Divorce Decree Translation for USCIS: Everything You Need to Know
5 min read | Document Guides
Last updated: March 2026
If you’ve been married before — or if your spouse has — USCIS needs proof that the prior marriage ended. That means a translated divorce decree. No exceptions, no workarounds, and no “they probably won’t ask.”
They will ask. And if you don’t have it, your petition gets an RFE that delays everything by one to three months.
This guide covers exactly when USCIS requires a divorce decree translation, what the translation needs to include, and how to get it done quickly and correctly.
When Does USCIS Require a Divorce Decree Translation?
USCIS requires a certified translation of your divorce decree whenever:
- You’re filing a marriage-based I-130 and either you or your spouse was previously married
- You’re filing an I-485 (adjustment of status) and your marital history includes a prior marriage
- You’re filing an N-400 (naturalization) and your marital history shows a prior divorce
- You’re filing a K-1 (fiancé visa) and either partner was previously married
- You’re filing an I-751 (removing conditions on residence) and there’s a discrepancy in marital history
The logic is simple: USCIS needs to confirm that any prior marriage has been legally terminated before recognizing a current marriage. A foreign-language divorce decree that USCIS can’t read doesn’t prove anything.
What Needs to Be Translated?
USCIS requires a complete certified translation. For a divorce decree, that means:
- Names of both parties (including maiden names and any aliases)
- Date and place of the original marriage
- Date the divorce was finalized
- Court name, case number, and judge’s name
- Grounds for divorce (if stated)
- Custody arrangements (if part of the decree)
- Property division terms (if included)
- All stamps, seals, and court signatures
- Marginal annotations or amendments
Even if you only need the divorce itself verified, USCIS expects the entire document to be translated. Partial translations trigger RFEs.
How to Avoid Common RFE Triggers
RFE Trigger #1: Missing translator certification
Every divorce decree translation must include a signed certificate of accuracy. The translator attests that they are competent in both languages and that the translation is complete and accurate.
RFE Trigger #2: Incomplete translation
Translating only the “important parts” guarantees an RFE. USCIS wants every word, every stamp, every signature translated — even if it seems redundant.
RFE Trigger #3: Name discrepancies
If the names on the divorce decree don’t exactly match the names on your current application, include an explanation or additional documentation showing they’re the same person.
Cost and Timeline
Cost
$19.99
per page
Timeline
24
hours delivery
Includes
Complete translation + Certificate of accuracy
Most divorce decrees are 1-3 pages, making the total cost $19.99-$59.97. Certificate of accuracy is included at no extra charge.
Need Your Divorce Decree Translated?
Certified divorce decree translation with certificate of accuracy. USCIS-accepted, $19.99/page, 24-hour delivery. Upload your document and get started.
About the Author
Written by the Corpus Localization Team — professional certified translation services specializing in USCIS immigration documents, legal translations, and academic credentials. All translations include a Certificate of Accuracy accepted by USCIS, courts, and government agencies nationwide.
About the Author
Corpus Localization Team - Our team of certified translation specialists provides professional document translation services accepted by USCIS and government agencies worldwide. With expertise in over 100 languages, we deliver accurate translations with 24-hour turnaround and comprehensive quality assurance.