When submitting foreign-language documents to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), applicants often wonder: Can I translate my own documents for USCIS to save time and money?
The short answer is yes, but with strict conditions—and it’s often not the safest choice. Here’s what you need to know before deciding whether to self-translate or hire a professional.
USCIS permits applicants to translate their own documents, but they must follow specific guidelines. According to official requirements, any translated document must include a certification statement confirming that:
This certification must include the translator’s full name, signature, address, and the date of translation. USCIS doesn’t require the certification to be notarized—though notarization can add credibility, especially for sensitive legal documents.
While USCIS technically allows self-translation, there are several risks:
When applying for a U.S. visa, green card, or citizenship, every document matters.
USCIS requires certified translations of any foreign-language materials, and while you might consider doing it yourself to save money, professional translation services offer critical advantages that can make or break your application.
Here’s why hiring an expert translation company near me is the best choice.
USCIS has strict requirements for translated original documents. Professional translations services near me specialize in USCIS-compliant translations that include:
Unlike self-translations, which may raise questions about objectivity, professionally translated documents are routinely accepted without issue.
Even small mistakes in a self-translation can trigger a Request for Evidence (RFE), delaying your case by months, or worse—getting it denied entirely.
USCIS officers scrutinize translations for consistency and accuracy, and errors in names, dates, or legal terms can lead to unnecessary setbacks.
Professional translating companies near me specialize in immigration documents, ensuring flawless submissions that keep your application moving forward.
While not always required, notarized translations strengthen your submission, particularly for sensitive documents like birth certificate translation near me or court records.
Professional services can provide notarization upon request, giving your application an extra layer of legitimacy that self-translations simply can’t match.
Immigration documents contain specialized language that demands precise translation.
Professional translating services near me understand USCIS requirements and know how to handle birth certificates, marriage licenses, academic records, and legal judgments without errors.
This expertise ensures accurate translations that are formatted correctly for immediate acceptance.
When time is critical, professional translation services near me offer expedited translations—often within 24 hours—along with secure digital delivery. This efficiency is especially valuable for last-minute filings or urgent USCIS deadlines, where delays can jeopardize your entire case.
Reputable services provide permanent records of your translations, customer support for any questions, and the assurance that your application won’t face unnecessary delays due to avoidable errors.
When your immigration application depends on flawless document translations, you need a service you can trust. At Certified Translation Dallas, we bring more than 30 years of experience in USCIS-certified translations, helping countless applicants achieve their American dreams.
Here’s what sets us apart:
Our team of professional translators specializes exclusively in USCIS requirements, ensuring your birth certificates, marriage certificates, police records, diplomas, and legal documents meet every government standard.
As active members of both the American Translators Association (ATA) and the Metroplex Interpreter and Translator Association (MITA), we maintain the highest industry standards.
We understand immigration deadlines can’t wait. That’s why we offer:
Every document translation we provide meets the highest standards of security and compliance.
When needed, we include notarized certification at no additional cost, adding legal validity to your submission. Your sensitive information remains protected with our 100% confidentiality guarantee, ensuring personal and legal documents are handled with discretion.
As a further mark of quality, our company holds DBE/MBE certification through the North Central Texas Regional Certification Agency (NCTRCA), reflecting our commitment to excellence in language services.
We believe professional translation should be both high-quality and affordable.
Unlike national chains with inflated pricing, we provide transparent, upfront quotes so you know exactly what to expect.
Clients benefit from volume discounts when translating multiple documents, and our pricing structure has no hidden fees—the amount we quote is the amount you pay.
While we’re proud to serve as Dallas’ premier translation services, our certifications and memberships demonstrate our national-caliber expertise.
Whether you need birth certificate translations or complex legal document translations, we combine local convenience with world-class quality.
If you’re searching for translating services near me, it’s important to choose a provider that offers certified and accurate translations. Don’t risk delays or rejections; trust Certified Translation Dallas for USCIS-certified translations that meet every requirement.
Simply send us your documents, and we’ll handle the rest—guaranteed acceptance included.
Contact us today for a free quote, and let’s get your immigration journey moving forward!
