Why You Need Certified Translations for Immigration
If you are applying for something related to immigration in the United States—like a green card, visa, or going to court—you must send your documents in English. If your documents are in another language, you must include a certified English translation.
Not sending the correct translation can cause delays or even denials. In this blog post, we’ll explain:
What a certified translation is
Why it’s required
What needs to be included
Where to find a translator you can trust
Translation of a written document without certification.
Document translated maintaining the original structure, without certification.
What is a Certified Translation?
A certified translation means:
A person translated your document into English
That person signs a statement saying:
They are able to translate the language
The translation is true and correct
This signed statement must be added to the translation. It tells the government that the document can be trusted.
U.S. Department of Justice requires the translator’s
Name
Signature
Address
Telephone number
🏛 What Does the Government Say About It?
▶ U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
USCIS is the part of the government that handles green cards, work permits, and many other immigration forms. They say:
“Please submit certified translations for all foreign language documents. The translator must certify that they are competent to translate and that the translation is accurate.”
USCIS also says the translation should include:
Translator’s name
Signature
Address
Date
You don’t need a notary unless asked.
▶ U.S. Department of State
The Department of State helps with visas and documents from other countries. They remind people:
“Certified translations must include the translator’s name, signature, address, and the date of certification.”
They also suggest checking the Reciprocity Page if you’re missing a document like a birth or marriage certificate from your home country.
▶ U.S. Department of Justice (Immigration Court)
If you are going to Immigration Court, the rules are even stricter. The court says:
“All documents must be in English or have a certified English translation.”
Also:
“The translator must include a statement saying they are able to translate the document and that the translation is complete and correct.”
They also require the translator’s:
Name
Signature
Address
Telephone number
What Should the Certification Say?
Here’s an example of what a certified translation should include:
Translator’s Certification
I, [Typed Name], certify that I speak both English and [Other Language]. I can translate between these languages. I translated the document called “[Name of Document]” into English.
This translation is true and correct to the best of my ability.
Signature: ____________________________
Printed Name: ________________________
Address: _____________________________
Phone Number: _______________________
Date: ________________________________
What Happens if You Don’t Do It?
If you send documents in another language without a proper translation, your application may be:
Delayed
Denied
Returned for correction
In court, your document may not be accepted at all.
Final Thoughts
If you’re sending foreign documents for your immigration process, don’t risk making a mistake. A certified translation is not optional—it’s a must.
Working with the right translator can save you time, stress, and even your chance at staying in the U.S. Make sure your story is clear and correct from the start.
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🔍 Where Can You Get a Certified Translation?
👋 We’re your trusted team at U.S. Immigration Assistance — and we specialize in certified translations for all your immigration needs.
From birth certificates to court records, we provide fast, accurate, and government-compliant translations to help you move forward with confidence.
🔹 Need a certified translation for USCIS or Immigration Court?
🔹 Not sure if your documents are properly prepared?
📩 Contact us today and let our experts handle your translations and paperwork with care. We're here to make the process easier — and we're just a message away. 💙