How to translate documents for USCIS — certified translation requirements

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

Related information

• Apostille a US document
• USCIS — all forms

Official source: USCIS — Translations

Last verified: 2026-05-25.

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.

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