What USCIS requires from a certified translation
Under 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3), any foreign-language document submitted to USCIS must be accompanied by a certified English translation. The translation must carry a signed certification confirming that the translator is competent in both languages and that the translation is complete and accurate. The certification must include the translator's name, contact information, and the date of certification.
Our certified translations include all of these elements in the format accepted by USCIS officers. We have processed thousands of immigration translation requests and maintain an essentially zero rejection rate from USCIS, EOIR, and US consulates. If a specific authority has additional formatting requirements, tell us at the time of order and we will accommodate them.
All certified translations are produced by native-English translators with relevant language pairs. Every certified translation is reviewed by a second professional before certification is applied.
Documents we certify for immigration
We provide certified translations for any document type required by immigration authorities:
- Birth certificates from all countries and in all formats
- Marriage and divorce certificates, including apostilled originals
- Death certificates and family registry documents
- Passports, national identity cards, and residence documents
- Academic transcripts, diplomas, and professional credentials
- Criminal background checks and police clearance certificates
- Military records and discharge documents
- Medical records, vaccination certificates, and health assessments
- Employment letters, tax returns, and financial records
- Court orders, judgments, and legal proceedings
- Adoption documentation and family reunification records
- Asylum support: country condition reports, declarations, evidence
Notarization coordination
Some courts, state agencies, and foreign consulates require that the translator's signature on the certification be additionally notarized by a US notary public. We offer notarization coordination as an add-on service. A notarized certified translation carries the notary's official seal in addition to the translator's certification.
Note that notarization is separate from apostille certification, which applies to US public documents used abroad. If you need an apostille on a US document, that is obtained from the relevant Secretary of State office. We can advise on what your specific situation requires.
Turnaround and pricing
Standard turnaround for certified immigration translations is 1-3 business days. Rush 48-hour service is available. For same-day requests, call us directly at (713) 849-3482 before ordering -- we will confirm feasibility before you pay.
Certified translations are priced per document, not per word, because the certification process involves a fixed professional component regardless of document length. Longer or more complex documents carry higher fees. We provide exact prices before any commitment.