What USCIS requires
Under 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3), any document in a foreign language must be accompanied by a full English translation that the translator certifies as complete and accurate, and by the translator's certification that they are competent to translate from the foreign language into English.
In practice that means:
- The translation covers the entire document, not a summary
- The certificate includes the translator's name, signature, address and date
- You submit a copy of the original together with the translation
Documents we translate most for USCIS
- Birth certificates. See birth certificate translation.
- Marriage and divorce certificates
- Police and court records
- Diplomas and transcripts
- Passports and national ID cards
What USCIS does not require
- Notarization. It adds cost without meeting any USCIS requirement.
- A "sworn" or government-licensed translator. The US has no such license for USCIS purposes.
Avoid common rejections
Partial translations, missing stamps, names spelled differently from the passport and translations without a certificate are the usual reasons for a request for evidence. We keep every name exactly as written in the original and, if it differs from your passport, add a translator's note so the officer sees it is the same person.
Frequently asked questions
Does USCIS require a notarized translation?
No. USCIS requires a full translation and a translator's certificate of accuracy and competence. Notarization is not required.
Do I send the original document to USCIS?
Usually you send a copy of the original with the translation, unless the form instructions ask for the original.
I AM NOT AN ATTORNEY LICENSED TO PRACTICE LAW IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA, AND I MAY NOT GIVE LEGAL ADVICE OR ACCEPT FEES FOR LEGAL ADVICE.
NO SOY UN ABOGADO CON LICENCIA PARA EJERCER LA ABOGACÍA EN EL ESTADO DE FLORIDA, Y NO PUEDO DAR ASESORÍA LEGAL NI ACEPTAR HONORARIOS POR ASESORÍA LEGAL.
A Florida notary public only verifies the signer's identity and witnesses the signature. A notary public is not an attorney, does not draft or review the content of the document, and cannot give legal advice.
This page is general information, not legal or tax advice. For your specific situation, talk to a licensed attorney or CPA.