USCIS translation resource
USCIS translation checklist for certified translation
Use this checklist to decide which foreign-language documents need certified English translation, what the translator certification should say, and whether to start an order or request quote review.
Last reviewed July 8, 2026.
What is certified translation for USCIS?
A certified translation for USCIS is a complete English translation of a foreign-language document plus the translator’s certification that the translation is complete and accurate and that the translator is competent to translate from the source language into English. That pairing is what 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3) requires. USCIS sets one requirement for the translator: a certification, for USCIS purposes, that the translation is complete and accurate and that the translator is competent to translate from the foreign language into English (8 CFR 103.2(b)(3)).
Does USCIS accept translations from a company?
8 CFR 103.2(b)(3) requires a full English translation that the translator has certified as complete and accurate, and the translator’s certification that they are competent to translate from the foreign language into English.
Can my friend translate my birth certificate for USCIS?
8 CFR 103.2(b)(3) does not require a professional agency. It requires a full English translation that the translator has certified as complete and accurate, and the translator’s certification that they are competent to translate from the foreign language into English.
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Prepare your documents for certified USCIS translation
The USCIS Translation-Ready Packet Checklist shows you what to upload, what details to check, and when your file needs review before payment.
Use it to catch missing backs, cropped seals, inconsistent name spellings, unreadable scans, and incomplete document sets before translation starts.
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Have a birth, marriage, divorce, academic, or police record? Start your order. Eligible standard documents are $19.99 per page. Not sure about the page count, scan quality, handwriting, or back side? Request a quote review.
What documents need certified translation for USCIS?
Under 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3), a foreign-language document in a USCIS filing must be accompanied by a full English translation that the translator has certified as complete and accurate, and by the translator's certification that they are competent to translate. Common examples include birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce records, police records, diplomas, transcripts, adoption records, court records, name-change records, and identity documents.
USCIS sets its own filing and evidence rules. Corpus prepares certified English translations of documents; it does not provide legal advice, immigration filing advice, or outcome promises.
For a clear, standard document with a known page count, use Start Your Order. For unclear scans, handwritten records, backs, stamps, seals, multiple documents, or special recipient instructions, use Get a Quote before payment.
For the main service page, see USCIS translation services. For a common civil record path, see birth certificate translation. For cost planning, see certified translation pricing. For form-by-form translation notes, see USCIS translation requirements by form.
Which USCIS documents need translation?
Any foreign-language document submitted with a USCIS benefit request should be reviewed for English translation. If the document supports identity, family relationship, education, work history, civil status, criminal history, or a prior legal event, plan for certified translation.
For most buyers, the safest checklist starts with civil records. Birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, adoption records, death certificates, police certificates, court records, school transcripts, diplomas, employment letters, military records, and name-change documents may need certified English translation when they are not already in English. Translate the full visible record, not only the line that seems relevant. Small stamps, registry notes, signatures, and back-side markings can help the recipient compare the source document with the English version.
Use this page as translation-scope guidance only. If a buyer is unsure whether USCIS wants a specific record for a filing, that question belongs with the form instructions or a qualified immigration professional.
What must the translator certification say?
The certification should state that the English translation is complete and accurate and that the translator is competent to translate from the source language into English. 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3) does not mention a signature, but USCIS form instructions can. The Form I-485 instructions (edition dated September 18, 2026) say the translator must sign the certification and include a printed name, signature date and contact information. Check the instructions for your form.
Corpus prepares certified translations with a signed Certificate of Translation Accuracy for document submission. The certification should travel with the English translation and source-document copy so the recipient can see what was translated. The translator should not change the meaning of names, dates, places, stamps, or handwritten notes to match a form or passport. If the source document has unclear text, the translation should handle that uncertainty plainly instead of guessing. Corpus can translate the document; USCIS and other recipients control their own review decisions.
Do all pages and backs need translation?
Translate every page or back side that has visible text, stamps, seals, notes, signatures, registry marks, or official labels. A truly blank back does not need translation.
Buyers often upload only the front because the main certificate text is there. That can miss filing stamps, handwritten amendments, issuing-office notes, barcodes, or registry language on the back. If a back side has any visible marking, include it in the file upload. If the buyer is not sure whether the back counts as a page, route the file through quote review before payment. Quote review is also better for cropped photos, dark scans, glare, folded corners, old civil registry books, handwritten margins, or multi-page document sets.
Should the buyer order now or request review?
Start an order for a birth, marriage, divorce, academic, or police record of up to 4 pages. Request quote review when the file or recipient instructions could change the scope, deadline, or page count.
