Summary
USCIS requires certified translations that vouch for the document's accuracy, not notarized translations, which only verify the translator's signature.
Submitting an incorrect or uncertified translation can lead to costly delays or a Request for Evidence (RFE) from USCIS.
A valid certification must include a statement of the translator's competence, an attestation of accuracy, the translator's signature, name, and contact information.
For a fast, compliant solution, Bluente offers USCIS-ready certified translations from $25 per page with a 24-hour turnaround.
You've spent hours collecting all your foreign-language documents for your immigration application. But now you're staring at the USCIS instructions stating you need "certified translations" while online forums mention "notarization." You wonder: "Is there a difference between certified and notarized? Which one does USCIS actually want?"
This confusion isn't just frustrating—it can lead to costly delays, rejected applications, or dreaded Requests for Evidence (RFEs). Many applicants waste time and money on unnecessary services or, worse, fail to provide what USCIS truly requires.
In this article, we'll definitively clarify what USCIS demands for translations, explain the crucial differences between certification and notarization, and provide a step-by-step guide to ensure your documents sail smoothly through the immigration process.
Decoding the Terminology: Certified vs. Notarized Translation
The terms "certified" and "notarized" are not interchangeable—they refer to entirely different processes with distinct purposes.
What is a Certified Translation?
Focus: Accuracy and Completeness
A certified translation is a translated document accompanied by a signed statement from the translator or translation company. This statement—often called a "Certificate of Translation Accuracy"—attests that the translation is complete and accurate to the best of the translator's ability and knowledge.
According to the American Translators Association, this certification adds accountability for the translation's quality, which is why it's crucial for legal and immigration purposes.
What is a Notarized Translation?
Focus: Identity Verification
A notarized translation involves a notary public witnessing the translator sign the certification statement. The notary's role is not to verify the accuracy of the translation—they cannot do this unless they are also fluent in both languages. Their sole function is to verify the identity of the person signing the document and confirm the signature is legitimate.
The National Notary Association clarifies that this involves a three-part process: vetting the signer's identity, certifying the signature, and record-keeping.
Simple Breakdown:
Certified Translation: Guarantees the translation's accuracy
Notarized Translation: Guarantees the translator's signature is authentic
The Official USCIS Stance: Certification is Non-Negotiable
USCIS is crystal clear about its requirements for translations. The official regulation 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."
Note that this statement mentions certification but says nothing about notarization. This is deliberate—USCIS requires certified translations because they need to ensure all submitted evidence is reliable and can be evaluated correctly.
Mistakes or misinterpretations in vital documents like birth or marriage certificates can have severe legal consequences and potentially jeopardize an entire application. As one experienced immigration applicant noted, "If USCIS meant 'notarized,' they will say 'notarized.'" Their instructions are specific and should be followed exactly.
Common documents requiring certified translation include:
Birth certificates
Marriage certificates
Divorce certificates or decrees
Police clearance certificates
Academic diplomas and transcripts
Official government documents supporting applications (e.g., for Form I-130)
What Makes a Certification Valid for USCIS? A Step-by-Step Guide
A valid certification is not just a signature; it's a formal statement containing specific information. Let's break down exactly what USCIS expects.
Who Can Certify a Translation?
USCIS does not maintain a list of "approved" or "authorized" translators. The translator must simply be competent to translate from the foreign language into English. This means:
The translator must be fluent in both languages.
While you can technically use a competent friend or family member, using a professional service is highly advisable to avoid any appearance of bias or potential errors. Services like Bluente's Certified Translation service are familiar with USCIS standards and provide the required certification as a standard part of their process.
The translation company must have experience with immigration documentation.
The Anatomy of a Perfect Certification Statement
The certification must be a separate statement, often on company letterhead if using a service. It must explicitly include these elements:
A statement that the translator is competent to translate from the source language to English
A statement attesting that the translation is complete and accurate
The translator's full typed name
The translator's signature
The date of certification
The translator's contact information (address is recommended)
Certification Statement Template
Here's a template that meets all USCIS requirements:
CERTIFICATE OF TRANSLATION ACCURACY
I, [Full Typed Name of Translator], certify that I am fluent in the English and [Source Language] languages, and that I am competent to translate from [Source Language] into English.
I further certify that the foregoing document, [Title of Document], is a complete and accurate translation of the original document attached hereto.
Signature: _________________________
Typed Name: [Full Typed Name of Translator]
Address: [Translator's Full Address]
Date: [Date of Certification]
Many professional translation services will already have their own certification format that meets these requirements, including a certification stamp that adds a professional appearance, though the stamp itself is not a USCIS requirement.
