Birth Certificate Translation for USCIS Purposes

$19.99/page for eligible standard certified document translation for certified document translation with a signed certificate of translation accuracy.

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Birth certificate translation for USCIS: order path in one screen

Start birth certificate order

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What USCIS-purpose birth certificate translation includes

The translation should cover every visible part of the birth certificate, including names, dates, places, registration numbers, stamps, seals, signatures, marginal notes, amendments, and back-side text. The certification is a signed translator statement that the translation is complete and accurate.

Corpus provides certified document translation only. We do not provide immigration or filing guidance, filing strategy, document authentication service, spoken interpreting, or immigration outcome guarantees.

Detailed guide

Your birth certificate is probably the single most important document in your immigration file. It proves who you are, where you were born, and who your parents are – three things USCIS needs to verify before approving almost any immigration application.

Last updated: March 2026

If your birth certificate isn’t in English, you’ll need a certified translation before you can submit it. This guide walks you through exactly how to get your birth certificate translated for USCIS – step by step, no confusion.

When Does USCIS Require a Birth Certificate Translation?

Virtually always. A translated birth certificate is required for:

• I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) – Proves the family relationship between petitioner and beneficiary
• I-485 (Adjustment of Status) – Identity verification and relationship evidence
• N-400 (Naturalization) – Proves identity for citizenship applications
• K-1 (Fiancé Visa) – Identity verification for both partners
• I-765 (Work Permit) – Supporting identity documentation
• I-20 (Student Visa) – Identity verification for F-1 applications
• Consular processing – Required at embassy visa interviews

If you’re filing any immigration application and your birth certificate is in a language other than English, you need a certified translation. There are no exceptions.

What USCIS Requires in a Birth Certificate Translation

USCIS doesn’t just want the words translated. They want everything on the document translated. That includes:

• All printed text – Names, dates, places, registration numbers
• Handwritten entries – Many birth certificates, especially from older registries, contain handwritten names, dates, and registrar notes
• Official stamps and seals – Described in text (e.g., “[Round seal: Municipal Registry of Civil Status, Mexico City]”)
• Marginal annotations – Notes added after original registration (legitimation, name changes, corrections)
• Registrar signatures – Described (e.g., “[Signature of Civil Registrar]”)
• A signed certificate of accuracy – The translator’s or company’s signed statement certifying completeness and accuracy

An incomplete translation – one that skips a stamp or ignores a marginal note – can trigger a Request for Evidence (RFE), delaying your case by 30-90 days.

Birth Certificate Formats by Country

Birth certificates look different depending on where they were issued. Here’s what to expect from the most common countries of origin:

Mexico (Acta de Nacimiento)

Mexican birth certificates are issued by the Registro Civil (Civil Registry). They come in several formats:

• Long form (acta certificada) – Full text with all registration details, 1 page
• Short form (constancia) – Abbreviated version, 1 page
• Computerized format – Newer digital format with QR codes, 1 page

USCIS accepts translations of any format, but the long form or computerized version is preferred because it contains complete information.

China (出生证明 / 出生医学证明)

Chinese birth certificates are typically issued as part of a notarized certificate (公证书) for international use. The notarial package includes the original birth record and a cover certificate from the notary office. We translate the entire package.

India

Indian birth certificates vary significantly by state. They may be issued by municipal corporations, gram panchayats, or state registrars. Some are fully printed; others are partially handwritten. All formats are prepared for USCIS-purpose filings when properly translated.

Philippines

Filipino birth certificates are issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA, formerly NSO). They come in a standard printed format. “SECPA” (Security Paper) versions are the current standard.

Korea (출생증명서)

Korean birth certificates are issued by hospitals or local district offices. For immigration purposes, USCIS often requires a family relation certificate (가족관계증명서) rather than a standalone birth certificate.

Other Countries

We translate birth certificates from 65+ countries in any format – handwritten, printed, bilingual, or multi-page. If you’re not sure whether your birth certificate version is acceptable, upload it and we’ll advise.

How Much Does Birth Certificate Translation Cost?

Most birth certificates are a single page.

Certificate of accuracy: included. 24-hour delivery: included. Rush fees: none.

Compare that to competitors: RushTranslate charges $24.95/page, ImmiTranslate charges $25/page. For the same single-page birth certificate, you save 20% with Corpus Localization.

