How to translate documents for USCIS — certified translation requirements

For almost any USCIS procedure, documents NOT in English must come with a certified English translation. This includes birth, marriage, divorce certificates, criminal records, diplomas, etc. from your home country.

What is “certified translation” for USCIS?

USCIS defines certified translation as a translation accompanied by:

  1. Original document or copy
  2. Word-for-word translation to English (not summary)
  3. Translator’s certification (in English) stating:
    • Translator is competent to translate from original language to English
    • Translation is accurate and complete
    • Translator’s signature
    • Date
    • Translator’s name and address

Does NOT require:

  • Being notary public (regular notary is OPTIONAL)
  • Being ATA certified (American Translators Association — optional)
  • Apostille (apostille validates the ORIGINAL, not the translation)

Who can do certified translation

USCIS accepts translations from:

✅ Any bilingual person self-classifying as competent ✅ Professional translation services ($30-$80/page) ✅ ATA-certified translator ✅ Bilingual friends or family (technically permitted, less professional)

⚠️ NOT accepted:

  • ❌ Self-translations by applicant (must be another person)
  • ❌ Machine-generated translations (Google Translate) without human review

Translator certification template

TRANSLATOR'S CERTIFICATION

I, [Full Name], certify that I am competent to translate from [Original Language] to English, and that the above/attached document is an accurate and complete translation to the best of my knowledge.

Signature: ____________________
Name: [Translator Name]
Address: [Translator Address]
Date: [MM/DD/YYYY]

Documents commonly requiring translation

  • Foreign birth certificate
  • Foreign marriage certificate
  • Foreign divorce decree
  • Foreign criminal records (for naturalization, asylum)
  • Foreign diplomas + transcripts (for work/study visas)
  • Medical records (for some categories)
  • Affidavits or sworn declarations in other languages

Common errors

  1. Incomplete translation — must include EVERYTHING, including stamps, margins, signatures
  2. Summary instead of word-for-word translation
  3. No translator certification (without it, not “certified”)
  4. Translation separate from original — always submit together
  5. Applicant’s own translation (not accepted)

Typical costs

TypeCost
Professional service (per page)$20-$50 USD
Professional service (short doc, 1-2 pages)$30-$80 USD
Notarization (optional, not required)$5-$15 USD

Official source: USCIS — Translations

Last verified: 2026-05-24.

General procedural information for educational purposes. Not legal, tax, or immigration advice. Laws and fees change — verify with the issuing agency before taking action. For case-specific guidance, consult a licensed immigration attorney or other appropriate professional.