The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) demands several documents for immigration applications. However, the agency makes English translations a major requirement for foreign language documents (including birth certificates). In this case, a USCIS certificate of translation must accompany these documents.
While translating documents is easy, bringing them up to the necessary standards for U.S. immigration can be challenging.
Read this blog post to learn everything you need to know to get a translation certificate for the USCIS.
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The USCIS Translation Requirements
The USCIS is the government agency responsible for handling immigration and naturalization processes in the U.S. This agency processes various immigration applications, petitions, and forms and often requires applicants to submit supporting documents.
However, there are specific USCIS translation requirements for documents in foreign languages.
A major requirement is that applicants translate a document containing a foreign language into English. Full English language translations help the agency and its officials understand the document’s content.
The translator must also certify that the translation is accurate and complete. This requires the translator to include a signed certificate of translation with the translated document.
This certificate also indicates the translator’s competency to translate from a foreign language to English. Attaching this certification to the documents automatically makes it an accredited translation.
Criteria for a USCIS-Certified Translation
A USCIS certified translation is a word-for-word translation of original documents accompanied by a certificate of translation.
However, there are specific criteria to achieve this standard of document translation. Following them will ensure the documents’ acceptance at the agency. We’ve highlighted the major criteria below.
1. Accuracy
Accuracy and completeness are primary criteria for certified translations. The translated copy must reflect the content and context of the original document.
An accurate translation should contain vital information like names, dates, and signatures without any alterations or omissions. In addition, the translator must ensure the necessary terminology and language submitted to USCIS.
In essence, the target audience must understand the document’s content. Misinterpretations and inaccuracies could cause complications, such as rejection or a Request for Evidence (RFE).
2. Completeness
Document translations should preserve the layout and formatting of the original document as much as possible. This includes translating headings, stamps, seals, and other visual elements. In addition, the translated copy must contain footnotes or annotations present in the original.
The certified translation should mirror the original document. This would help the agency understand the location of every detail in both copies.
3. Proficiency
USCIS doesn’t require translators to have specific credentials and certifications. However, the translator must be proficient in the foreign language. Otherwise, they will be responsible for an incorrect or incomplete translated document.
In addition, the agency will contact the translator for clarity regarding anything in the document. Thus, it is best to choose and work with a professional translator to get the best results. These translators are fluent in both the source and target languages.
They also understand and know the agency’s translation requirements. A professional document translation service provider has the skill and experience to deliver high-quality results.
Common Documents Requiring USCIS Certificate of Translation
The USCIS always demands copies of vital statistics records and civil documents during the immigration process. Completing the process is impossible without these documents. Although the agency will inform you of the necessary documents, it is best to prepare ahead of time. Below are some common documents requiring certification:
Certified Birth Certificate Translation for USCIS
Your birth certificate contains all the vital information regarding your birth. This official document establishes your complete identity, place, and date of birth. It also provides information about your parents or guardians. It is legal proof of your identity and age during immigration applications.
Birth certificates are one of the major documents government agencies require to establish your identity. The USCIS will require a translated copy of your original birth certificate from your birth country. This original certificate must come from the country’s Office of Vital Records.
Certified Passport Translation for USCIS
A passport is a legal document issued by a national government to certify its holder’s identity and citizenship. It is known as an international travel document. Thus, a passport translation is often compulsory when visiting a country that speaks a different language.
The USCIS will require a certificate of translation for a translated passport. Establishing your identity without complete and accurate translations would be challenging and take longer.
The Certified Marriage Certificate Translation USCIS Accepts
A marriage certificate confirms your marital status from your home country. It ascertains your relationship with your spouse, who may also be a fellow applicant. Getting a marriage certificate translation USCIS will accept means you must meet the requirements.
You must follow the legal standards and get a professional translator to provide a certificate of translation. This would prove the accuracy of the translated document to the agency.
Certified Divorce Certificate Translation for USCIS
A divorce certificate proves your single status and indicates that you were previously married. Your country’s Bureau of Vital Statistics or state health department issues this certificate. A standard divorce certificate contains the following information:
- A statement indicating the divorce status.
