What USCIS Requires for a Certified Translation
Any document you send to USCIS in a language other than English needs an English translation. The rule is short, and a missing piece in a translation is one of the avoidable problems in an immigration file.
Below we explain what the rule says, what the translator's certification has to cover and which documents usually need translating. The requirement comes from 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3), and USCIS repeats it in its filing guidance.
What the Regulation Requires
The regulation asks for two things whenever a document contains a foreign language. The first is a full English translation that the translator has certified as complete and accurate. The second is the translator's certification that they are competent to translate from the foreign language into English.
USCIS says the same in its tips for filing by mail: supporting documents must be in English or come with a complete English translation, together with the translator's certification of competence.
What Full Translation Means
A full translation covers the entire document, not a summary or an extract. Stamps, seals, handwritten notes and text on the back of the page belong in the translation too, so the officer who reads it sees everything the original shows.
What the Certification Says
The certification is a signed statement by the translator. It confirms two facts: the translation is complete and accurate, and the translator is competent to translate from the foreign language into English.
Both statements matter. A certificate that covers accuracy but says nothing about the translator's competence leaves the second half of the regulation unmet.
Certified Is Not the Same as Notarized
The regulation asks for the translator's certification and does not mention notarization. A notary public confirms the identity of the person who signs, not the quality of the translation, so notarization is a separate step, which other bodies may request. If a court or school asks for it, see our notarized translation services.
Documents That Usually Need a Translation
- Birth certificates, as described in our guide to foreign birth certificates for immigration.
- Marriage certificates (see marriage certificate translation).
- Diplomas and transcripts (see transcript translation services).
- Passports, national ID cards and other identification documents.
- Police certificates, divorce decrees, court orders and medical or employment letters in a foreign language.
Who Decides
The USCIS officer who reviews your case decides whether the evidence is enough. We guarantee our translation, never the outcome of a case, and we suggest checking the form instructions for your application before you file.
How BeTranslated Can Help
Our USCIS certified translations carry the certification asked for by USCIS: a signed statement that the translation is complete and accurate and that the translator is competent in both languages. We translate from more than 50 languages into English.
Send us your documents for a free translation quote. We reply within 12 hours, and you can also call us at +1 (737) 301-0606.
FAQs
Does USCIS Require Notarization?
The regulation asks for the translator's certification and does not mention notarization. Notarization is a separate step that some other bodies request.
Can I Translate My Own Documents?
The regulation asks only that the translator be competent in both languages and certify the translation. Many applicants still hire an independent translator, so the file leaves no doubt about who produced the text.
Do I Translate Only the Important Parts?
No. The regulation asks for a full translation of any document that contains a foreign language.
Who Decides Whether a Translation Is Enough?
The USCIS officer who reviews the case. We guarantee our translation, and the receiving body decides on acceptance.
