Key Facts
- Your birth certificate is crucial for immigration, proving identity, family ties, and country of origin.
- USCIS mandates a certified translation for non-English documents, including a certification statement from the translator.
- Submitting an uncertified translation can lead to delays, rejections, and additional costs for retranslation.
- Professional translation services ensure accuracy and compliance with USCIS requirements, saving time and providing peace of mind.
- Choose a reputable service like Anshin Mobile Notary for reliable translations and additional document services.
When applying for immigration in the United States, the most important document you will likely submit is your birth certificate. It proves your identity, family ties, and country of origin. But if your birth certificate is not in English, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires an accurate, certified translation. This process, known as birth certificate translation for USCIS, is more than just converting words — it must follow legal standards to be accepted.
Many applicants make the mistake of submitting self-translations or relying on online tools, only to face delays or rejections. At Anshin Mobile Notary and LiveScan, we specialize in delivering accurate, USCIS-compliant translations that ensure your application moves forward without issues.
Why Birth Certificate Translation for USCIS Is Required
USCIS regulations mandate that any document in a foreign language must be accompanied by:
- A full English translation.
- A certification statement from the translator.
- The translator’s signature, printed name, and date.
This requirement prevents misinterpretation, ensures legal accuracy, and allows USCIS to process cases fairly and consistently.
What Happens if You Submit an Untranslated or Poorly Translated Birth Certificate
- Request for Evidence (RFE): USCIS will ask you to resubmit with a proper translation, delaying your case.
- Denial of Application: Incomplete or uncertified translations may lead to outright rejection.
- Added Costs: You will have to pay for retranslation, possibly under time pressure.
By investing in professional birth certificate translation for USCIS, you avoid these setbacks.
The Process of Translating a Birth Certificate for USCIS
Step 1: Submitting the Document
You provide a scanned copy of your birth certificate. The original is not altered.
Step 2: Professional Translation
The document is translated into English word-for-word, including seals, stamps, and handwritten notes.
Step 3: Certification Letter
The translator provides a signed statement confirming the translation is accurate and complete.
Step 4: Delivery
You receive both the English translation and the certification letter, ready to submit to USCIS.
Who Needs Birth Certificate Translation for USCIS
- Family-Based Immigration Applicants: Proving family relationships.
- Employment-Based Immigrants: Confirming identity details.
- Asylum Seekers: Establishing country of origin.
- Students and Exchange Visitors: Submitting proof of age and birthplace.
No matter the immigration category, a properly translated birth certificate is one of the first requirements.
Benefits of Professional Birth Certificate Translation
Accuracy
Names, dates, and places are translated consistently and correctly.
Compliance
Certified translations meet USCIS requirements without exceptions.
Time-Saving
No risk of resubmission or delays due to faulty paperwork.
Peace of Mind
Knowing your document is accepted allows you to focus on your immigration journey.
Why Choose Anshin Mobile Notary and LiveScan
We provide more than just translations — we provide peace of mind. Our services ensure that your birth certificate translation for USCIS is handled by professionals who understand immigration standards.
With our International Document Translation & Apostille services, you get accurate translations, optional notarization, and even apostille processing if your documents will be used abroad.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a birth certificate translation valid for USCIS?
To be valid, the translation must be complete and accompanied by a certification letter. The certification must confirm that the translation is accurate and complete to the best of the translator’s ability. It must also include the translator’s name, signature, and date. Without these details, USCIS will not recognize the translation, regardless of accuracy.
Can I translate my own birth certificate for USCIS?
No. USCIS rules do not allow applicants to translate their own documents, even if they are fluent in English. Translations must be done by a third-party translator or a professional translation service. This ensures impartiality and accuracy. Using professional birth certificate translation for USCIS avoids rejections caused by self-translations.
How long does it take to translate a birth certificate?
A standard birth certificate typically takes 24–48 hours to translate. If you require multiple documents or expedited processing, professional services can often deliver same-day or next-day translations. Turnaround time depends on document complexity and urgency.
How much does birth certificate translation cost?
The cost depends on the length, complexity, and whether notarization is required. On average, single-page documents are affordable, while multi-page or handwritten certificates may cost slightly more. At Anshin Mobile Notary, we provide transparent pricing and deliver certified translations that USCIS accepts without issue.
Do I need notarization for my USCIS birth certificate translation?
Notarization is not required by USCIS, but it may be useful if the document will also be used abroad or in legal proceedings. For instance, if you plan to submit your birth certificate to both USCIS and a foreign university, notarization adds an extra layer of validity.
What happens if USCIS rejects my birth certificate translation?
If your translation fails, USCIS will send you a Request for Evidence (RFE) or deny your application outright. This can delay your immigration process by weeks or even months. By using professional services, you reduce the risk of rejection and keep your application on track.
Does the translation need to include stamps and seals?
Yes. USCIS requires that every visible detail on the original document — including stamps, seals, and handwritten notes — must be translated. Omitting these can result in an incomplete translation, which USCIS may reject.
Can I use machine translation tools for my birth certificate?
No. Machine-generated translations like Google Translate are not acceptable. They lack certification and often introduce errors. Only certified human translations are valid for USCIS purposes.
Do all family members need separate birth certificate translations?
Yes. Each applicant must submit their own birth certificate translation. Even if family members share the same certificate format, USCIS requires individual certified translations for each applicant’s case file.
Why choose Anshin Mobile Notary for birth certificate translations?
Because we specialize in USCIS requirements. Our team delivers translations that are accurate, certified, and accepted by immigration authorities. We also provide apostille and notary services for clients whose documents will be used internationally, offering a one-stop solution for all documentation needs.
Conclusion
Your birth certificate is one of the most important documents in your immigration application. Without a proper birth certificate translation for USCIS, your case may be delayed or denied. Working with professionals ensures accuracy, compliance, and peace of mind.
Contact Anshin Mobile Notary and LiveScan today for certified translations that USCIS will accept without question.
