A green card is an official document indicating a person’s permanent residency in the United States. Otherwise known as a permanent resident card, this document validates its holders as lawful residents in the country. However, obtaining a green card can be arduous and sometimes requires translations if the needed documents are in other languages. In such circumstances, a green card translation comes in handy. But what does this entail?
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, the body charged with issuing green cards, stipulates strict requirements for the process. The government agency requires certified translations of relevant documents. These documents include birth certificates, police records, divorce certificates, and bank statements. So, this post discusses all the elements involved in obtaining this service.
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Why Is Green Card Translation Important?
The need to translate documents for the application for permanent residence has soured over the years. However, some gray areas still exist, prompting several unclarities. For instance, people are sometimes unsure about the importance of this kind of translation. So, why is it important?
When submitting applications for green cards, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services requires specific documents to process your request. These documents help to decide your eligibility, affecting your chances of acceptance. However, you’ll need to translate these documents if they are originally in a non-English language.
For instance, if your marriage certificate is in French, this service comes in handy during the application process. This is because the USCIS requires the original document, its certified English translation, and the accompanying credentials. This type of translation allows the relevant government to access documents while vetting their authenticity and acceptability.
How To Translate Documents for Your Green Card Application
The translation of documents for the green card application has become popular with time. However, people are sometimes unsure how to get this service. The American Translators Association recommends a few steps to complete this activity.
Find Out Which Documents Need Translation
When applying for a green card, the USCIS requires that you submit translations of several relevant documents. So, at the start of the application process, you must first figure out which documents require rendering. Well, this step is quite simple. The agency works with federal regulations stipulating that you must translate any document carrying information in a foreign language.
Besides the translated copy, the agency also requires that you provide a certification letter indicating the translation’s accuracy and completeness. In this case, you must pick all your original documents with elements of your native language. Birth, marriage, and divorce certificates, police records, bank statements, and other common documents all fall within this category.
Study the Requirements for USCIS-Certified Translations
Before committing to a translation task, you must understand the requirements for document translations for the USCIS. Since the agency stipulates certified translations for documents relating to the green card application, what does it mean? Certified translations usually carry extra documents indicating the accuracy and authenticity of the translation.
These certifications include the translator’s name and qualifications as well as the details of the translation services. Well, any individual can certify translations in the United States. However, the American Translation Association recommends only working with a professional translation service or translator. You can always find an immigration attorney to help you with the requirements since they are better versed in the subject.
Hire a Certified Translator
You’ll have access to many options if you’re looking to hire a translator, especially online. However, picking a suitable option from these alternatives can be tricky, especially if you’re hiring for the first time. So, you must strongly consider and vet one before hiring them to translate your green card application documents. Always prioritize professionals who can translate and certify your documents.
The American Translators Association recommends using English language translation companies instead of independent translators. Since translation agencies usually possess more resources, they are in better positions to offer accurate translations. Besides opting for agencies, you can also ask for recommendations from people who have utilized similar services.
Describe the Nature of the Task to the Translator
After hiring a translator, you must describe the nature of your work to them. Letting a qualified translator know that you’re translating documents for your green card application fills them in on the requirements. Since the citizenship and immigration agency has implemented several strict stipulations, following the requirements becomes easy.
Besides understanding the requirements, submit legible copies of your original documents to the translators. Ensure to place your orders ahead to give plenty of time for the task’s completion. Well, progressional translators will create better results for translating your green card application documents.
Where Can You Get a Green Card Translation?
Besides understanding how to translate documents for your green card application, knowing where to get the service is essential. Unlike many other aspects of translation, only certified services count in this area. Fortunately, many translation companies offer the service. Since these documents are quite common among the population, the service has become more available recently.
For convenience, you can browse the American Translators Association directory, which allows individuals to find professional translators. Potential customers can search for translators by location, specialty, language, and more. This way, you can easily find options that will create accurate translations for you.
Here are five steps to get a green card translator from the ATA’s directory:
- First, visit the Translators Directory page on the ATA’s website.
- Next, choose your country under the “Search by Location” section.
- Go to the “Search by Work” section and choose “Translator”.
- Head to the “Search by Language” section and enter the source and target languages.
- Finally, go to the “Translator search” option and choose the ATA-certified translators option to work on your green card translation.
While getting translators from this online resource can be helpful, your best option is translation services like Rapid Translate. This translation company helps people upgrade their global communication capabilities. You’ll find this service useful if you intend to expand your business operations, study abroad, or create international connections. Order today!