- The names of you and your former spouse.
- The divorce date.
- The place of divorce.
You need a certified translation of this certificate to process immigration applications in the U.S. This translated document also proves you are legally eligible to marry in the U.S.
Certified Academic Transcript Translation
Your academic transcripts prove your eligibility to enroll in academic institutions in the U.S.
It also confirms your eligibility to join an academic community or society. To support certain types of visa applications, you’ll need a certified academic transcript translation.
While these are the vital documents the agency commonly demands, you may need to submit others. These include:
- Police records
- Death certificates
- Military records
- Deeds
- Adoption certificates
Whatever document you submit will depend on your application and the circumstances of the process. Despite this, it would help to get information about the documents needed for your immigration application.
Choosing a Perfect Certificate of Translation Template
Choosing a certificate of translation template is crucial for acceptance at the USCIS. Typically, everyone wants to use the agency’s standard template regarding document translations. However, there is no standard template for certifying translations.
The only rule is that the certificate must include the translator’s name, signature, address, and certification date. The translated document must also meet the previously mentioned translation requirements. The USCIS acceptance of each translator’s template makes it a standard format.
However, there is information about translating foreign documents provided by the U.S. government to help you. This information should help you create the perfect translation certificate.
Working with an accredited translation agency will also help you get the perfect certification format.
Can I Translate My Own Documents for USCIS?
You can’t translate documents you want to submit to the USCIS by yourself. The agency requires someone else to translate to ensure accuracy and impartiality. Many people have asked the same question, “Can I translate my own document for USCIS?”
However, this is impossible for the document owner. Similarly, your family members or spouse can’t translate your documents for USCIS. Their relationship with you disqualifies them in the translation process. The agency may consider their translations to be self-serving.
A certified professional translator fluent in both languages can accurately translate documents for immigration purposes. These translators have the skill and experience to provide translated documents for USCIS.
You may hire a freelance translator or professional translation services to get the perfect certificate of translation. This would help you avoid complications and reduce the risk of rejections.
Alternatively, a trusted acquaintance or colleague who meets the translator’s requirements can perform the translations.
Does USCIS Require Notarized Translation?
No, USCIS doesn’t require a notarized translation for immigration documents. The primary requirement is a certificate of translation to prove the document’s accuracy and completeness. However, some people may choose to notarize translated documents for the USCIS.
While notarization isn’t a primary requirement, it reinforces legitimacy and functions as an identifier for the translated document.
A notarized translation is a step ahead of certified copies. This translation contains a statement by a notary public proving they were present during the certification.
The notary officer also stamps the certification with an official seal. Notarization adds a layer of authenticity to the document, like adding a seal of trust to translated documents. Getting a notarized translation isn’t bad, but you don’t need it for USCIS.
How To Choose a Reputable USCIS Translation Service
Accurate translations are essential for foreign language documents intended for the USCIS. However, using professional translation services guarantees such quality. Thus, it would help if you looked out for a service provider that meets the following criteria:
- Experience: Always search for a translation agency with adequate expertise in USCIS translations. An experienced service provider is knowledgeable in translating documents for immigration purposes and can effortlessly handle complex projects.
- Quick turnaround time: Fast document translations allow for prompt immigration document submissions. Look for translators who deliver high-quality translations quickly.
- Affordable prices: You don’t need to spend much money for a perfect USCIS document translation. Several professional service providers offer outstanding quality at the lowest prices.
- Certification and acceptance: Confirm that the translation agency provides USCIS-approved certified translations. You can ask previous clients or check their online reviews.
- Customer support: The agency’s customer support team must be very friendly and helpful to you.
Many translation service providers may meet these criteria. So, choosing an agency to provide a high-quality USCIS certificate of translation may be challenging. But don’t worry; Rapid Translate can give you the perfect translations for your immigration applications.
Our outstanding translations from professional human translators guarantee 100% acceptance at the agency. Regardless of your purpose for traveling, Rapid Translate has got you covered.
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