Anyone relocating to the US has to apply for the necessary credentials, such as a green card, visa, or citizenship, through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
During the petition or application process, you need numerous official documents, including birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce certificates, academic transcripts, financial statements, police records, affidavits, and more.
If written in your original language, the USCIS regulations demand that these vital records be translated into English and certified to be complete and accurate by professional translators. Failing to meet this requirement can affect the outcome of your application.
Knowing the USCIS translation requirement is the first step to avoiding costly mistakes in your application process.
This post will cover why a spot-on English language translation is necessary and how to choose the right translation partner for the job.
The primary requirement for a USCIS English language translation is that the translated document must be certified.
That means they should come with an accompanying statement or certification from the professional or company attesting to its accuracy and completeness. This requirement follows federal regulations, specified as follows:
“Any document containing foreign language submitted to the Service shall be accompanied by a full English language translation which the translator has certified as complete and accurate, and by the translator’s certification that he or she is competent to translate from the foreign language into English.”
Certifications typically include the translator’s personal information, a statement confirming their fluency in the foreign language used in the original documents, and a declaration that the translated versions are suitable for official use.
Here’s the standard format suggested for a Certificate of Translation Accuracy for USCIS:
“Certification by Translator
I, [insert name], certify that I am fluent (conversant) in the English and ________ languages and that the above/attached document is an accurate translation of the document attached entitled ______________________________.
___________________
Signature
Translator’s Name
Date
Address”
Every translated document must bear a Certificate of Translation Accuracy, whether you’re submitting a birth certificate or an academic transcript.
In the US, anyone who considers themselves fluent in English and the source document’s original language can be a certified translator.
However, translating your own documents typically comes with risks that can be detrimental to the outcome of your immigration application.
One common concern for self-translated documents is bias, especially when applying for a visa, citizenship, or green card. The USCIS may question the objectivity of the self-translated document, which could result in your case being delayed or, worse, denied.
Besides bias, self-translating your documents also risks incorrect translations. Minor mistakes like misspelling a name or typing the wrong date can cause significant delays and requests for evidence (RFEs).
Moreover, it’s important to note that you can’t use AI, Google Translate, or other tools when translating foreign language documents.
Even though some automated translation software works well, they lack the legal and contextual understanding necessary for the legal task. If you ever tried Google Translating, you know how abysmal the results can be.
To sum it up, you can translate your USCIS documents yourself, but it’s not the safest option, and there’s a higher chance of delay than when working with translating services near me.
If you’ve been searching for a translation company near me, you must understand what makes a premium translation service.
Here are some qualities to look for when hiring translation services near me in your immigration application process:
Find a company that has a complete backend system for quality assurance. This means a comprehensive writing and reviewing process to guarantee USCIS acceptance.
Most importantly, look for translators who specialize in USCIS-compliant document translations. Businesses that make immigration materials are usually more familiar with the complexities of the application for various credentials.
Inquire about the translation company’s quality control protocols and error proofing. The best services are forthcoming about their processes and completion timelines.
One way to confirm a company’s turnaround speed and quality is by looking at immigration applicant reviews. Look for positive feedback regarding accuracy, turnaround time, and customer service.
Remember that speed should never compromise precision and quality.
While specific credentials aren’t required, using an unauthorized birth certificate translation near me or failing to meet USCIS translation requirements can lead to unfavorable results.
If your documents are found to have incorrect translations, no matter how minor, the USCIS can subject your application to further scrutiny or reject it entirely.
When choosing a translator, check if they have certification from institutions like the American Translators Association (ATA). These credentials attest to their adherence to industry standards and up-to-date services.
Immigrating entails disclosing sensitive information to the USCIS. It’s crucial to confirm if the translations services near me have reliable security measures to keep your identity safe.
Choose translators with features like confidentiality agreements, secure file transfer, and comprehensive data privacy protocols.
USCIS documents contain complex concepts and terminologies. To avoid errors, you want translators with extensive mastery of the legal languages.
Even simple documents like a birth certificate can contain technical jargon. Ideally, you want translators with a native understanding of English and the foreign language concerned.
Drafting errors are normal—even in the best translation services with the most rigorous reviewing process.
But that’s also why you want a company with fair revision policies. You should be able to request a revision without extra cost if you find mistranslations or if the document doesn’t meet USCIS requirements.
Whether or not your application goes through without a hitch can heavily depend on a flawless document translation. Certified Translation Dallas prides in providing fast and accurate USCIS-translation services for countless applicants since 1989.
Here’s what we offer:
Our team of translation experts specializes in USCIS forms, guaranteeing that your birth certificates, marriage certificates, academic transcripts, financial statements, and police records get accepted.
We are certified by the North Central Texas Regional Certification Agency, the American Translators Association (ATA), and the Metroplex Interpreter and Translator Association (MITA).
So, you can rest assured that we provide up-to-date translation with the highest industry standards.
Founded in 1989, Certified Translation Dallas boasts seasoned professionals ensuring seamless English translations for Spanish, French, Portuguese, Italian, Russian, and more.
Throughout our 30 years of professional translation services, we have never had a document rejected by the USCIS or other government agencies.
In the off chance of rejection, simply present your written proof of rejection, and we will promptly refund your money.
Although notarization isn’t always required by the USCIS, having your documents notarized can enhance their authenticity.
Certified Translation Dallas certifies and notarizes every translation on demand. You can think of it as a seal of trust to strengthen your submission and proof of our commitment to excellence.
Time is of the essence when applying for citizenship. And Certified Translation Dallas ensures a prompt and dependable turnaround for all your translation needs.
Receive an accurate and insightful translation of your birth certificate, school transcript, and other single-page documents in 24 hours. We also offer instant same-day delivery for last-minute filings.
By the end of the day, you’ll receive a copy of your translated document on a premium letterhead alongside the necessary foil stamps and seals. All documents will be certified and duly notarized.
While we’ve been based in Dallas for over 24 years now, our services reach far beyond the borders of Big D. We are happy to receive requests and send your translated documents wherever you are in the US.
We also provide expert document translation for applicants in Desoto, Red Oak, Corinth, Duncanville, Fort Worth, Cleburne, Denton, Glenrose, Garland, Granbury, and many more locations.
We understand that pricing is a primary concern for many. Certified Translation Dallas is committed to providing the highest-quality service at the most competitive rates.
Our quotes are free and upfront, so you know what to expect without worrying about extra or hidden charges like other national translation chains.
Hiring a professional translation service is the safest way to obtain certified translated copies of your documents that meet USCIS requirements. They provide all the necessary expertise and support to streamline your application experience.
Don’t risk costly delays or rejection. Get in touch with Certified Translation Dallas, and our team of experts will guide you through the daunting immigration maze.
Contact us for a free quote and get your submission process rolling today!
