USCIS certified translation requirements
What a certified translation must include — with a sample certification.
Every foreign-language document you send to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services must come with a certified English translation. Here's exactly what that means.
The rule
USCIS regulations (8 CFR 103.2(b)(3)) say that any document containing a foreign language must be accompanied by a full English translation that the translator has certified as complete and accurate, along with the translator's certification that they are competent to translate from the foreign language into English.
What a certified translation includes
- A complete, word-for-word translation — stamps, seals, handwritten notes and marginal text included
- A certification statement signed by the translator
- The translator's name, signature, address and the date
- A copy of the original document, submitted together with the translation
Sample certification
I, [translator's full name], certify that I am competent to translate from Spanish into English, and that the attached English translation of the document titled “[document title]” is complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge and ability.
Signature: ____________ Date: ________
Name and address: ____________
Does it need to be notarized?
No — USCIS does not require notarization for translations. Some schools, consulates and other agencies do, so check with them if the translation will be used elsewhere.
Can I translate my own documents?
USCIS's rule focuses on competence and accuracy, but it's widely recommended to use a translator who isn't the applicant or beneficiary. An independent translator avoids any question about accuracy.
Tips to avoid a request for evidence
- Translate everything — partial translations or summaries are a common problem.
- Mark anything unreadable as [illegible] rather than guessing.
- Keep the translation's layout close to the original so an officer can compare them.
- Use one certification per translated document.
We translate Spanish ⇄ English
We provide certified translations of birth, marriage, divorce and police records, diplomas and more — usually within 1–2 business days. Learn about our translation service or request a quote.
General information, not legal advice. Rules and agency procedures change — confirm current requirements with the office that will receive your document. I am not an attorney licensed to practice law in the State of New Jersey and I may not give legal advice or accept fees for legal advice.
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