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NVC Certified Translation Requirements for Civil Documents
NVC requires certified translations for civil documents that are not in English or not in the official language of the country where the applicant is applying. The translation must include a signed statement that it is accurate and that the translator is competent.
Last reviewed: May 2026.
Short answer: For National Visa Center civil documents, certified translation is required when the document language does not meet State.gov’s language rule. If uploading to CEAC, include the source document first and the certified English translation after it in a single file.
Primary source: State.gov Step 7: Collect Civil Documents.
What does NVC require for translated civil documents?
State.gov says civil documents not written in English, or in the official language of the country from which the applicant is applying, must be accompanied by certified translations. The signed translator statement must confirm the translation is accurate and the translator is competent to translate.
Which NVC civil documents may need translation?
- Birth certificates
- Marriage certificates
- Divorce decrees, death certificates, and annulment records
- Police certificates
- Court and prison records
- Military records
- Adoption and custody documents
- Passport biographic pages when requested
How should NVC translations be uploaded to CEAC?
State.gov’s Civil Documents FAQ says that if you have a certified translation, include a scan of the translation with the original foreign-language document in one file. Put the native-language document first, followed by the English translation.
- Scan the full source document clearly.
- Include front and back if both sides contain text, seals, stamps, or notes.
- Add the English certified translation after the source document.
- Keep the signed certificate with the translation.
- Upload as one file when CEAC asks for the civil document.
Does NVC require notarized translations?
NVC’s core civil document instruction is certified translation with a signed accuracy and competence statement. Notarization is not the blanket rule for every NVC document. Corpus offers optional notarization for $25 only when the receiving office specifically requests it.
NVC vs Department of State vs USCIS
NVC is part of the Department of State immigrant visa process. USCIS filings are separate domestic immigration submissions. The certification language is similar, but CEAC upload rules and consular interview document handling are specific to NVC/Department of State processing.
How much does an NVC certified translation cost?
8¢ per word or $19.99 per page — whichever is lower for standard certified document translation. Certificate of Accuracy included. Digital PDF delivery included. Most short civil documents can be delivered within 24 hours after upload and payment.
Order an NVC certified translation
Upload the full document and tell us it is for NVC, CEAC, or a consular interview. We will prepare the certified English translation and signed Certificate of Accuracy for your civil document packet.
Related resources
- Department of State translation requirements
- Visa document translation services
- USCIS translation checklist
- Birth certificate translation
- Certified translation pricing
FAQ
Does NVC require certified translations?
Yes. State.gov says civil documents not written in English, or in the official language of the country where the applicant is applying, must be accompanied by certified translations.
What must the NVC translator certification say?
The signed translator statement must say the translation is accurate and that the translator is competent to translate.
How do I upload a certified translation to CEAC?
State.gov says to include the certified translation scan with the original foreign-language document in one file. Place the native-language document first, followed by the English translation.
Does NVC require notarized translations?
The core NVC civil document rule is certified translation with a signed translator statement. Notarization is only needed if a consulate, attorney, or receiving office specifically requests it.
How much does an NVC certified translation cost?
Corpus Localization charges 8¢ per word or $19.99 per page — whichever is lower for standard certified document translation. Most short civil documents can be delivered within 24 hours after upload and payment.
Which civil documents often need NVC translation?
Birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, police certificates, court records, prison records, military records, adoption documents, and custody records commonly need translation when they are not in an accepted language.
Official sources used
State.gov Step 7: Collect Civil Documents; State.gov Civil Documents FAQ; State.gov Submitting Documents to NVC.
Not legal advice: This page explains translation requirements and order logistics, not visa eligibility or case strategy.