How to Get a Birth Certificate Translated for USCIS

1. Get a clear copy of your birth certificate – Scan, photo, or PDF from the civil registry in your country of origin. You keep the original.
2. Choose a certified translation service – Use an ATA corporate member for added credibility with USCIS.
3. Upload your document – Submit through the translation service’s portal. Phone photos work fine.
4. Receive your certified translation with certificate of accuracy – Delivered as a print-ready PDF within 24 hours.
5. Submit the translation alongside the original with your USCIS petition – Include both the foreign-language document and the certified English translation in your filing.

At Corpus Localization, this process costs $19.99 for a standard one-page birth certificate, with 24-hour delivery and no rush fees. Upload your document ->

Common Questions About Birth Certificate Translation for USCIS

Can I translate my own birth certificate for USCIS?

We don’t recommend it. USCIS policy states the translator should not be the applicant or petitioner. Self-translated birth certificates are frequently questioned and can result in an RFE. A professional translation costs $19.99 – it’s not worth the risk.

My birth certificate is old and faded. Can it still be translated?

In most cases, yes. Our translators are experienced with aged documents. If any text is illegible, we’ll note it in the translation and contact you for clarification rather than guess.

My birth certificate has been amended or corrected. Does that matter?

No – amendments and corrections are common (name corrections, legitimation notes, etc.). We translate the complete document including all amendments and marginal annotations. USCIS expects to see the full record.

Do I need the original birth certificate or can I send a copy?

For translation, a copy is all we need – scan, photo, or PDF. For your USCIS filing, you’ll typically submit a copy of the original alongside the certified translation (USCIS returns originals if you request it, but most applicants submit copies).

My country issues birth certificates in two languages. Do I still need a translation?

If one of the languages is English, USCIS may accept the document without translation. If both languages are non-English, you need a certified translation. When in doubt, get the translation – $19.99 is cheap insurance against an RFE.

Get Your Birth Certificate Translated Today

Don’t let a $19.99 translation delay your immigration case. Upload your birth certificate and receive a USCIS-purpose certified translation within 24 hours.

Get a free quote -> | Learn about USCIS translation services -> | Phone: (973) 803-2795

Current pricing and order routing

This is a support page. For the current document-specific owner, use birth certificate translation. For broad immigration cost comparison, use certified translation cost for USCIS-purpose documents. For general rates, see certified translation pricing.

Start your order for clear files with a known page count, or request a quote for backs, stamps, handwriting, poor scans, document sets, or recipient-specific instructions. Related service: USCIS translation services.

Cost and order FAQs

Where should I order a birth certificate translation now?

Use the main birth certificate translation page for document-specific ordering, page-count guidance, and direct order routing.

Where should I compare USCIS-purpose translation cost?

Use the certified translation cost for USCIS-purpose documents page for broad immigration document cost and comparison questions.

Should I order directly or request a quote?

Order directly for a clear birth certificate with a known page count. Request a quote for backs, stamps, handwriting, poor scans, multiple documents, or special recipient instructions.

Can any provider promise agency approval?

No provider can promise a government or agency outcome. Corpus prepares certified translations with a signed certificate for USCIS-purpose filings and recipient review.

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.”

Last updated: March 2026

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:

1. You’re filing a marriage-based I-130 and either you or your spouse was previously married
2. You’re filing an I-485 (adjustment of status) and your marital history includes a prior marriage
3. You’re filing an N-400 (naturalization) and your marital history shows a prior divorce
4. You’re filing a K-1 (fiancé visa) and either partner was previously married — proof that both are legally free to marry
5. 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 — some countries include this, others don’t)
• Custody arrangements (if part of the decree)
• Property division terms (if included)
• Alimony or support orders (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.

Types of Divorce Documents by Country

Not every country issues divorce documents the same way. Here’s what to expect:

Civil Court Divorce Decrees

The most common type worldwide. A judge issues a decree (sentencia, jugement, Urteil, решение) dissolving the marriage. This is what USCIS expects to see from most countries.

Islamic Divorce Certificates

Talaq (طلاق) — divorce initiated by the husband. Common in documents from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and other Muslim-majority countries.
Khula (خلع) — divorce initiated by the wife, typically involving return of mahr (dowry). Our translators handle the specific Islamic legal terminology accurately.

Administrative Divorces

Some countries allow divorce without a court proceeding:

• China — Divorce by agreement at the marriage registration office (民政局). A simple one-page certificate.
• Japan — Divorce by mutual consent (協議離婚) filed at the municipal office. No court involvement.
• Scandinavia — Administrative divorces through government agencies.