Direct checkout works best for a clean one-document upload where every page is visible and the buyer knows how many pages need translation. Quote review is better when a file includes more than one record, mixed languages, dense stamps, an old registry format, unclear names, handwritten notes, or special formatting instructions from the recipient. The goal is simple: avoid the wrong order path before payment. A quick review can prevent a buyer from undercounting pages, missing a back side, or sending a scan that is too hard to translate accurately.
Start your order or request a quote
Start your order for an eligible standard document
If your document is a birth, marriage, divorce, academic, or police record of up to 4 pages, start an order. Eligible standard documents are $19.99 per page. Upload every side that has text, stamps, seals, notes, signatures, or official markings.
- The document is clear, complete, and readable.
- The page count is obvious.
- Every side with text or official markings is included.
- The document is a standard civil, school, identity, or court record.
- The buyer needs certified English translation only.
- There are no unusual recipient formatting instructions.
Request a quote when the file needs review first
Request quote review before payment if the file has unclear scans, backs, handwriting, stamps, seals, multiple records, uncertain page count, or special recipient instructions.
- The scan is blurry, cropped, dark, folded, partly cut off, or hard to read.
- The document has handwritten entries, marginal notes, amendments, or dense stamps.
- A back side has text, registry marks, seals, signatures, or filing notes.
- The file set includes multiple documents or uncertain page count.
- Names, dates, places, seals, or abbreviations are unclear.
- The document uses an old registry format or several languages.
- The recipient gave specific translation, formatting, deadline, or certification wording instructions.
What does 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3) require?
8 CFR 103.2(b)(3) states: “Any document containing foreign language submitted to USCIS shall be accompanied by a full English language translation which the translator has certified as complete and accurate, and by the translator's certification that he or she is competent to translate from the foreign language into English.”
Who can certify a translation for USCIS?
A competent translator. 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3) requires the translator’s certification that they are competent to translate from the foreign language into English, and their certification that the English translation is complete and accurate. It does not require American Translators Association membership, a company rather than an individual, or a government-issued translator license. USCIS does not publish a list of approved translators. 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3) does not say who must translate a document.
Does the USCIS translation certification need to be notarized?
8 CFR 103.2(b)(3) requires a full English translation and certification by the translator of competence, completeness, and accuracy. The regulation does not require a notary seal on that certification. A notary stamp does not replace those two statements. Sample wording that tracks the regulation is on the USCIS translation certification wording page.
FAQ: USCIS translation checklist
Do USCIS documents need certified translation?
Yes. Under 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3), a foreign-language document in a USCIS filing must be accompanied by a full English translation that the translator has certified as complete and accurate, and by the translator's certification that they are competent to translate. Corpus prepares certified English translations of documents; USCIS controls its own filing review.
What should a USCIS translation certification include?
The certification should state that the translation is complete and accurate and that the translator is competent to translate from the source language into English. Include it with the translation. 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3) does not mention a signature, but USCIS form instructions can: the Form I-485 instructions (edition dated September 18, 2026) say the translator must sign the certification, so check the instructions for your form.
Which documents commonly need translation for USCIS?
Common documents include birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce records, adoption records, police records, court records, diplomas, transcripts, employment letters, military records, and name-change records.
Do stamps, seals, and backs need translation?
Yes, when they contain visible text, official labels, registry notes, signatures, or markings. Upload every side with visible content so the translator can include the full record.
How much does certified translation cost?
Eligible standard documents are $19.99 per page. Request quote review first when the page count, scan quality, handwriting, stamps, backs, or document scope is unclear.
Should I order online or request a quote?
Start an order for a birth, marriage, divorce, academic, or police record of up to 4 pages. Request a quote for unclear scans, multiple records, backs with text, handwriting, dense stamps, or special recipient instructions.
What does 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3) require for translations?
Any foreign-language document submitted to USCIS must include a full English translation. The translator must certify that the translation is complete and accurate, and that the translator is competent to translate from the foreign language into English. USCIS Policy Manual Volume 1, Part E, Chapter 6 states that a summary is not a full translation. See the certification-wording page for sample language.
Who can certify a USCIS translation — a company or a friend?
Either, if the translator is competent. 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3) does not require a company, ATA membership, or a government translator license. USCIS sets one requirement for the translator: a certification, for USCIS purposes, that the translation is complete and accurate and that the translator is competent to translate from the foreign language into English (8 CFR 103.2(b)(3)). A friend or a professional service may sign the certification when they can translate from the source language into English and will certify completeness and accuracy.
Does USCIS require notarization of the translation certification?
8 CFR 103.2(b)(3) does not mention notarization of the certification. The regulation requires a full English translation plus the translator’s certification of competence, completeness, and accuracy. A notary seal does not substitute for those statements. Check a specific form’s instructions if a recipient asks for extra formalities.