When preparing your immigration documents for submission to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), accuracy and compliance are essential. One often-overlooked requirement is providing certified translations of any non-English documents. Whether you are applying for a green card, visa, citizenship, or other immigration benefits, failing to include properly certified translations can delay your application or even result in its rejection.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the importance of certified translations for USCIS, which documents commonly need translation, what the certification must include, and much more.

USCIS, a branch of the Department of Homeland Security, is responsible for overseeing lawful immigration to the United States. Its duties include processing visa applications, green cards, naturalization, and asylum claims, among others.

One of the primary USCIS requirements is that any document in a language other than English must be submitted with an accurate certified translation. This rule applies to a wide range of official documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and academic records, which are crucial to supporting your application. Certified translations ensure that USCIS can fully evaluate your application and make informed decisions.

At Rush Translations and Immigration Services, we provide USCIS-compliant certified translations, so you can be confident that your application will meet the agency’s stringent standards.

A certified translation is not just about rendering the text from one language to another; it’s about ensuring that the translated document is a true and accurate representation of the original. USCIS relies on certified translations to verify that the information provided is valid and complete, which plays a critical role in your case. Incorrect or poorly translated documents can lead to misunderstandings, delays, or worse—denial of your immigration petition.

Many applicants are unaware of the full range of documents that require certified translation. Below is a list of commonly required documents that need to be translated if they are not in English:

• Birth Certificates: One of the most frequently requested documents, essential for proving identity and family relationships.
• Marriage Certificates: Vital for spousal or family-based immigration petitions.
• Divorce Decrees: Important for establishing marital status and eligibility for certain visas.
• Death Certificates: Necessary in cases where a previous spouse is deceased and the applicant is remarried.
• Academic Transcripts: Required for educational or employment-based visa applications.
• Police Clearance Certificates: Essential for proving that the applicant does not have a criminal background.
• Passports: Necessary for identification purposes and proof of citizenship.
• Court Orders: Important for legal matters such as child custody or name changes.

If you need any of the above documents translated, we provide certified translation services that guarantee accuracy and compliance with USCIS standards.

To comply with USCIS requirements, every translated document must be accompanied by a Certificate of Translation Accuracy. This document attests that the translation is a complete and faithful translation of the original non-English document. The certificate should include the following information:

• Statement of Accuracy: A declaration that the translation is accurate and complete to the best of the translator’s knowledge.
• Translator’s Credentials: An affirmation that the translator is qualified to translate the document from the original language into English.
• Translator’s Signature: The translator must sign and date the certification to validate its authenticity.

At Rush Translations, we include a Certificate of Translation Accuracy with every certified translation we provide, ensuring full compliance with USCIS guidelines.

A common misconception is that all USCIS translations must be notarized. In reality, USCIS only requires a certified translation, which does not necessarily need to be notarized. However, some applicants may choose to obtain notarization services for added legal assurance or if requested by other agencies or legal entities involved in the process.

If you’re unsure whether your documents need notarization, our team at Rush Translations can provide guidance based on your unique circumstances.

When it comes to immigration matters, timing can be everything. Whether you’re up against a filing deadline or just eager to get your documents processed, having access to fast and reliable translation services is crucial. At Rush Translations, we offer a standard 24-hour turnaround time for most certified translations, ensuring you stay on track with your USCIS filing schedule.

For those in urgent need, we also offer expedited services that can accelerate the process even further. Contact us to discuss your specific needs, and we’ll work to accommodate your timeline.

A good certified translation is more than just accurate; it must also be presented in a way that adheres to USCIS formatting and documentation guidelines. Here are a few key factors that ensure a certified translation is USCIS-compliant:

• Accuracy: The translation must be word-for-word accurate and match the content of the original document precisely.
• Complete Translation: All sections of the original document, including any stamps, signatures, and seals, must be translated.
• Formatting: The translated document should mirror the layout and format of the original as closely as possible.
• Legibility: The translation must be clear, legible, and professional, without any errors or ambiguities.

At Rush Translations, we ensure that every document we translate meets these critical standards.

Submitting certified translations to USCIS is a straightforward process. Once you receive your certified translation, you can submit it alongside your immigration application, either digitally or in hard copy. USCIS accepts PDF copies of certified translations, which we will send directly to your email. If a hard copy is required, we can send it via USPS Priority Mail for a small additional fee.

With so many translation services available, why should you choose Rush Translations and Immigration Services for your USCIS needs?

Here’s what sets us apart:

• USCIS Compliance: Our certified translations meet all USCIS requirements for accuracy, formatting, and certification.
• Fast Turnaround: Get your certified translations within 24 hours or request expedited service for urgent needs.
• Affordable Pricing: With a transparent pricing structure starting at just $26.95 per page, we make quality translations accessible.
• Notarization Services: Available if needed for additional assurance.
• Expertise in Immigration: We specialize in immigration-related translations, ensuring your documents are accepted without issue.

USCIS requires certified translations for many critical documents, and choosing the right service provider can make all the difference in the success of your immigration application. At Rush Translations, we combine accuracy, affordability, and fast turnaround times to help you navigate the USCIS process smoothly.

Need help with your USCIS-certified translation? Contact us today to get started, or request a free quote and let us handle your translation needs with precision and care.