Religious Divorces

Jewish get (גט), Catholic annulments, and other religious dissolution documents. For USCIS purposes, translate the official document that shows the divorce is legally recognized in the country of origin.

How Much Does Divorce Decree Translation Cost?

Divorce decrees vary more in length than most personal documents:

Typical cost for most immigration applicants: $39.98-$59.97 (2-3 page decree).

Certificate of accuracy included. 24-hour delivery included. No rush fees.

Common Mistakes That Cause RFEs

Mistake #1: Submitting only the divorce certificate, not the full decree.

Some countries issue both a short certificate and a full decree. USCIS usually wants the full decree showing grounds, terms, and finality. If in doubt, translate the longest version you have.

Mistake #2: Not translating custody and property sections.

“USCIS only cares about the divorce itself, not the custody arrangement.” Wrong. USCIS requires a complete translation of the entire document. Skipping sections can lead to an RFE.

Mistake #3: Assuming a separation agreement equals a divorce.

A legal separation is not a divorce. USCIS requires proof that the marriage was legally dissolved — not just that the parties separated. Make sure you have the final divorce decree, not an interim separation order.

Mistake #4: Self-translating the divorce decree.

Divorce decrees contain legal terminology that general bilingual speakers often mistranslate. “Disolución del vínculo matrimonial” isn’t just “divorce” — it’s “dissolution of the marital bond.” Professional translation ensures legal terminology is handled correctly.

Mistake #5: Forgetting the divorce decree entirely.

The most common mistake of all. If you were married before and are now filing a marriage-based petition, USCIS may ask for your divorce decree. Better to include it from the start than wait for an RFE.

What If You Can’t Find Your Divorce Decree?

If you’ve lost your divorce decree or can’t obtain a copy from the issuing court:

1. Contact the court that granted the divorce. Most courts maintain records and can issue certified copies. You may be able to request this through a relative or attorney in the country.
2. Contact the consulate or embassy. Some countries allow you to obtain court records through their consular offices in the U.S.
3. Work with your immigration attorney. If you genuinely cannot obtain a divorce decree, your attorney may be able to submit alternative evidence with an explanation.
4. Check for registration records. In some countries, divorces are registered separately from the court decree. A registration certificate may be acceptable.

Once you have the document — in whatever form — we translate it.

Step-by-Step: Getting Your Divorce Decree Translated

1. Obtain a copy of your divorce decree from the issuing court or civil registry
2. Choose the right path: clear, readable files with a known page count can go to start your order; dense, unclear, stamped, sealed, amended, RFE, or special-instruction files should use the quote form
3. Confirm the page count and cost before work begins
4. Approve and pay securely online after the order or quote path is confirmed
5. Receive your certified translation within 24 hours — print-ready PDF with certificate of accuracy

Divorce Decree Translation FAQs

Does USCIS accept a divorce certificate instead of a full decree?

It depends on the country. Some countries issue only a certificate (China, Japan). Others issue both. For USCIS purposes, translate the most complete official divorce document available.

My ex-spouse’s name is on the divorce decree. Will USCIS contact them?

Translating a divorce decree does not trigger contact with your ex-spouse. The translated document is simply evidence in your immigration file.

Do I need to translate divorce decrees for both me and my spouse?

If both you and your spouse were previously married, yes — USCIS needs proof that both prior marriages were terminated.

My divorce was 20+ years ago. Do I still need it translated?

Yes. USCIS requires proof of termination for all prior marriages regardless of when the divorce occurred.

What if my divorce was in the same country as my birth certificate — can I bundle them?

We can translate both in the same order. Each document receives its own certified translation with its own certificate of accuracy. Upload everything at once for efficiency.

Get Your Divorce Decree Translated

Don’t let a missing translation delay your immigration case. Upload your divorce decree and receive a certified translation within 24 hours.

Clear, readable divorce decrees with a known page count start at $19.99/page. Use Start your order for standard files, or Get a quote for dense, unclear, stamped, sealed, amended, RFE, or special-instruction files. Divorce decree translation details →

Phone: (973) 803-2795

Compare providers: Best certified translation services for USCIS  ·  RushTranslate review  ·  ImmiTranslate alternative  ·  Day Translations review  ;·; ; One Hour Translation review

For Japanese family-register (koseki) and civil documents, see certified Japanese translation services for USCIS.

For Bangladeshi civil documents and records, see certified Bengali translation services for USCIS.