The Peng Law
Certified Translation for Immigration
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…
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, degree certificates, academic transcripts, police clearance certificates, and bank statements.
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
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.
| 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) |
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.
Free Assessment
15 minutes with a senior attorney.
Strategy & Quote
A written plan, timeline and flat fee.
Evidence & Drafting
AI drafts, attorney judgment, live portal.
Filing & Tracking
USCIS updates within minutes.
Birth Certificate Translation & Certification
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…
Foreign Credential Evaluation
Foreign credential evaluation is the process of assessing degrees, diplomas, and academic credits earned outside the United States and determining their U.S. equivalency.
Apostille & Document Authentication
An Apostille is a form of international document authentication established under the 1961 Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents.
I-485 Adjustment of Status
I-485 Adjustment of Status (AOS) is the legal process under U.S. immigration law that allows a foreign national physically present in the United States to change from nonimmigrant to…
Start your Certified Translation for Immigration case
Begin with a free assessment. A senior attorney will tell you where your profile stands today, what is missing, and what the next step should be.
Reviewed March 2026. This page is general information, not legal advice; rely on written attorney guidance for your own matter.