Document Translation for Immigration: What USCIS Requires

If you're applying for a green card, visa, citizenship, or any other immigration benefit, you'll almost certainly need certified translations of your foreign-language documents. Getting this wrong can delay your case by months.

Here's exactly what USCIS requires and how to make sure your translations are accepted.

USCIS regulations (8 CFR 103.2(b)(3)) state clearly:

This means every foreign-language document in your application package must have:

1. A complete English translation (not a summary)
2. A certification statement from the translator
3. The translator's statement of competency in the language pair

The certification statement must include:

• A statement that the translation is "complete and accurate"
• A statement that the translator is "competent to translate" from the source language to English
• The translator's printed name and signature
• The date of the translation

There is no specific required format, but the statement must contain all of these elements.

• Birth certificates (petitioner and beneficiary)
• Marriage certificate
• Divorce decrees (if applicable)
• Police clearance certificates
• Military records (if applicable)

• Educational diplomas and transcripts
• Professional certifications
• Employment records (if in a foreign language)

• Birth certificate
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Any foreign court records

• Birth certificate
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Police clearance certificates
• Financial documents (if in a foreign language)

• Birth certificate
• School records

Every word on the document must be translated — including stamps, seals, handwritten notes, and marginalia. USCIS officers compare the original to the translation, and missing content is grounds for rejection.

The certification must specifically state that the translator is "competent to translate" and that the translation is "complete and accurate." Vague statements like "I translated this document" are not sufficient.

Google Translate and other machine translation tools are not acceptable for USCIS submissions. The translation must be done by a human translator who can certify their competency.

USCIS does not accept translations done by the applicant, petitioner, or anyone with a direct interest in the case. The translator must be a neutral third party.

Always submit the original foreign-language document alongside the certified translation. USCIS needs both.

No. USCIS does not require notarized translations. The translator's own certification is sufficient. However, some state agencies, courts, and foreign governments do require notarization — always check the specific requirements of the receiving institution.

At Apostille & Translations LLC, we specialize in immigration document translations. Our translators:

• Are native speakers of the source language
• Have experience with USCIS requirements
• Provide properly formatted certification statements
• Translate every element of the document, including stamps and seals
• Deliver translations that are accepted by USCIS without issue

We translate documents from Spanish, Portuguese, French, Russian, Chinese, Arabic, and dozens of other languages.

• Same-day: Urgent immigration deadlines
• 24 hours: Standard certified translation
• Rush service: Large document packages

Don't risk a rejection that could delay your immigration case. Our team has helped hundreds of immigration applicants get their documents translated correctly the first time.

Book an appointment or call 646-838-3035. We're available Monday through Sunday, 8am to 6pm.