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Immigration Document Translation

USCIS requires a certified English translation of every foreign language document submitted with your application. Whether you are filing for a green card, citizenship, visa, or asylum, every document not in English needs a certified translation.

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Documents USCIS Requires Translated

Any foreign language document submitted with a USCIS application must include a certified English translation. These are the most commonly required documents.

USCIS Translation Requirements

USCIS has specific rules about how foreign language documents must be translated before submission. Understanding these requirements prevents delays, Requests for Evidence (RFEs), and potential application denials.

  • Must be certified. Every translation must include a signed statement from the translator certifying that the translation is complete and accurate. This is required under 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3).
  • Translator must attest to competency. The translator must include a statement that they are competent in both the source language and English. Their name, signature, and contact information must appear on the certificate.
  • Cannot translate your own documents. While not explicitly prohibited, USCIS officers may view self-translated documents as biased. This frequently triggers RFEs and delays. Always use a third-party translator.
  • Notarization is NOT required by USCIS. A certified translation with a signed certificate of accuracy is sufficient for all USCIS filings. However, some specific courts, consulates, or foreign governments may require notarization in addition to certification.
  • Digital and printed translations are both accepted. USCIS does not require translations on special paper or with embossed seals. You can submit digital translations electronically or print them on standard paper.
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Common Immigration Applications Requiring Translations

Every one of these applications may require certified translations of foreign language supporting documents. If it is not in English, it needs a translation.

Green Card (I-130, I-485)

Family-based and employment-based green card petitions require translated birth certificates, marriage certificates, financial documents, and any other supporting evidence not in English.

Citizenship / Naturalization (N-400)

Naturalization applications require translations of any foreign language documents used to establish identity, residency, and eligibility for U.S. citizenship.

K-1 Fiance Visa

Fiance visa petitions require proof of a genuine relationship. Translated birth certificates, divorce decrees from prior marriages, and correspondence evidence are commonly needed.

Work Visa (H-1B, L-1)

Employment-based visa applications frequently require translated academic credentials, professional licenses, employment letters, and other qualifying documents.

Student Visa (F-1)

Student visa applicants need translated transcripts, diplomas, financial sponsorship letters, and bank statements to demonstrate academic qualifications and financial support.

Asylum Applications

Asylum seekers must provide translated evidence supporting their claim, including police reports, medical records, identity documents, and country condition evidence.

DACA Renewals

DACA renewal applications may require translated identity documents, school records, and any foreign language evidence submitted to demonstrate continuous presence.

TPS Applications

Temporary Protected Status applications require translated identity documents, proof of nationality, and any other supporting evidence not originally in English.

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If your documents are headed to another country instead of USCIS, you may need an apostille before the translation. We handle FBI background check and naturalization certificate apostilles with the fastest turnaround in the country.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. USCIS accepts both digital and printed certified translations. There is no requirement for translations to be on special paper or delivered as a hard copy. You can submit a digital certified translation with your application, whether filing online or by mail. The key requirement is that the translation includes a signed certificate of accuracy from the translator.

While USCIS technically allows any competent individual to provide a certified translation, having a family member translate your documents is not recommended. USCIS officers may view translations by family members as biased, which can lead to a Request for Evidence (RFE) or delays in processing your application. A professional third-party translation from a certified translator eliminates this risk entirely and costs only $24.95 per page.

If your document contains text in multiple languages, all non-English text must be translated. This is common with documents from countries that use multiple official languages. The translator will handle every language present on the document and include all translations in the final certified translation package. Upload the document as-is and Rush Translate will identify and translate all languages present.

Include the certified English translation directly behind the original foreign language document in your application packet. USCIS requires both the original document (or a copy) and the certified translation submitted together. The certificate of accuracy should be attached to the translation. If you are filing online, upload both the original and the translation as part of the same evidence submission.

Certified translations are $24.95 per page through Rush Translate, with a page defined as 250 words or less. Most single-page documents like birth certificates and marriage certificates cost $24.95 total. Multi-page documents like transcripts or financial statements are priced per page. You can upload all your documents at once and receive a total quote before paying. Notarization is available for an additional $19.95 per document if needed.

Any USCIS form that requires supporting documentation will need translations for non-English documents. The most common forms include: I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative), I-485 (Adjustment of Status), N-400 (Application for Naturalization), I-129F (Petition for Alien Fiance), I-589 (Application for Asylum), I-765 (Employment Authorization), I-90 (Renewal of Green Card), and I-751 (Removal of Conditions on Residence). The rule is simple: if the document is not in English and it is part of your filing, it needs a certified translation.

Transparency note: We receive a referral fee from Rush Translate when you use the links on this page. This does not cost you anything extra. There are many translation companies with affiliate programs. We chose to partner with Rush Translate because we were already using them for our own clients' work and trusted their quality and speed before any referral arrangement existed. We will always point you toward the service we would use ourselves.

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