Accuracy is crucial when submitting documents to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). In addition, it is essential to comply with specific rules to ensure the agency accepts your documents. One often highlighted rule is ensuring all foreign language documents meet the USCIS translation requirements.
This requirement is important to help you break the communication barrier during your immigration application. Thus, this blog post provides comprehensive information about these essential criteria. It also includes submission tips to ensure you meet the requirements.
Read on to get all the details!
Table of Contents
Understanding the USCIS-Certified Translation Requirements
The U.S. has a diverse population, and many immigration applicants submit documents to the USCIS daily. Unfortunately, many of them submit documents in foreign languages.
Hence, there is a need for USCIS-certified translation requirements to bridge the language barrier.
Federal regulations demand English translations for these foreign documents to improve understanding. The translation must accurately reflect the original document, including text, seals, stamps, and signatures.
This rule ensures immigration officers can accurately review and extract true information from the document.
In addition, the translator must certify that the translation is accurate and that they are competent translators. Following these rules is crucial when learning to translate a PDF for the USCIS.
Failure to provide translations that meet the requirement can cause delays or denial of the application. Sometimes, the agency may Request For Evidence (RFE), which requests additional documents.
Key Requirements for USCIS Translations
Apart from the previously mentioned rules, you must consider several secondary requirements. Let’s look at these requirements:
- Foreign documents translation: Every foreign language document submitted to USCIS must have its translated copy. Applicants must submit both copies together to the agency.
- Complete and accurate: The translated copy must contain all the information from the original document. This includes any explanation and handwritten notes. The translation must convey the same meaning as the original content.
- Formatting: The translated document should have the same formatting as the original copy. The translator must replicate everything, including stamps, photos, seals, and other features. This helps the USCIS to compare both documents and understand each section easily.
- Third-party translations: The applicant can’t translate their documents themselves, even if they are fluent in both languages. The USCIS requires a third party to translate and certify the documents.
- No additional information: The translated document should only contain the same information as the original without additional comments or interpretation. However, the translator can add a note explaining any valid reason for diverting.
- Certification: The translator must provide a signed statement certifying that each translation is accurate. The standard format for this contains information about the translator and document. This includes the translator’s name, address, translation date, and declaration of competence to translate in both languages.
Types of Documents That Require Translation
The USCIS mandates that applicants translate any official document written in a foreign language before submission. This includes:
- Birth certificates
- Death certificates
- Divorce certificates
- Marriage certificates
- Passports and IDs
- Academic transcripts
- Police records
- Bank statements
Additional USCIS Birth Certificate Translation Requirements
Vital records like birth certificates have additional requirements that make them perfect for the USCIS. This document is a vital means of identification. Hence, there is a need for extra USCIS birth certificate translation requirements.
Firstly, the certificate must be original from the appropriate local government agency. This means that the issuing agency must have authority over the applicant’s place of birth. In addition, it must be a copy of the original or certified birth certificate on the proper letterhead.
This means it must be in full form to explain every information in detail. It will include information about the applicant’s birth date and parent information. This includes:
- The person’s full name at birth
- The date of birth
- The birthplace
- Full name of both parents
- The issuance date for the certificate
- The date of birth registration
- The official seal of the issuing agency
A valid birth certificate will contain all the above information for the person’s immigration application into the U.S. It will not include any other information that is only useful to the person’s origin country or issuing agency.
Furthermore, the applicant’s parents or guidance must have registered the birth within one year of the birth date. However, this action is only valid if the registrars do it with the appropriate birth agency. Without registering the birth, the USCIS may consider the certificate “late.”
Once everything is in order, you can proceed with the translation process. However, it is essential to master the rules while learning how to translate PDF documents for immigration. This will ensure effective communication and acceptance at the immigration agency.
Does USCIS Require Notarized Translation?
No, the USCIS doesn’t require notarized translations. The agency only needs applicants to submit certified copies. A certified translation has a signed statement confirming the translation is accurate and complete. It also proves the translator is fluent and competent in both languages.
On the other hand, a notarized translation involves a notary public verifying the translator’s identity. After confirming everything is in order, the notary adds an official seal to make the translation legal. While a notarized copy is legal, it doesn’t work for the USCIS.
The agency only focuses on complete and accurate translations rather than their legal validity. A certification statement is enough to ensure that the translation is credible and true.
Many people don’t understand these differences when learning how to translate a PDF document for immigration applications. However, these qualities make translations perfect for the USCIS.
How To Meet USCIS Translation Requirements
The major step in meeting the USCIS translation standards is to hire a qualified translator. Several professional translation services offer quality services for this purpose. Their translators are certified experts in translating common documents for immigration.
You can also use someone who isn’t a certified professional translator. You only need to ensure the translator is fluent in English and the origin language. They must also be competent to translate documents accurately.
You can get certified immigration document translations if the person meets these requirements. However, it is best to hire professional USCIS-certified translation services. This will ensure your approval and make you certain about the accuracy.
Tips for Submitting Translations to USCIS
We have provided some tips to ensure a positive response from the USCIS. Follow the following tips during your immigration application:
- Use professional translators: A professional translation service ensures accuracy and compliance with USCIS standards. You can hire translators in your location or online certified translation services.
- Review the translation: Before submitting translated documents, compare them with the original to ensure correct information. Remember that even minor errors can lead to delays or denials.
- Add a certification statement: The translator should include a certification statement on every translated document, either on the same page as the translated content or attached as a separate page.
- Submit clear copies: Always submit clear copies of the original and translated documents. The USCIS may request a re-submission for a document that is difficult to read. This would cause delays in the immigration process.
- Keep copies: Keep copies of every document you submit. You may need them later for further evidence or to resolve issues with your submission.
FAQ
What are the requirements for USCIS translation of documents?
The USCIS requires every applicant to translate their foreign language document into English. These translations must be complete, accurate, and faithful to the original document. The translator must maintain the meaning and context and translate all information, including seals or stamps.
They must also provide a certificate of accuracy for each translated document.
What are the requirements for a USCIS interpreter?
To become a USCIS interpreter, you must be proficient in English and the foreign source language. You must have strong interpretation skills and a thorough understanding of legal and immigration terms. You must also protect your client’s information.
In addition, USCIS interpreters need to get a formal certification. This certification can boost your reputation and the possibility of getting a job. It is obtainable from recognized bodies like the American Translators Association (ATA) and the Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters (CCHI).
Does USCIS need an original translation?
USCIS does not specifically require original translations. However, all foreign documents submitted must come with a complete English translation. The translator must certify that they are competent to translate and that the translation is accurate.
How much does USCIS translation cost?
Generally, translation services charge between $20 to $100 per page. However, the cost of USCIS translation can vary widely depending on several factors.
These include the translator, language pair, the complexity of the document, and the delivery time. It’s common for certified translations to cost more due to the extra process.
Meet USCIS Standards With Rapid Translate
Meeting the translation standards is an essential part of the immigration process. Hence, it is best to understand the rules and know which documents to translate. This would ensure the translation and submission process goes smoothly.
With professional services like Rapid Translate, you can avoid delays and speed up your relocation. Our company understands and follows all the USCIS translation requirements to ensure your approval. We provide translations from certified professionals in over 60 languages.
Regardless of the document and delivery time, Rapid Translate covers you. We can take your communication to the next level without leaving your comfort zone.
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