Key Facts
- USCIS requires certified translations for all non-English documents to ensure accuracy and legal validity in immigration applications.
- General translations are not accepted by USCIS, risking delays or outright rejections of applications.
- A certified translation includes a signed certification statement from the translator, affirming completeness and accuracy.
- Submitting uncertified documents can lead to financial loss and emotional stress due to potential delays in immigration processes.
- Professional services like Anshin Mobile Notary provide certified translations, ensuring compliance and reducing the risk of application issues.
Every year, thousands of immigrants submit applications to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Among the most important requirements is that all non-English documents be translated into English. But here’s where confusion often arises: USCIS does not accept just any translation. It requires certified translation for USCIS.
General translations — even if accurate — may be rejected because they lack certification. This article explains the differences between certified and general translations, why USCIS insists on certification, the risks of skipping it, and how professional services like Anshin Mobile Notary and LiveScan ensure compliance.
What Is Certified Translation for USCIS?
A certified translation for USCIS is a word-for-word English translation of a foreign-language document accompanied by a signed certification statement. The certification affirms that the translation is complete and accurate.
The certification must include:
- Translator’s name
- Translator’s signature
- Date of certification
What Is a General Translation?
A general translation is any translation of a document into another language without certification. While suitable for personal use, business communication, or informal purposes, general translations are not accepted by USCIS.
Key Differences: Certified vs General Translation
| Feature | Certified Translation for USCIS | General Translation |
| Acceptance by USCIS | Accepted | Not accepted |
| Certification Statement | Required | Not provided |
| Translator Accountability | Yes | No |
| Legal Validity | Yes | No |
| Use Cases | Immigration, courts, government agencies | Personal or informal use |
Why USCIS Requires Certified Translations
- Accuracy Assurance – Certified translators affirm accuracy and completeness.
- Fraud Prevention – Certification holds the translator legally accountable.
- Standardized Evaluation – Ensures USCIS officers can fairly evaluate all cases.
Risks of Submitting General Translations
- Requests for Evidence (RFEs) – USCIS asks for certified versions, delaying cases.
- Denials – Applications may be rejected outright.
- Financial Loss – Re-translation and re-submission increase costs.
- Emotional Stress – Delays cause uncertainty in immigration journeys.
Common Documents Requiring Certified Translation for USCIS
- Birth certificates
- Marriage and divorce certificates
- Court judgments
- Academic diplomas and transcripts
- Criminal records and police reports
- Financial records
- Adoption papers
All must undergo certified translation for USCIS to be accepted.
Certified vs Notarized vs Apostilled Translations
- Certified Translation – Required by USCIS. Translator certifies accuracy.
- Notarized Translation – Not required for USCIS, but sometimes for schools or courts.
- Apostille Translation – Needed for international use in Hague Convention countries.
Our International Document Translation & Apostille services provide all three.
Case Studies
Case 1: Green Card Delay
A family submitted general translations of birth certificates. USCIS rejected them, delaying approval by four months.
Case 2: Smooth Citizenship Application
An applicant used professional certified translation for USCIS for all records. USCIS accepted everything without issue, and the case moved forward smoothly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is certified translation for USCIS?
A certified translation for USCIS is more than just a word-for-word conversion of a non-English document into English. It must be accompanied by a signed certification statement from the translator, affirming that the translation is accurate and complete. The certification must include the translator’s name, signature, and the date it was completed. This extra step makes the translation legally valid for immigration purposes. Without certification, USCIS will not accept the document, even if the translation itself is accurate.
Do all non-English documents require certified translation for USCIS?
Yes. Every non-English document submitted to USCIS must be translated and certified. This applies to vital records such as birth, marriage, and divorce certificates, as well as court judgments, medical records, diplomas, and financial documents. USCIS officers rely on certified translations to fairly evaluate each application, and they cannot accept general or uncertified translations. Submitting uncertified documents will almost always result in delays or rejections.
Can I translate my own documents for USCIS?
No. Applicants cannot translate their own documents, even if they are fluent in English and the original language. USCIS requires translations to be completed by a third-party translator to maintain impartiality and accountability. Self-translations risk rejection because they could be seen as biased or inaccurate. Hiring a professional translator ensures compliance and avoids unnecessary complications in your immigration process.
Is notarization required for USCIS translations?
No. USCIS only requires certified translations, not notarized ones. A notarized translation involves a notary verifying the identity of the translator, but this step is not necessary for USCIS. However, notarization may be required for other purposes, such as university applications, court submissions, or certain state agencies. If your documents will be used outside of immigration, you may need both certification and notarization.
Do translations need to include seals and stamps?
Yes. Every visible element of the original document — including seals, stamps, signatures, and handwritten notes — must be translated and included in the final certified translation. USCIS requires complete accuracy, and missing even a small stamp or seal could cause your application to be questioned. Professional translators are trained to include every element, ensuring nothing is overlooked.
How long does the process take?
Most single-page documents, such as birth or marriage certificates, can be translated within 24–48 hours. Larger or more complex sets, such as academic transcripts or court files, may take several days depending on length and detail. Many professional services also offer expedited options for applicants facing tight deadlines. Planning ahead ensures you won’t miss critical immigration submission dates.
How much does it cost?
The cost depends on the document type, number of pages, and urgency. Basic documents like birth certificates are usually affordable, while lengthy legal or academic records may cost more due to the detailed work involved. Professional services typically provide clear pricing and may offer discounts for multiple documents. While it may seem like an extra expense, professional certified translations prevent costly rejections and delays, saving you money in the long run.
What happens if I submit general translations?
If you submit general translations without certification, USCIS will reject them. At best, you will receive a Request for Evidence (RFE), which delays your case by months. At worst, your application could be denied outright, forcing you to start over and pay additional filing fees. Submitting certified translations from the beginning avoids these risks and ensures your application moves forward smoothly.
Are machine translations acceptable?
No. Machine-generated translations, such as those from Google Translate, cannot be used for USCIS purposes. They often misinterpret words, cannot handle legal or technical terminology accurately, and most importantly, cannot provide certification. USCIS only accepts human-certified translations, which come with accountability and legal responsibility. Using a machine translation will almost certainly result in rejection.
Why is certification so important?
Certification provides USCIS with assurance that the translation is accurate, complete, and reliable. It protects the integrity of the immigration process and holds translators accountable for their work. Without certification, USCIS has no way of knowing whether the translation is trustworthy. Certification also reduces the risk of fraud and ensures all applicants are evaluated on equal terms.
What’s the difference between certified and general translators?
Certified translators provide a signed certification statement that validates their translation as accurate and complete. They are trained to handle official documents and legal terminology. General translators, while they may be bilingual or skilled in language, do not provide certification and therefore cannot produce translations that USCIS accepts. Choosing a certified translator ensures compliance and prevents unnecessary delays in your immigration journey.
Why choose Anshin Mobile Notary?
Because we provide certified translations that USCIS accepts, along with notarization and apostille services when needed.
Conclusion
Immigration success often comes down to paperwork. While general translations may work for personal or informal needs, only certified translation for USCIS is valid for immigration applications. Choosing professional services ensures compliance, prevents delays, and provides peace of mind.
At Anshin Mobile Notary and LiveScan, we deliver certified translations that USCIS accepts the first time. Whether you are applying for a visa, green card, or citizenship, we make sure your documents are accurate, compliant, and ready.
