When applying for immigration benefits in the United States, applicants are often required to submit documents issued in languages other than English. To ensure immigration officers can review these materials accurately, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services requires that foreign-language documents be accompanied by a complete certified English translation.

Understanding which documents require certified translation can help avoid delays or requests for additional evidence during the immigration process.

USCIS Certified Translation Requirement

According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, any document submitted in a foreign language must include:

• A complete English translation
• A certification statement
• The translator’s name and signature
• Confirmation that the translator is competent to translate

These requirements ensure that immigration officers can fully understand the submitted documents.

Common Immigration Documents That Require Certified Translation

Below are some of the most frequently translated documents for immigration applications.

1. Birth Certificates

Birth certificates are required for many immigration applications, including family-based petitions, green card applications, and citizenship filings.

If the birth certificate is issued in a language other than English, a certified translation must be included.

2. Marriage Certificates

Marriage certificates are used to prove legal relationships in immigration cases such as marriage-based green cards or spouse visa applications.

Certified translation is required if the document is not in English.

3. Divorce Decrees

If either spouse has been previously married, immigration applications often require proof of divorce.

Divorce certificates or court documents must be translated when submitted with immigration paperwork.

4. Passports

Certain pages of passports may require translation, especially when they contain:

• Official stamps
• Foreign-language annotations
• Government remarks

These elements may need to be translated for immigration review.

5. Police Clearance Certificates

Police certificates may be required to confirm that an applicant does not have a criminal history that affects immigration eligibility.

If these records are issued in another language, certified translation is required.

6. Academic Records

Academic documents may be required in some immigration or visa applications.

Examples include:

• Diplomas
• Transcripts
• Degree certificates

These must be translated if they are not in English.

7. Medical Records

Some immigration applications require medical documentation, such as vaccination records or medical reports.

These documents must be translated when written in a foreign language.

8. Court or Legal Documents

If an applicant has legal history or court involvement, immigration officers may request legal records.

These documents must be accurately translated before submission.

What Does Certified Translation Include?

A certified translation usually contains three elements:

1. The original document (copy)

2. The complete English translation

3. A certification statement confirming accuracy

The certification statement typically confirms that the translator is fluent in both languages and that the translation is accurate.

Why Accurate Translation Is Important

Incorrect translations can lead to serious problems in immigration cases, including:

• Application delays
• Requests for additional evidence
• Misinterpretation of legal information

For this reason, certified translations must be complete and accurate.

Professional Translation for Immigration Documents

Many applicants choose professional translation services to ensure their documents meet immigration requirements.

Clear Bridge Language Solutions LLC provides certified translation services for immigration, legal, academic, and medical documents in more than 60 languages.

Clients can securely upload documents online and receive certified translations electronically.

Learn more at:

https://trustclearbridge.com

FAQ

Do all immigration documents require certified translation?

Only documents written in a language other than English require certified translation.

Do USCIS translations need notarization?

In most cases, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services requires certified translations, not notarized translations.

Can I translate my own immigration documents?

No. The applicant should not translate their own documents.