracies could lead to delays or requests for additional evidence.
Certificate of Translation Accuracy: The translator must include a certification that confirms the translation is complete and accurate and that they are competent to translate from the original language into English. This certification should include:
- A statement affirming the translation’s accuracy and completeness.
- The translator’s name, signature, and date.
- Contact information for the translator or the translation service.
Work with Professional Translators: Choose a professional translator or agency that is a member of a recognized body such as the Association of Translation Companies (ATC) or American Translators Association (ATA).
Avoid Using Friends or Family as Translators: While USCIS guidelines do not specifically prohibit you, a friend, or a family member from translating your documents, we strongly advise against this practice. The translations may be considered biased, leading to potential rejections or requests for additional evidence from USCIS officials.
Data Protection: At Certling, we prioritize your privacy. All documents are deleted one week after delivery to ensure data security.
Does USCIS Require a Notarized Translation?
For most documents, USCIS does not require notarized translations. The certification statement confirming the translation’s accuracy and the translator’s competence is typically sufficient. However, certain legal documents, such as court or prison records, may require notarization (Source). We recommend checking with the specific agency handling your case for exact requirements.
Accuracy and Completeness in Translations
Accuracy and completeness are paramount when translating documents for USCIS. Any discrepancies or missing details in translations can lead to application delays or even denials. Translations must replicate every detail of the original document, including official seals, signatures, and notations. This thoroughness ensures that your documents meet USCIS expectations and demonstrates the legitimacy of your application. Prioritizing an experienced translation service helps ensure that no critical details are overlooked.
Common Mistakes in USCIS Translations
Avoiding common mistakes in USCIS translations is crucial for a smooth application process. Some frequent errors include:
- Partial Translations: Missing elements such as signatures, stamps, seals, or notations can render a translation incomplete and lead to processing delays or rejections.
- Poor Quality or Inaccurate Language: Misinterpretations or incorrect translations that alter the original meaning of the document can cause misunderstandings and jeopardize your application.
- Uncertified Translations: Submitting translations without the required certification can result in immediate rejections, as USCIS mandates a certification of accuracy and translator competence.
Selecting a professional and experienced translation service can help you avoid these pitfalls and ensure that your application proceeds without unnecessary obstacles. Trusting your translations to qualified experts is a crucial step toward a successful USCIS submission.
Certified Translation Services
Choosing the right certified translation service for your USCIS application can make all the difference in ensuring a seamless process. At Certling, we specialize in providing high-quality certified translations that meet USCIS standards as well as those in the UK. Here’s what sets our service apart:
- Certified Translations Accepted in the USA & UK
Each translation includes a certification letter with all required details for official acceptance. - Transparent Per-Word Pricing
Receive an instant, exact quote based on word count—you pay only for what you need. - Fast Turnaround Times
Efficient service without compromising on quality. - Strict Data Security
We prioritize your privacy, holding your data only as long as necessary to deliver our services. - Simple, User-Friendly Platform
Clients can upload their documents by taking a picture or scanning them, with an intuitive process that ensures ease of use from start to finish.
With Certling, you can trust that your translations will be accurate, complete, and compliant with all USCIS and UK standards, helping you avoid delays and move forward with confidence.
Role of Professional Translators
The role of professional translators in USCIS document preparation cannot be overstated. While it may seem sufficient to rely on someone who speaks the language or is bilingual, professional translation requires far more expertise. Professional translators have typically undergone years of study in linguistics and translation practices, equipping them with the skills needed to accurately convey the content and context of a document.
Professional translators not only ensure that your documents meet the high standards of accuracy and completeness required by USCIS, but they also provide additional value by offering insights into cultural nuances and local equivalents for certain terms. This added context can be crucial for helping USCIS officials fully understand the content of your documents, minimizing potential misunderstandings or the need for additional evidence.
Choosing a qualified professional translator ensures your documents are translated with precision, are complete, and adhere to USCIS guidelines. This step is key to a smoother application process and a higher likelihood of acceptance.
Document Types Needing Translation
Submitting documents to USCIS often requires certified translations to be in English. The specific documents needing translation can vary based on the type of visa you are applying for and the country you are coming from. Common document types that typically need translation include:
- Birth Certificates: To prove identity and familial relationships.
- Marriage Certificates: Often required for spousal visa applications.
- Divorce Decrees: To demonstrate changes in marital status.
- Educational Records: Necessary for work or student visa applications.
- Police Clearance Certificates: Used to verify the applicant’s legal background.
- Employment Records (e.g., Payslips): To demonstrate work history and financial stability, often needed for employment-based visas or to prove financial support.
Ensuring that these and other relevant documents are accurately translated can significantly impact the outcome of your application. It's essential to review the specific requirements for your visa type and country of origin to ensure full compliance and avoid delays.
How to Get Certified Translation with Certling
Getting your certified translation is easy:
- Prepare Your Documents: Scan or take a clear photo of the documents.
- Upload Your Documents: Visit Certling, upload your documents, and specify the required languages.
- Review the Document Preview: Ensure the document orientation is correct.
- Customize (Optional): Remove unnecessary parts of the document if you don’t need them translated.
- Complete the Transaction: Select additional options (e.g., express delivery) and finalize your order.
- Request Amendments: You have 7 days to request any corrections, especially for handwritten documents.
At Certling, we ensure your translations are USCIS-compliant, with transparent pricing based on word count. Get an instant quote today at Certling's quote page.
USCIS forms
Read more on each form:
- Form I-130: Petition for Alien Relative – Used to sponsor a family member for a green card.
- Form I-130A: Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary – Filed along with I-130 for spousal petitions.
- Form I-131: Application for Travel Document – Used for reentry permits, refugee travel documents, or advance parole.
- Form N-400: Application for Naturalization – Used by permanent residents to apply for U.S. citizenship.
- Form I-485: Application to Adjust Status – For those in the U.S. applying for a green card.
- Form I-864: Affidavit of Support – Shows financial support for family-based immigrants.
- Form I-129F: Petition for Alien Fiancé(e) – Used to bring a foreign fiancé(e) to the U.S. on a K-1 visa.
- Form I-90: Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card – Used to renew or replace a green card.
- Form DS-260 and 261: Immigrant Visa Application – For immigrant visa applicants applying from abroad.
- Form I-765: Application for Employment Authorization – Used to request a work permit (EAD) in the U.S.
- Form I-134A: Request to Be a Supporter and Declaration of Financial Support – Used to declare financial support for beneficiaries seeking parole in the U.S.
With Certling, you can trust that your documents will be translated accurately, securely, and in compliance with USCIS standards. Start your certified translation today!
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