What is a USCIS Certified Translation?

Those applying to immigrate to the United States must submit many documents that meet the requirements for a USCIS certified translation.  Essentially, this requirement ensures the accuracy of the translation with the certification of the translator’s qualifications to perform the work correctly.  You should know a few things about USCIS certified translations before you complete immigration paperwork.

When is a USCIS certified translation required?

According to the Code of Federal Regulations (8 CFR 103.2(b)(3)), all documents submitted for purposes of immigration must be translated into English if the original is written in another language: 

“Any document containing foreign language submitted to USCIS shall be accompanied by a full English language translation which the translator has certified as complete and accurate, and by the translator’s certification that he or she is competent to translate from the foreign language into English.”

Commonly, documents that require USCIS certified translation include:

• Birth certificates,
• Death certificates,
• Marriage and divorce certificates,
• Academic records,
• Court records, and
• Medical records.

The USCIS also retains the right to ask for the original document, so it’s often a good idea to submit both the original and translated versions.

What does USCIS certified translation mean?

The individual completing the translation work must accompany the translation with a statement certifying their qualifications.  A sample certification may look like this:

Certification by Translator

I, [typed name], certify that I am fluent (conversant) in English and [foreign language] and that the above/attached document is an accurate translation of the document attached entitled [name of document].

Signature_________________________________

[Date]

[Typed Name]

[Address]

It’s essential to understand what the inclusion of this statement means.  This statement certifies the following to be true:

1. The translation is complete.  The translator is certifying that there is no missing information from the original document in the English translation.  Ideally, the format of the translated version should match the original.
2. The translation is correct.  The translator is certifying the translation is 100% accurate. 
3. The translator is proficient.  The translator is vowing their proficiency at performing legal translations and takes responsibility for any inaccuracies that may be discovered.  If the USCIS is unclear about the accuracy of a translation, they will contact the translator directly.

For these reasons and more, immigration documents should be translated by a professional with experience translating documents for the USCIS.

At The Perfect Translation, our translators combine legal experience with language fluency to produce accurate legal translations efficiently and affordably.  Our team understands the process the USCIS uses to review and process immigration applications, so they are positioned to best help your clients present their cases most favorably.  Your documents will be translated correctly and formatted appropriately the first time to meet the USCIS requirements.  Contact us today for more information and a free quote.