Frequently Asked Questions
Which documents require translation by a USCIS-certified translator?
The following types of documents require translation by a USCIS-certified translator:
- Birth certificates
- Marriage certificates
- Divorce decrees
- Death certificates
- Other court documents (e.g., custody agreements)
- Military records
- School records (all levels)
- Affidavits at any stage of a legal proceedings (e.g., sworn statements)
- Financial documents (e.g., bank statements and tax returns).
Sometimes,
- Documents used in legal proceedings (other than those above) require translation. This might include e.g., employment contracts. However, if you are not certain whether a document requires translation, it is safer to go ahead and have it translated.
USCIS-certified translation is typically needed for important documents like the following:
• Birth certificates
• Marriage certificates
• Police records
• Divorce decrees
• Academic transcripts
• Immigration petitions
Can I use an online translator for my documents for USCIS?
Not at all; USCIS mandates that certified translators perform all translations. The accuracy and certification that USCIS demands exceed the capabilities of online tools.
How can I tell if my translation meets USCIS standards?
Translations that are approved by the USCIS are accompanied by a certification statement from the translator. This statement guarantees that the translation is both accurate and complete.
What is the duration for obtaining a translation that is certified by USCIS?
How long does it take? It depends on the length and the intricacy of the document. For shorter and less complex texts, we always translate and proofread in-house, and this is faster than one might think (1-3 days). If you really need something by a short deadline and you don't have the How long does it take? It depends on the length and the intricacy of the document. For shorter and less complex texts, we always translate and proofread in-house, and this is faster than one might think (1-3 days). If you really need something by a short deadline and you don't have the
Is it necessary to have documents translated into English and then notarized to apply to USCIS?
Notarized translations are not required for things like marriage certificates or birth certificates. Most documents in a USCIS application don't need to be notarized, either. Generally, documents should be translated into English; then the person who did the translation should provide a signed statement affirming that the translation is accurate and that they are qualified to make the translation.
Not all documents that come from USCIS necessitate notarized translations. But you may need one (or more) anyway, and we can definitely provide them either with or without accompanying certifications. We just want to make sure everything is totally ironclad and above board.
Daniel Brooks is a New York City-based writer and content strategist with a deep curiosity for how language shapes connection across cultures. With over ten years of experience crafting digital content for global audiences, Daniel brings a thoughtful and practical voice to the Connected Translations blog.