Divorce Decree Translation for USCIS: Everything You Need to Know

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.