Guide
Certified translations for USCIS: what’s required.
Reviewed
What USCIS asks for
The rule is one sentence in the federal regulations, 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3). Any document in another language must come with a full English translation, certified by the translator as complete and accurate, and with the translator’s certification that they are competent to translate from that language into English.
“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.”
What a certificate must say
That the translator is competent to translate from the source language into English, and that the translation is complete and accurate, signed by the translator. The general USCIS translation rule does not require notarization, a stamp or a sworn translator.
What makes a translation incomplete
The rule asks for a full translation. Translating only part of the document, leaving out stamps, seals and handwritten notes, or spelling names differently from the original all fall short of that.
Documents people usually translate
Birth, marriage and divorce certificates, police records, diplomas and academic transcripts.
Checklist before you file
- Every page of the original is translated, including the back
- Stamps, seals and signatures are noted
- Names and dates in the translation match the original, character by character
- Each translation has its own signed certificate
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Requirements can change; check the official USCIS source before filing.