What USCIS Actually Requires
The rule comes from 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3): any document in a foreign language submitted to USCIS must be accompanied by a full English translation that the translator has certified as complete and accurate, together with the translator's certification that they are competent to translate from that language into English.
Three words matter in that rule: full (the entire document, including stamps, seals and marginal notes — not a summary), certified (a signed statement, not a notary stamp), and competent (the translator attests to their own competence; no federal license exists for translators in the United States).
Table of Contents
The Certification Statement: What It Must Contain
Every translation we deliver for USCIS purposes includes a signed certification page with the elements officers look for:
- A statement that the translation is complete and accurate,
- A statement that the translator is competent to translate from the source language into English,
- The translator's full name, signature and date,
- Contact details, so the officer can verify the certification if needed.
No notarization required. USCIS does not ask for notarized translations — a certified translation is enough. Paying a notary adds cost and delay without adding any value to your petition. See our guide on certified vs. notarized translation.
Which Documents Need a Certified Translation?
Civil status documents
Birth certificates (the #1 USCIS document — see our dedicated guide), marriage certificates, divorce decrees, death certificates.
Legal and police records
Police clearance certificates, court dispositions, prison records — required for green card and naturalization applications.
Academic documents
Diplomas, transcripts and degree certificates for work visas and credential evaluations.
Immigration-specific evidence
Foreign passports pages, national ID cards, military records, adoption papers — anything not issued in English.
The requirement applies to every USCIS form category: I-485 (adjustment of status / green card), N-400 (naturalization), I-130 (family petitions), I-129F (K-1 fiancé visa) and consular processing through the NVC.
Who Is Allowed to Translate?
Technically, any person competent in both languages may certify a translation for USCIS — but officers routinely question translations made by the applicant themselves or by close family members, since they are interested parties. A professional certified translation removes that doubt for a modest cost, and it is the safest route when your case has already cost you thousands of dollars in filing fees.
The 4 Mistakes That Trigger a Request for Evidence (RFE)
1. Partial translations
Leaving out stamps, seals, marginal annotations or the back of the document. USCIS expects a full rendering of everything visible on the original.
2. Missing or incomplete certification
A translation without the signed competence statement is just a text — the officer cannot accept it.
3. Inconsistent name spellings
The transliteration of names must match your passport exactly. "Mohammed" on the translation and "Mohamed" on the passport is enough to stall a case.
4. Illegible source copies
The translation is checked against the copy you submit. Scan the original document in high resolution, never photograph it at an angle.
Your USCIS-ready certified translation in 24-48h.
Full translation + signed certification statement, delivered as a PDF ready to upload with your petition. From €36 per page, 50+ languages.
Get my certified translationHow It Works
1. Upload your documents
A clear scan or high-quality photo of each page. Never mail your originals — USCIS works from copies, and so do we.
2. Order online
Select the source language and delivery speed. The quote is instant, per page, with no callback or email ping-pong.
3. Receive your certified translation
PDF with the signed certification page within 24-48 hours — accepted for online filing — followed by the paper original by mail if you need it.