So, is Notarization Ever Necessary?
While not a USCIS requirement, notarization does have its place in certain contexts within the immigration process.
When Notarization Might Be Needed:
Other Government Agencies: Some state or local agencies may require notarized translations for specific procedures.
Court Proceedings: Documents submitted as evidence in U.S. court cases may require notarization.
International Requirements: Some foreign embassies, consulates, or institutions might require notarized documents.
Added Assurance: Some applicants choose to get translations notarized for their own peace of mind, but this is an optional, extra step and cost for USCIS purposes.
As one immigration forum commenter suggested, "Ideally, you should do both." While this approach isn't harmful, it's important to understand that for your USCIS package, the critical, non-negotiable part is the certification. Prioritize getting a proper certified translation first, and only pursue notarization if you have a specific reason to do so.
A Real-World Scenario: Translating Documents from Vietnam
Let's apply these principles to a common scenario to provide concrete guidance.
Scenario: An applicant in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, is preparing documents for a U.S. immigrant visa application. They need to submit their Vietnamese birth certificate (Giấy khai sinh) and marriage certificate (Giấy chứng nhận kết hôn).
Step-by-Step Process:
Find a Reputable Translator: The applicant should find a professional Vietnamese translation company that is familiar with documents for U.S. immigration. They should specifically ask, "Can you provide a certified translation that meets USCIS requirements?"
The Translation: The service translates the documents fully and accurately from Vietnamese to English.
The Certification (The Crucial Step): The company provides a "Certificate of Translation Accuracy" for each document. This certificate must include all the elements listed earlier (translator's competence, statement of accuracy, name, signature, date, address). This is what the U.S. Embassy in Vietnam and USCIS require.
Notarization: The applicant does not need to ask for notarization for their USCIS package. The certified translation is sufficient and meets the requirement. Focusing on notarization would be a waste of time and money for this specific purpose.
Many Vietnamese applicants have successfully submitted certified (but not notarized) translations for their immigration applications. As one applicant noted, "I've translated multiple documents to upload as RFE/evidence for USCIS, and my 'certified' translation documents have always been accepted."
Key Takeaways
Certified Translation: Focuses on accuracy. It is required by USCIS.
Notarized Translation: Focuses on identity. It is not required by USCIS.
Actionable Advice:
Always ensure your translator provides a complete certification statement with all the necessary components.
Don't pay for notarization for your USCIS submission unless specifically instructed by another authority for a different purpose.
When in doubt, refer back to the official instructions for the specific form you are filing (e.g., Form I-130).
For a reliable, USCIS-compliant solution, consider a service like Bluente's Certified Translation, which offers certified translations for immigration from $25 per page with a 24-hour turnaround.
Understanding this key difference empowers you to prepare your immigration package correctly, avoid unnecessary expenses, and prevent stressful delays or Requests for Evidence (RFE).
Remember: in U.S. immigration, precision matters. By ensuring your translations are properly certified according to USCIS requirements, you remove one more potential obstacle from your path to approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between a certified and a notarized translation for USCIS?
A certified translation guarantees the accuracy and completeness of the translation, which is what USCIS requires. A notarized translation only verifies the identity of the person who signed the certification statement, not the quality of the translation itself.
Does USCIS require notarized translations?
No, USCIS does not require translations to be notarized. They only require a certified translation, which includes a signed statement from the translator attesting to the translation's accuracy and their competence in both languages.
Who is qualified to provide a certified translation for USCIS?
Any person who is competent to translate from the foreign language into English can provide a certified translation. While this can be a friend or family member, it is highly recommended to use a professional translation service to avoid any potential conflicts of interest or errors that could lead to a Request for Evidence (RFE).
Can I translate my own documents for my USCIS application?
No, you cannot translate your own documents for a USCIS application. The translation must be certified by a third party who is fluent in both languages to ensure impartiality and accuracy.
What information must be included in a USCIS translation certification?
A valid certification statement for USCIS must include: a statement of the translator's competence, a declaration that the translation is complete and accurate, the translator's full name, signature, contact information, and the date.
What happens if I submit an improper translation to USCIS?
Submitting an improper or uncertified translation can lead to significant delays in your application. USCIS may issue a Request for Evidence (RFE), requiring you to resubmit the documents with a proper certified translation, or they could reject your application altogether.
Do I need to submit the original foreign-language document with the translation?
Yes, you should always submit a photocopy of the original foreign-language document along with the certified English translation. This allows the USCIS officer to see both the original text and its corresponding translation.