Quick Answer: USCIS requires that every foreign-language document submitted with an immigration application include a complete English translation and a signed Certificate of Accuracy. The translator must certify their competency and that the translation is accurate and complete. Notarization is not required in most cases.
If you are filing an immigration application with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services and your supporting documents are in a language other than English, you are required to include a certified English translation. Submitting documents without a proper certified translation — or with an incomplete or inaccurate translation — is one of the most common reasons USCIS applications are delayed, returned, or denied.
This guide explains exactly what USCIS requires from a certified translation, which documents need to be translated, who can provide the translation, and what happens if the requirements are not met.
What Does USCIS Require for Certified Translations?
According to USCIS regulations, any document submitted in a foreign language must be accompanied by a complete English translation. The translation must meet two specific requirements:
- Completeness — the translation must cover the entire document, including all text, stamps, seals, handwritten notes, and annotations. Partial translations are not accepted.
- Certificate of Accuracy — the translator must sign a certification statement confirming that they are competent to translate from the source language to English and that the translation is accurate and complete.
These requirements apply to all forms filed with USCIS that include foreign-language supporting documents, including Form I-130, Form I-485, Form N-400, Form I-90, and others.
What Must a Certificate of Accuracy Include?
The Certificate of Accuracy is a signed statement from the translator that accompanies the translation. USCIS does not prescribe a specific format, but the certification must include the following elements:
- A statement that the translator is competent to translate from the source language to English
- A statement that the translation is accurate and complete to the best of the translator's knowledge
- The translator's signature
- The date of the certification
- The translator's name and contact information
At Exacta Translation Services, every certified translation includes a signed Certificate of Accuracy that meets USCIS requirements.
Does a USCIS Translation Need to Be Notarized?
No — USCIS does not require notarization of certified translations in most cases. This is one of the most common misconceptions among immigration applicants.
A notarized translation and a certified translation are different things. A certified translation includes a Certificate of Accuracy signed by the translator. A notarized translation additionally involves a notary public who witnesses the translator's signature and verifies their identity — but does not verify the accuracy of the translation itself.
USCIS requires certification, not notarization. However, other institutions — such as courts, universities, and some government agencies — may require notarization in addition to certification. If you are unsure whether your specific submission requires notarization, consult the instructions for the form you are filing or contact the receiving institution directly.
Can I Translate My Own Documents for USCIS?
No. USCIS regulations explicitly state that applicants cannot translate their own documents. The translator must be a competent third party who is not the applicant and does not have a direct interest in the outcome of the application.
There is no requirement that the translator be a licensed or certified professional — any competent bilingual person can provide a certified translation. However, using a professional translation service reduces the risk of errors, incomplete translations, or improperly formatted certification statements that could delay your application.
Need a certified translation for your USCIS application? Exacta Translation Services provides USCIS-compliant certified translations in Spanish and French to English, starting at $25 per page. Certificate of Accuracy included. Quote sent within 5 minutes — no document upload required.
Get a Free Quote →Which Documents Require Translation for USCIS?
Any document written in a language other than English that you submit with your immigration application must be translated. Common documents that require certified translation include:
- Birth certificates — required for nearly all family-based immigration applications
- Marriage certificates — required when petitioning for a spouse
- Divorce decrees — required to demonstrate termination of prior marriages
- Police certificates and criminal records — required for many adjustment of status applications
- Identity documents — passports, national ID cards
- Academic records — diplomas and transcripts for certain visa categories
- Court documents — orders, judgments, and other legal records
The specific documents required vary by the type of application. Always review the instructions for the USCIS form you are filing to confirm which documents are required.
What Happens If Your Translation Does Not Meet USCIS Requirements?
If a translation is incomplete, inaccurate, or missing the Certificate of Accuracy, USCIS may issue a Request for Evidence (RFE) asking you to resubmit the document with a proper translation. An RFE adds weeks or months to your application processing time.
In some cases, USCIS may deny the application outright if the required documentation is not provided. Getting your translation right the first time avoids unnecessary delays to your immigration process.
How Much Does a USCIS Certified Translation Cost?
The cost of a certified translation for USCIS varies by provider and document complexity. Most professional translation services charge between $20 and $75 per page.
Exacta Translation Services charges $25 per page — a flat rate with no hidden fees. A Certificate of Accuracy is included with every translation. Most immigration documents are one to two pages, making the total cost $25 to $50 for the most common submissions.
Additional services are available if needed:
- Rush delivery (within 24 hours) — $35 flat fee regardless of page count
- Notarization — $29.99 for the first document, $19.99 for each additional
- Physical delivery by tracked mail — $19.99
How Long Does a USCIS Certified Translation Take?
At Exacta Translation Services, standard certified translations are delivered within 24 to 48 hours of receiving your document. Rush delivery within 24 hours is available for an additional flat fee of $35.
The process is fully online — you submit your request, receive a payment link by email and text within 5 minutes, pay securely via Stripe, upload your document, and receive your completed certified translation delivered to your inbox.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. USCIS requires that every document submitted in a foreign language include a complete English translation and a signed Certificate of Accuracy confirming the translation is accurate and complete.
A USCIS certified translation must include a complete English translation of the entire document — including stamps, seals, and handwritten notes — and a signed Certificate of Accuracy from the translator certifying their competency and the accuracy of the translation.
No. USCIS does not require notarization of certified translations in most cases. A signed Certificate of Accuracy from a competent translator is sufficient. Notarization may be required by courts or other institutions but is not generally required by USCIS.
No. USCIS regulations state that applicants cannot translate their own documents. The translator must be a competent third party who is not the applicant.
Certified translations for USCIS typically cost $25–$75 per page. Exacta Translation Services charges $25 per page with a Certificate of Accuracy included and standard delivery within 24–48 hours.
Most certified translations are completed within 24–48 hours. Rush delivery within 24 hours is available for a flat fee of $35, regardless of page count.