Certified Translation for USCIS: The Complete Guide
If you're putting together a USCIS petition, a citizenship application, or you simply need to submit your birth certificate in English, you'll run into this phrase sooner or later: "certified translation required." It's not optional, and not just any translation will do. Here's exactly what it is, what USCIS requires, and what you don't need (even if someone tried to charge you for it).
What is a certified translation?
It's a translation of a document accompanied by a signed statement from the translator (or agency) affirming two things: that they're competent to translate between the two languages, and that the translation is complete and accurate. That statement — not a notary stamp — is what makes it "certified."
What USCIS actually requires (2025 rules)
USCIS tightened its requirements in 2025. Here's what you need to get right today:
- Word-for-word translation. Summaries or "gist" translations aren't accepted — every word, stamp, and annotation on the original has to appear translated.
- One certification per document. Blanket certifications covering multiple documents at once are no longer accepted — each document needs its own.
- Specific certification language. The translator's statement must include their full name, a statement that they're competent in both languages, a statement that the translation is complete and accurate, and the date.
- A digital or scanned signature — yes; a typed name alone — no. Since September 2025, USCIS accepts digital or scanned signatures from the translator, but rejects certifications where the name is simply typed with no real signature.
Can I translate my own document?
No. Even if your English is perfect, USCIS doesn't accept a self-translated document from the applicant — it needs to come from a third party, specifically so the certification carries real objectivity. A bilingual family member doesn't count either, unless they're acting as a professional translator willing to sign the statement under their real name.
How much does it cost?
Pricing varies by service and page count, but as a market reference, most certified-translation providers charge between $25 and $70 per page, depending on the language pair and turnaround time. Short, common documents (birth or marriage certificates) tend to fall at the lower end.
Documents that almost always need a certified translation
- Birth certificate
- Marriage or divorce certificate
- Diplomas and academic transcripts
- Police clearance records
- Powers of attorney
Need a document translated now?
Translayte is a specialized certified-translation service accepted by USCIS, covering more than 150 languages.
See Translayte →Frequently asked questions
Can a bilingual family member do the translation?
Only if that person is willing to act as a professional translator and sign the certification statement under their real name, confirming they're competent in both languages and that the translation is complete and accurate. Most families prefer a specialized service to avoid rejections.
Does a certified translation expire?
It doesn't expire on its own, but if the underlying document changes (for example, a divorce that updates your marriage certificate) you'll need to translate the updated document.
Do I also need to notarize it?
For USCIS, no. The translator's certification is enough. Some institutions other than USCIS (certain courts or universities) do ask for additional notarization — confirm the exact requirement with whoever is requesting the document before paying for something you may not need.
What happens if USCIS rejects my translation?
You'll get a Request for Evidence (RFE) asking you to fix it and resubmit — which delays your case by weeks or months. That's why it's worth getting it right the first time with a service that knows USCIS's current rules.