If you’re applying for a U.S. visa, green card, or citizenship, you may be wondering: “Do I need to translate my birth certificate for USCIS?”
The short answer is yes. If your document is not in English, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires a certified translation to process your application.
Submitting an untranslated or incorrectly translated birth certificate can lead to delays, requests for evidence (RFEs), or even the denial of your case.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through USCIS translation requirements, explain what a certified translation includes, and help you avoid common mistakes that can lead to rejections or Requests for Evidence (RFEs).
Yes, USCIS requires a translated birth certificate if your original document isn’t in English.
According to official guidelines, any foreign-language document submitted as part of an immigration application must include a full English translation along with a certification statement from the translator.
The translation must be accurate and complete, reflecting all details from the original birth certificate, including seals, stamps, and signatures.
While USCIS allows translations to be done by anyone proficient in both languages, it’s highly recommended to use a translation company near me to ensure compliance and avoid delays or rejections.
Submitting an untranslated or improperly translated document can result in requests for evidence (RFEs) or even denial of your application, so proper certification is crucial.
USCIS has clear guidelines for translated documents that must be followed to ensure your application is processed smoothly. This includes:
USCIS requires that nothing is left out, as even minor details can be important for the review process. This means that marks, official seals, or other small but significant items in the original document need to be translated and included in the final version.
The translated document should closely mirror the format of the original. This includes maintaining the same layout, including headings, text placement, and any other visual elements.
A well-organized translation that matches the original in structure helps USCIS officials easily compare the two documents, ensuring nothing is missed or misunderstood.
Names, dates, and official titles must retain their original meaning and context when translated.
Avoid changes in spelling or meaning that could confuse or alter the interpretation of the document. A translator must ensure that the terms used in the translation align with their official equivalents in English.
The format of dates is significant in a translation. For example, the format for dates in the U.S. typically follows the month/day/year structure (e.g., 04/10/2025), while many other countries use day/month/year (e.g., 10/04/2025).
The translated document must use the U.S. date format to comply with USCIS standards. Failure to follow this formatting rule could lead to confusion and delays in the processing of your application.
USCIS doesn’t specifically ban relatives or friends from doing the translation, but the translator has to be fluent in both English and the original language.
The translator (even if it’s a relative) must include a signed statement confirming their competency and the accuracy of the translation. This must include their name, contact information, and a declaration.
The official format provided by the US Department of State is as follows:
“Certification by Translator
I [full 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 ______
Date Typed Name
Address”
The USCIS explicitly prohibits the self-translation of documents, including birth certificates, because it creates a conflict of interest.
USCIS considers self-translation unreliable because you have a personal stake in the immigration outcome. Translating your own document could (intentionally or unintentionally) lead to misrepresentations or omissions.
While USCIS allows friends or family members to translate documents, there are significant risks in relying on non-professionals. Here’s why hiring translating companies near me like Certified Translation Dallas is the smarter, safer choice:
Choosing a professional translator ensures your birth certificate translation meets all USCIS requirements without exception.
Certified linguists are trained to include every critical element—from official seals and signatures to marginal notes—in the proper format. Translations services near me provide exact certification statement USCIS demands, with legally valid wording that confirms the translation’s accuracy and completeness.
Unlike informal translations, which risk rejection over technicalities, professional services adhere strictly to USCIS guidelines, giving you confidence that your documents will be accepted on the first submission.
USCIS officers rigorously review translated documents, and even minor errors can trigger requests for evidence (RFEs) or outright denials.
Translating services near me eliminate this risk by delivering flawless translations that mirror the original document’s content and layout. We catch details that non-professionals might miss, such as notary stamps, registrar signatures, or specialized legal terms.
By avoiding incomplete or improperly certified translations, you prevent unnecessary processing delays that could postpone visa approvals, green cards, or citizenship applications.
USCIS prohibits applicants from translating their own documents due to conflict of interest concerns, and even family translators may unintentionally alter phrasing or omit details.
Professional translators provide impartial, word-for-word accuracy without subjective interpretation. Our expertise ensures consistency with legal terminology and government standards, which is especially crucial for documents like birth certificates containing precise personal and jurisdictional information.
Immigration deadlines often demand quick turnarounds, and professional services offer expedited options like same-day or 24-hour translations without sacrificing quality.
We streamline the process with digital delivery, notarization if required, and direct support for USCIS-specific requests.
For applicants juggling tight timelines, this efficiency is invaluable compared to the back-and-forth of correcting DIY errors or finding last-minute alternatives after a rejection.
A professionally certified translation includes a signed statement of accuracy that holds up under USCIS scrutiny. This documentation is critical for high-stakes applications, as officers may question informally prepared translations.
Professional services also provide revision support if USCIS requests clarifications, reducing stress during the adjudication process.
When submitting documents to USCIS, accuracy and compliance are non-negotiable.
At Certified Translation Dallas, we combine 30+ years of expertise with meticulous attention to detail to deliver translations that meet the strictest USCIS standards.
As a US-based company in Dallas, Texas, we specialize in certified and notarized translations, ensuring your birth certificate is processed without delays or rejections.
Our professional translators are experts in immigration requirements, providing 100% USCIS-accepted translations with properly formatted certification statements.
Every document undergoes rigorous quality checks to ensure it reflects the original exactly—including seals, stamps, and signatures—so you can file with confidence.
As an active member of the ATA (American Translators Association) and MITA, and certified by the NCTRCA as a DBE/MBE business, we uphold the highest industry standards. Our credentials reflect our commitment to excellence, whether for personal immigration cases or corporate clients.
Need a rush translation? We offer quick turnaround times, including same-day options, without compromising quality.
With secure online ordering, prompt quotes, and multiple delivery choices (digital, mail, or notarized hard copies), we make the process seamless. Your documents are handled with total confidentiality, protecting your sensitive information at every step.
Quality shouldn’t break the bank. We provide affordable, transparent pricing for certified translations, backed by decades of experience. Whether you’re applying for a visa, green card, or citizenship, our service is a reliable investment in your immigration journey.
A notarized document is one that has been signed in the presence of a notary public, who verifies the identity of the signer and affixes an official seal to confirm the authenticity of the signature.
However, USCIS does not require a translated birth certificate to be notarized. The primary requirement is that the translation be certified by the translator, who must include a signed statement confirming that the translation is accurate and complete and that they are qualified to perform the translation.
If you need a certified, USCIS-ready translation of your birth certificate, Certified Translation Dallas makes the process fast, easy, and stress-free.
Simply upload your document, and our professional translators—fluent in both your native language and English—will deliver a 100% USCIS-accepted translation with a signed certification statement.
With 24 to 48-hour turnaround options (including same-day service for urgent filings), you’ll get your translation quickly without compromising accuracy. Plus, we offer flexible delivery (digital PDF, notarized hard copies, or express shipping) to fit your needs.
So, what are you waiting for? Contact us for a free quote today!
