What USCIS expects from a certified translation, how it differs from a notarized or sworn translation, and how to avoid the mistakes that delay a case.
If you are sending USCIS a birth certificate, a marriage certificate or any other record that is not in English, the translation matters as much as the document itself. A translation that is incomplete or missing the right statement can lead to a request for more evidence and weeks of delay.
What USCIS asks for
The rule is short. Every document in a foreign language must be submitted with a full English translation, together with a statement from the translator certifying two things:
- that the translation is complete and accurate, and
- that the translator is competent to translate from the original language into English.
That signed statement is what makes a translation "certified". It normally includes the translator's name, signature, contact information and the date.
Certified, notarized and sworn are not the same
These three terms are often mixed up:
- Certified translation. A translation with the signed statement of accuracy described above. This is what USCIS asks for.
- Notarized translation. A notary confirms the identity of the person who signed the statement. The notary does not check the translation. USCIS does not require notarization, although some courts, schools and state agencies do.
- Sworn translation. In countries such as Brazil, a tradução juramentada is made by a translator licensed by the government. It is required for documents that will be used in Brazil, not for documents going to USCIS.
Before you order, ask the office that will receive the document which type it needs.
What a complete translation looks like
"Complete" means everything on the page, not only the main text:
- stamps, seals and handwritten notes
- annotations in the margins, common on Brazilian and Latin American certificates
- the back of the page, when it has content
- parts that cannot be read, marked as illegible instead of skipped
Summaries and partial translations are not accepted. The layout should follow the original closely enough that an officer can compare the two side by side.
Mistakes that cause delays
- Names spelled differently. The spelling in the translation should match the passport and the forms in your case.
- Dates in the wrong order. Day and month are written in a different order in Brazil and Latin America. A good translation makes the date unambiguous.
- Poor scans. If the translator cannot read a stamp, neither can the officer. Send a clear scan or photo of every page.
- Translating your own documents. Using an independent translator avoids questions about whether the translation is impartial.
What to send us to get started
- A clear scan or photo of every page, front and back
- The spelling of each name as it appears on the passport
- Where the translation will be used: USCIS, a court, a school or a consulate
- Your deadline, if you have one
We translate between English, Portuguese and Spanish and deliver the translation with the signed statement of accuracy. See our certified translation service or request a quote.
Eazy Way Solutions is a document preparation service, not a law firm. This article is general information and is not legal advice. Rules change and vary by state and by agency, so confirm the current requirements with the office that will receive your documents.