For immigration lawyers and applicants, paperwork is everything. A single missing document or minor error can delay a case for months—or worse, result in a denial. One of the most overlooked yet crucial aspects of an immigration application is certified translations. If an applicant’s documents aren’t in English, USCIS requires a certified translation—and it must meet strict guidelines.
But what exactly is a USCIS-certified translation, and why does it matter? Whether you’re an attorney helping clients navigate the system or an applicant working through an immigration lawyer or submitting your own paperwork, understanding this requirement can help you avoid unnecessary delays.
What Is a USCIS-Certified Translation?
A certified translation is a complete, word-for-word translation of a foreign-language document into English, accompanied by a signed statement (often called a Certification of Translation Accuracy). This statement confirms:
- The translation is accurate and complete.
- The translator is proficient in both languages.
- The document meets USCIS requirements.
Unlike general translations, certified translations must follow a specific format and include every detail from the original, such as official stamps, seals, and signatures.
Why Does USCIS Require Certified Translations?
Immigration officials must be able to verify the authenticity and accuracy of any supporting documents. A bad translation can cast doubt on an entire application, leading to delays, RFEs (Requests for Evidence), or outright denials.
Attorneys know how critical timelines are in immigration cases. A single mistake—like missing a certification statement or an incomplete translation—can push a case back by weeks or months. For example, I knew an applicant who submitted a birth certificate where their name was spelled as “María López Hernández,” (name changed for privacy) but in another document, it appeared as “Maria Lopes-Hernandez.” USCIS flagged the inconsistency and issued an RFE, delaying the case by three months while the applicant obtained corrected translations. A simple review of all documents before submission could have prevented this frustrating delay.
Which Documents Need a Certified Translation?
Any non-English document submitted to USCIS must be accompanied by a certified English translation. Common documents include:
- Birth certificates
- Marriage and divorce certificates
- Death certificates (for certain applications)
- Police clearance records
- Academic diplomas and transcripts
- Legal affidavits and court records
- Medical records (if required for a case)
A common question is whether passports need to be translated. USCIS generally does not require passport translations, but if an applicant is submitting a visa stamp or immigration-related annotation, a translation may be necessary.
Common Mistakes That Delay Immigration Cases
A rejected translation can mean long delays or even denials. Here are the biggest pitfalls to avoid:
- Summarized translations – USCIS requires full, word-for-word translations, not summaries or extracted information.
- Using Google Translate or AI tools – Automated translations are not accepted and will have errors.
- Missing certification statements – Every translation must include a signed certification letter verifying accuracy.
- Incorrect translator qualifications – While USCIS doesn’t require a specific license, the translator must be fluent in both languages and cannot be the applicant.
- Submitting notarized translations instead of certified ones – Notarization is NOT required. USCIS only needs a certification statement confirming accuracy.
- Misspelling proper names – While documents may be translated at different times during the application process, having consistency in spelling names, locations and other proper names is essential.
Another example of a costly error: a translated marriage certificate of an acquaintance of mine listed the wedding date as 06/07/2001. In her home country, dates are written as DD/MM/YYYY, meaning they were married on July 6, 2001. However, in the U.S., the format is MM/DD/YYYY, making it appear as if they were married on June 7, 2001. This small discrepancy led to an RFE, delaying their case for weeks while they obtained a corrected translation.
How Immigration Lawyers Can Help Clients Get It Right
- For attorneys, ensuring clients submit correct, USCIS-compliant translations saves time and frustration. Here’s how you can help: Work with a trusted language service company that specializes in USCIS-certified translations.
- Provide proper name spellings in advance to avoid having to correct the document, or worse yet, submitting it with errors.
- Verify that all translations include a certification statement with the translator’s name, signature, and contact information.
- Check formatting – translations should closely match the original document’s structure.
- Encourage clients to get translations done early to prevent last-minute delays.
Choosing a Reliable USCIS Translation Company
Not all translation services are the same. To avoid delays and costly RFEs, make sure your translation company:
- Guarantees USCIS compliance and provides a signed certification statement.
- Uses human translators, not AI-generated translations.
- Offers fast turnaround times, since immigration deadlines can be tight.
- Has experience in legal and immigration translations to ensure accuracy.
At Bromberg & Associates, we specialize in USCIS-certified translations with a quick, reliable process that ensures compliance with immigration requirements. If you’re an attorney helping clients navigate immigration cases or an applicant needing certified translations, we’re here to help.