What USCIS Means by a Certified Translation

If you are submitting a foreign-language document in an immigration matter, USCIS generally requires that it be accompanied by a full English translation and a certification from the translator stating that the translation is complete and accurate, and that the translator is competent to translate the language into English.

A certified translation is not the same as government approval. It does not mean the document has been reviewed, stamped, or endorsed by USCIS or any other agency. It means the translator is certifying the accuracy and completeness of the English translation.

For immigration matters, certified translations are often used for documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce judgments, police certificates, school records, affidavits, and other supporting civil documents. The goal is to make sure the receiving agency can clearly review the document in English.

A proper certified translation packet typically includes:

• the source document

• the English translation

• a signed certificate of completeness and accuracy

Accuracy matters. Names, dates, places, seals, stamps, and handwritten notes should be handled carefully and consistently, especially when multiple documents are being submitted in the same matter.

At Wabi Immigration Translations, we provide certified French and Lingala to English translation support for immigration attorneys, law offices, nonprofits, and legal services organizations.

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