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 documents need certified translation for USCIS?
Foreign-language documents submitted to USCIS usually need a complete English translation with a signed translator certification. 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.
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. It should be signed by the translator or translation provider.
Corpus prepares certified translations with a signed certification statement 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?
Order directly when the file is clear, complete, readable, and easy to count. 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 when the document is clear
If your document is clear and the page count is known, start an order at $19.99/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.
FAQ: USCIS translation checklist
Do USCIS documents need certified translation?
Foreign-language documents submitted to USCIS generally need a complete English translation with a signed translator certification. 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. It should be signed and included with the translation.
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?
Certified translation starts at $19.99/page for eligible clear standard files. 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?
Order online when the file is clear, complete, readable, and easy to count. Request a quote for unclear scans, multiple records, backs with text, handwriting, dense stamps, or special recipient instructions.