Do USCIS Documents Need to Be Notarized?
Many people applying for immigration benefits in the United States ask the same question: Do documents submitted to USCIS need to be notarized?
The short answer is usually no. In most immigration cases, documents submitted to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services do not require notarization. However, there are some situations where notarization may still be necessary.
In this article, we explain when notarization is required and when it is not.
Does USCIS Require Notarized Documents?
For most immigration applications, USCIS does not require documents to be notarized.
Instead, USCIS typically asks applicants to submit:
- Copies of original documents
- Certified translations (if the document is not in English)
This means that if you submit documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, or academic records, notarization is generally not required unless specifically requested.
When Do USCIS Documents Need Notarization?
Although most documents do not need notarization, some situations may require it.
Examples include:
Affidavits or Sworn Statements
Affidavits submitted with immigration applications often must be signed in front of a notary public.
Examples:
- Affidavit of support explanations
- Witness statements
- Letters verifying relationships
A notary verifies the identity of the person signing the statement.
Certain Legal Documents
Some legal documents may require notarization depending on the issuing country or institution.
Examples:
- Power of attorney
- Certain financial declarations
- Legal agreements
Always check the instructions for the specific immigration form you are submitting.
Certified Translation vs Notarized Translation
Many applicants confuse these two terms.
Certified Translation
A certified translation includes a statement signed by the translator confirming that:
- The translation is complete
- The translation is accurate
- The translator is qualified
Certified translations are required when submitting foreign-language documents to USCIS.
Notarized Translation
A notarized translation means a notary public verifies the identity of the translator who signed the certification.
The notary does not verify the translation accuracy.
For most USCIS cases, certified translation is sufficient, and notarization is not required.
Documents That Usually Require Translation (But Not Notarization)
Common immigration documents include:
- Birth certificates
- Marriage certificates
- Divorce decrees
- Passports
- Police records
- Academic transcripts
- Medical records
If these documents are not in English, they must be translated according to the rules of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Tips for Submitting Documents to USCIS
To avoid delays in your immigration application:
- Submit clear copies of original documents
- Include certified translations for non-English documents
- Check the instructions for the specific immigration form
- Ensure all names and dates match across documents
Following the correct documentation requirements helps USCIS process applications more smoothly.
Need Certified Translation for Immigration Documents?
If you are preparing documents for immigration applications, professional translation services can help ensure your documents meet official requirements.
Clear Bridge Language Solutions LLC provides certified translation services for immigration, legal, medical, and academic documents in more than 60 languages.
Clients can securely upload documents online and receive certified translations electronically.
Learn more at:
FAQ
Do USCIS translations need to be notarized?
No. In most cases, USCIS only requires certified translations, not notarized translations.
Does USCIS require original documents?
Usually, USCIS accepts copies of documents unless original documents are specifically requested.
Can I submit a translation done by a friend?
Yes, as long as the translator is competent in both languages and provides a signed certification statement.