Overview
Under 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3) of the Code of Federal Regulations, any document in a foreign language submitted to USCIS must be accompanied by a full English translation along with a certification statement from the translator. The certification must attest to the completeness and accuracy of the translation and to the translator's competence to translate from the foreign language into English. Notably, USCIS does not require translations to be performed by ATA-certified translators, nor does it require notarization — only the translator's own certification statement is needed. The translator may be a professional translation company, an independent translator, or even a bilingual friend or family member, but cannot be the applicant themselves. The translation must be a complete, word-for-word rendering of the original document with no omissions or summarizations. Commonly translated documents include: birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, household registration booklets (户口本), degree certificates, academic transcripts, police clearance certificates, and bank statements.
When You Need a Certified Translation
- Submitting any non-English document to USCIS (applies to all visa and immigration application categories)
- All foreign-language supporting documents for a green card application (I-485)
- Foreign-language civil documents for family-based petitions (I-130) — birth certificates, marriage certificates, etc.
- Foreign academic credentials in H-1B petitions
- Foreign-language documents for naturalization applications (N-400)
- Foreign-language documents submitted during consular processing visa interviews
- Foreign-language documents in EAD (I-765) and Advance Parole (I-131) applications
- Foreign-language documents requested in an RFE (Request for Evidence) from USCIS
Application Process
Identify Documents Requiring Translation
Review the immigration application's document checklist to identify all non-English documents. Even if a document is partially in English, a complete translation is required if it contains any foreign-language content.
Select a Translator
Choose a translator fluent in both the source language and English. Options include professional translation companies, ATA-certified translators, independent translators, or bilingual friends/family members. The applicant may not translate their own documents.
Complete the Full Translation
The translator renders all content of the document into English, including all text, tables, stamp descriptions, and the identity of signatories. The translation format should mirror the original as closely as possible. Nothing may be omitted.
Prepare the Certification Statement
The translator prepares a certification statement containing: the translator's full name, signature, address, and date, along with the statement — "I certify that the above/attached translation is complete and accurate, and that I am competent to translate from [language] into English."
Assemble and Submit
Pair each original (or certified copy) with its translation, placing the certification statement immediately after the translation. Each foreign-language document requires its own separate translation and certification statement. Organize all documents in the order required by USCIS.
Timeline Reference
| Stage | Duration |
|---|---|
| Simple Documents (Birth/Marriage Certificates) | 1–2 business days |
| Medium Documents (Transcripts/Court Orders) | 2–5 business days |
| Complex Documents (Contracts/Business Records) | 5–10 business days |
| Rush Translation | Within 24 hours (additional fee) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the USCIS translation need to be done by an ATA-certified translator?
No. Under 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3), USCIS does not require the translator to hold ATA certification or any specific credentials. Anyone competent in both languages (other than the applicant) may translate, provided they furnish a certification statement. However, using an ATA-certified translator or professional translation company can improve accuracy and reduce the risk of an RFE due to translation issues.
Does the translation need to be notarized?
No. USCIS explicitly states that certified translations do not need to be notarized. The translator's written certification statement (including signature, date, address, and competency statement) is sufficient. Notarization is an additional step that is not required by USCIS. However, if the translation will be used for a U.S. court or another government agency (not USCIS), that entity may require notarization.
Can the applicant translate their own documents?
No. USCIS requires that translations be performed by a third party other than the applicant. This ensures objectivity and accuracy. The applicant's spouse, parents, friends, or other relatives may serve as the translator, but the applicant themselves may not. If USCIS determines the translation was done by the applicant, it may issue an RFE requesting a new translation.
Which documents most commonly require translation?
The most commonly translated documents in immigration applications include: (1) birth certificates/notarized birth certificates; (2) marriage certificates/divorce certificates/divorce decrees; (3) household registration booklets (户口本); (4) degree certificates and diplomas; (5) academic transcripts; (6) police clearance certificates; (7) military service records; (8) bank statements and proof of funds; (9) property deeds/business licenses and other financial documents; (10) recommendation letters (if in a foreign language). Confirm the complete document list with your attorney before submission.
What happens if USCIS finds errors in the translation?
USCIS may issue an RFE (Request for Evidence) requesting a corrected translation. Common translation errors include: incomplete translation (omitting translation of stamps or annotations), inconsistent name spellings, date format errors, and a missing or improperly formatted certification statement. Serious translation errors can delay the application or even result in denial. Carefully proofread the translation against the original document before submission to ensure complete accuracy.
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