Overview
A birth certificate is one of the most fundamental documents required in nearly every U.S. immigration application, serving to verify the applicant's identity, date of birth, place of birth, and familial relationships. If the birth certificate is not in English, it must be accompanied by a certified English translation that meets USCIS requirements. Under 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3), any document in a foreign language submitted to USCIS must include a complete English translation, along with the translator's written certification attesting to the translation's completeness and accuracy and to the translator's competence to translate from the foreign language into English. USCIS does not require the translator to hold specific credentials or certifications, but the translation must be performed by someone other than the applicant. For Chinese applicants, the birth certificate is typically obtained as a notarized birth certificate (出生公证书) from the local notary office, which is then translated and certified in English.
When You Need a Birth Certificate Translation
- Filing for a green card (I-485 Adjustment of Status or consular processing) — birth certificate with translation is required
- Submitting a family-based petition (I-130) to establish familial relationships
- Applying for naturalization (N-400) — birth certificate is a required supporting document
- Filing a K-1 fiancé(e) visa petition — birth certificates of both parties are required
- As a supporting document for the I-864 Affidavit of Support to prove household members
- Applying for a Certificate of Citizenship (N-600) or travel documents
- Any immigration application requiring proof of date of birth, place of birth, or family relationships
Application Process
Obtain the Original
Obtain the official birth certificate or notarized copy from the country of birth. Chinese applicants should visit the local notary office (公证处) in their household registration area for a notarized birth certificate. Indian applicants should obtain the certificate from the birth registrar or municipal authority.
Select a Translator
Choose a translator competent in both the foreign language and English (the applicant cannot translate their own documents). This may be a professional translation agency, a qualified individual translator, or a bilingual friend or family member. USCIS does not require the translator to hold specific certifications.
Complete the Translation
The translator renders the entire content of the birth certificate into English, including all text, descriptions of stamps, signatures, and official markings. The translation must be complete and accurately reflect the content and format of the original document.
Prepare the Certification Statement
The translator prepares a written certification statement that includes: the translator's full name, signature, address, and date of certification, along with a declaration that "the translation is complete and accurate, and I am competent to translate from [language] into English."
Compile and Submit
Submit the original (or certified copy), the English translation, and the certification statement together. It is recommended to staple the three documents together, with the translation immediately following the original.
Timeline Reference
| Stage | Duration |
|---|---|
| Obtain Original | 1–4 weeks (varies by country) |
| Chinese Notarized Birth Certificate | 5–15 business days |
| Translation Completion | 1–3 business days |
| Certification Statement | 1 business day |
| Total | 2–6 weeks (including original procurement) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the birth certificate translation have to be done by a professional translation company?
Not necessarily. USCIS does not require the translator to hold specific qualifications or certifications. Anyone fluent in both the source language and English may perform the translation, as long as they are not the applicant. The translator must provide a certification statement attesting to the completeness and accuracy of the translation and their competence to translate. However, using a professional translation company can reduce the risk of errors, especially for documents containing specialized terminology.
How do I obtain a birth certificate from China?
Chinese applicants typically obtain a notarized birth certificate (出生公证书) from the notary office (公证处) in their household registration area. Required materials generally include: national ID card, household registration booklet (户口本), parents' ID cards, and parents' marriage certificate. Some notary offices can issue bilingual Chinese-English versions directly. If abroad, you may authorize a relative in China to apply on your behalf, or contact the nearest Chinese embassy or consulate for assistance. If original birth records are lost, the notary office may require hospital birth records or other supporting evidence.
What should the certification statement say?
The certification statement should read: "I, [translator's full name], certify that I am competent to translate from [language] into English and that the attached translation of [document name] is complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge and ability." It must be signed by the translator with their printed name, address, and date. USCIS does not require notarization of the certification statement — the translator's signature is sufficient.
Does the birth certificate translation need to be notarized?
No. Under 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3), USCIS requires only the translator's written certification statement — notarization is not required. However, some applicants choose to have the certification notarized for additional credibility. If the translation is intended for use outside the United States (e.g., as required by a foreign government), notarization or even an apostille may be necessary.
What if the name on the birth certificate does not match my passport?
If the name on the birth certificate differs from your passport or other immigration documents (e.g., different Pinyin romanizations, legal name changes), you should submit supporting documentation such as a court-ordered name change decree or marriage certificate, along with an explanation letter describing the reason for the discrepancy. The translation should accurately reflect the name as it appears on the original document — do not alter it.
How much does a birth certificate translation typically cost?
Professional translation companies typically charge $25–$80 for a birth certificate translation, depending on the language, complexity, and the company's pricing. Rush services may incur additional fees. If a bilingual friend or family member performs the translation, there is no cost — they simply need to sign the certification statement. An immigration attorney can also help review the translation quality and certification statement format.
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