USCIS Certified Translations Accepted Nationwide
What Is a USCIS Certified Translation?
USCIS requires a certified translation into English of any document submitted that is written in a foreign language. The certified translation is a complete, word-for-word translation of a non-english document that includes a signed certification statement from the translator called a Certificate of Accuracy.
USCIS requires a translation to meet these specific standards:
- Full and Accurate: The translation must be word-for-word, line-by-line rendering of the original document. It must include all text, stamps, seals, signatures, and even marginal or handwritten notes.
- Certificate of Accuracy: The translator must provide a signed statement that affirms:
- They are competent to translate from the foreign language into English.
- The translation is complete and accurate to the best of their ability.
- Translator information (name, contact information, date of translation, and signature).
- Separate Certificates: USCIS requires a separate Certificate of Accuracy for each translated document. For example: if you need to submit certified translations of a foreign passport and a birth certificate, each translation will have it’s own Certificate of Accuracy.
Who Can Perform the Translation?
USCIS requires a translation be done by a competent, impartial third party proficient in both English and the foreign language.
While you or a family member may technically translate your own documents if fluent, it is generally discouraged as it can be considered a conflict of interest. It may cause delays of your application or Requests for Evidence.
Many applicants use Exacta’s professional translation services that specialize in USCIS-compliant translations to ensure all formatting and regulatory standards are met. We have over a decade of experience making certified translations for USCIS applications with an 100% acceptance rate!
Documents Commonly Submitted to USCIS
We have experience translating a diversity of documents submitted to USCIS. From our experience, translated documents submitted to USCIS fall into five categories:
1. Civil Documents and Records
These are the most frequently required translations for green card, visa, and citizenship petitions:
- Birth Certificates: Mandatory for nearly every immigration filing to confirm identity, age, and parentage.
- Marriage Certificates: Required to prove a valid marital relationship, particularly for spouse-based petitions like Form I-130.
- Divorce Decrees or Annulment Papers: Used to demonstrate that any previous marriages have been legally terminated.
- Death Certificates: Needed if a former spouse or a family member involved in the application has passed away.
- Adoption Records: Required if the application involves an adopted child or parent to confirm the legal relationship.
2. Personal Identification Documents
- Passports: Translation of the biographic information page, picture page, and any pages containing visas or entry/exit stamps.
- National ID Cards: Some applications may require translations of foreign government-issued identity cards.
3. Legal and Official Records
- Police Clearance Certificates: Documents confirming your criminal record history (or lack thereof) from countries where you have lived.
- Court and Prison Records: Full records of any arrests, charges, or convictions, regardless of the final legal outcome.
- Military Service Records: Documentation of service or discharge from any foreign military.
4. Academic and Professional Records
- Diplomas and Degree Certificates: Proof of educational qualifications.
- Academic Transcripts: Detailed records of courses taken and grades received.
- Employment Letters: Statements from former employers verifying job titles, dates, and duties.
5. Financial and Relationship Evidence
- Bank Statements: To show financial resources and prove you will not become a "public charge".
- Tax Returns: Often required from sponsors to demonstrate stable income.
- Property Deeds or Lease Agreements: Used as supporting evidence of a shared life or financial assets.
- Affidavits: Sworn statements from third parties that may support your claims of marriage or identity.
Pricing & Turnaround
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Certified Translation: per page (250 to 300 words per page) | $25 (per page) |
| Notarization | $50 (per Certificate of Accuracy) |
| Normal Delivery (24 to 48 hours) | $0 |
| Expedited Delivery (24 hours or less) | $12.50 (per page) |
| Physical Copies by Mail | $19.99 (tracked shipping) |
Why Choose Exacta?
We have over a decade of experience making certified translations for USCIS applications with an 100% acceptance rate. We are experts at this. We know exactly how to translate your document and know all USCIS’ requirements for Certified Translations.
Our process guarantees the secure handling of your documents, both the original document you upload to our system and the Certified Translation we deliver digitally to you.
We understand your USCIS application has deadlines. We can adjust to your schedule. If you need a faster turnaround we can accommodate your order.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, USCIS does not require translations to be notarized. Instead, you must submit a certified translation, which is a signed statement from the translator affirming their competence and the accuracy of the translation. A notary stamp only verifies the signer's identity, not the accuracy of the translation itself.
Yes, you are definitely able to submit multiple documents for translation in the same quote. It makes things easier and faster! If you have multiple documents to translate, we will process them all in the same order and provide an individual Certificate of Accuracy for each document.
Yes, USCIS accepts digital, scanned, or PDF copies of certified translations, provided they are clear, legible, and include a signed Certificate of Accuracy. The translator’s signature has to be handwritten.
If you want to get a physical copy of your translation with the translator’s original signature we can mail it to you without extra fees. You just pay for the shipping!
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Looking specifically for Spanish certified translation? Visit our Spanish Certified Translation page.