USCIS Translation Requirements Explained

Basic USCIS Translation Requirements

US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires that all foreign-language documents be accompanied by a complete English translation. The translation must meet the following requirements:

• The translation must be complete, accurate, and faithful to the original
• The translator must certify their competence to perform the translation
• The translation must include a translator certification statement

Translator Certification Statement

Each translation must be accompanied by a certification statement that includes:

• A declaration that the translation is complete and accurate
• A declaration that the translator is competent to translate from the source language to English
• The translator's signature and date
• The translator's printed name and contact information

Commonly Translated Documents

• Birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees
• Diplomas and academic transcripts
• Household registration books (Hukou) and ID cards
• Employment verification and income statements
• Court documents and judgments

Why Choose a Professional Translation Service

While USCIS does not require translators to be formally certified, choosing an ATA (American Translators Association) member translation company ensures quality and proper formatting. This helps avoid application delays or rejections caused by translation issues.

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