USCIS Certified Translation: What It Is & Why It Matters for Your Immigration Case
Immigration paperwork can be overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with documents in a language other than English. If you’re applying through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), any document not in English must be submitted with a USCIS-certified translation.
This blog covers everything you need to know about certified translations for USCIS—what they are, what documents require them, and how to ensure your translations meet all the necessary standards.
What Is a USCIS-Certified Translation?
A USCIS-certified translation is a complete, word-for-word English translation of a non-English document that is accompanied by a signed statement of certification. This certification confirms that the translation is accurate and that the translator is qualified to translate the language pair.
USCIS requires certified translations to:
- Be complete and accurate
- Include every word and notation from the original document
- Be accompanied by a certification letter
What Should a Certification Letter Include?
USCIS mandates that the certification must include the following:
- Translator’s full name and signature
- A statement affirming accuracy and completeness
- Date of certification
- Contact details of the translator or agency
Example:
“I certify that I am fluent in English and [source language], and that the translation of the attached document is complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge.”
Who Can Provide USCIS-Certified Translation?
Technically, any competent person fluent in both languages can provide a certified translation. However, the following people cannot translate:
- The applicant
- A family member of the applicant
For this reason, it’s safest to use a professional translation service with immigration experience, like PacSigning.com, which specializes in certified translations for USCIS.
Documents That Require USCIS-Certified Translation
USCIS requires certified translations for any non-English document that supports your immigration case. Common examples include:
- Birth Certificates
- Marriage Licenses
- Divorce Decrees
- Academic Transcripts
- Police Records
- Medical Reports
- Bank Statements
- Court Orders
Why You Shouldn’t Translate Documents Yourself
While you might be fluent in both languages, USCIS prohibits self-translation to prevent conflicts of interest. Additionally, self-translated documents often:
- Lack proper formatting
- Miss required legal terms
- Are incomplete or rejected
This can delay your immigration process. Instead, always opt for certified professionals familiar with USCIS standards.
How Much Do USCIS-Certified Translations Cost?
Costs typically range from $25 to $50 per page, depending on:
- Language pair
- Turnaround time
- Document complexity
PacSigning.com offers affordable, fast, and compliant translations, often within 24 hours.
Turnaround Time
Most certified translations for immigration purposes can be completed in:
- 24–48 hours for common documents
- Same-day delivery for urgent requests
- Digital delivery + mailed copies if needed
Get Certified Translations with PacSigning.com
PacSigning offers USCIS-compliant certified translations in over 60 languages, including Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, and more. We provide:
- USCIS-compliant certification
- Same-day service options
- Translation + notarization when needed
All services are available in-person across Oregon and Washington or online nationwide.
FAQs About USCIS-Certified Translations
1. Does USCIS require notarized translations?
No. USCIS only requires certified translations, not notarized ones. However, some other legal entities might ask for notarization.
2. Can I use Google Translate or AI?
Absolutely not. USCIS will reject translations that appear auto-generated or incomplete.
3. What happens if I submit an incorrect translation?
Your application could be delayed or denied. Always ensure your documents are translated and certified by professionals.
4. How do I submit my certified translation?
Include the original document, the English translation, and the certification letter together in your application packet.
Conclusion
When it comes to immigration, every detail matters—including your document translations. Ensure your application moves smoothly by using professionally certified translations that meet USCIS standards. Trust globaldoctranslations.com for reliable, accurate, and fast translation services tailored specifically for immigration.
