What are USCIS Requirements for Certified Foreign Language Translations?

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (“USCIS”) requires any non-English language document submitted as evidence or in support of an application or petition to be accompanied by a certified English translation which has to meet certain specific requirements.

Foreign Language Translation Requirements

According to the Code of Federal Regulations, 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3),

Any document containing foreign language submitted to USCIS shall be accompanied by a full English language translation which the translator has certified as complete and accurate, and by the translator’s certification that he or she is competent to translate from the foreign language into English.

As a result, any foreign language document which is to be submitted to USCIS has to be accompanied by a certified English translation document.     The most frequent documents which require certified translation are birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce certificates, death certificates, and academic degrees and transcripts.

Specific Format for Certification by Translator

USCIS requires that the translator certify that they are competent to translate and that the translation is complete and accurate.   The certification language must include the translator’s name, signature, address, and date of certification together with a statement of fluency and accuracy.

Sample Certification by Translator

I, [typed name], certify that I am fluent (conversant) in English and [foreign language], and that the above/attached document is a complete and accurate translation of the document attached entitled [name of document].

Signature_________________________________[Date] [Typed Name] [Address]

Computer/Automatic Translations Not Acceptable

There are many online services, including Google, which aim to provide automatic document translations.   While these may be helpful to quickly review and understand certain documents, such translations are not acceptable by USCIS as they would not meet the 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3) translation requirements.

Conclusion

We urge USCIS applicants and petitioners to review any foreign language documents they are planning to include as part of an application or petition and to ensure that not only any foreign language document is accompanied by an English translation but that the translation certification language meets the USCIS specifications.    Providing no translation or incorrect translation is likely to, at a minimum, delay a case.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if we can be of any help in preparing or otherwise assisting with USCIS petitions.    Also, please feel free to subscribe to our free weekly newsletter to obtain developments on this and related topics.