What does USCIS require for translations?

USCIS requires a full English translation of every foreign-language document, with a statement from the translator that the translation is complete and accurate and that they are competent to translate.

The USCIS translation rule (8 CFR 103.2(b)(3))

The USCIS rule (8 CFR 103.2(b)(3)) says that any document in a foreign language must come with:

a full English translation, and
the translator’s certification that the translation is complete and accurate and that they are competent to translate from that language into English.

USCIS does not ask for notarization, and it does not approve or license translators. See our USCIS certified translations page.

How to prepare translations for your USCIS filing

List every foreign-language document your form asks for.
Scan every page, including the back side and stamps.
Upload them; submit a copy of each original with its certified translation.

Good to know about USCIS translations

Partial or summary translations can be rejected.
You cannot certify a translation of your own documents for your own case.
Documents for the same case can go in one order with one certification.

What a complete USCIS translation package looks like

For every foreign-language document, USCIS expects three things together: a copy of the original document, the full English translation and the translator’s signed certification. Put each translation directly behind the copy of its original, so the officer can compare them.

Everything on the page: stamps, seals, signatures, handwritten notes and the back side are translated or marked, for example [Seal: …], [signature] or [illegible].
Names as in your passport: tell us the spelling you use on your forms, so names match across your whole file.
The certification: a statement that the translation is complete and accurate and that the translator is competent in both languages, signed and dated.

Common reasons USCIS questions a translation

Only part of the document was translated, or the translation is a summary.
The certification is missing, or it does not mention the translator’s competence.
Names or dates differ from the passport or the forms.
The applicant certified the translation of their own documents.

If USCIS questions a translation because of our mistake, we correct it for free. Read more about what a translation company can and cannot promise.