You've spent countless hours perfecting your EB2-NIW petition. Every document carefully selected, every achievement meticulously documented. Then your attorney mentions needing a "wet seal" on your translated documents, and panic sets in. Where do you find a translator with an official seal? Do you need to mail original documents internationally? Will using scanned copies risk your entire application?
This confusion is remarkably common. As one applicant shared: "I am perpetually confused when I hear of attorneys stressing over the need to get a 'wet signature' or an 'ink signature'." Another worried: "Should I provide the original signed documents that the translator provided me with? Or should I send gray-scale copies?"
In an increasingly digital world, these questions highlight the gap between evolving USCIS policies and the cautious practices of immigration attorneys. This article will demystify what wet seals and signatures actually are, when they're truly required for your NIW petition, and how to navigate the practical realities of document submission without jeopardizing your application.
Summary
USCIS officially accepts scanned signatures, but a rise in RFEs (Requests for Evidence) for signatures that appear reproduced creates confusion and risk for applicants.
The safest strategy to avoid delays is to use blue ink for wet signatures, submit high-quality color scans, and always keep the original physical documents.
For translated documents, USCIS does not require a translator's "wet seal" but rather a signed attestation of accuracy, which can be submitted as a scan.
To eliminate guesswork and RFE risk, services like Bluente's Certified Document Translation provide properly formatted, USCIS-compliant translations and attestations.
Decoding the Terminology: Wet Seals vs. Wet Signatures vs. Digital Signatures
Before diving into requirements, let's clarify what these terms actually mean:
Wet Seal: A physical impression made by a stamp or embosser on paper, traditionally used to authenticate documents. The term "wet" refers to ink stamps that create an impression. These are typically used by notaries, government agencies, or professional organizations (like engineers or architects) to certify documents.
Wet Signature: A signature created by physically signing a document with ink. The traditional "John Hancock" that leaves actual ink on paper. This is distinct from a wet seal, though both involve physical marking of documents.
Digital/Electronic Signatures: This category includes two important subtypes:
Electronically Reproduced Signature: A scanned, photocopied, or faxed version of an original wet signature.
True Electronic Signature: A signature created entirely digitally, such as using DocuSign or typing "/s/" followed by your name.
Understanding these distinctions is crucial because USCIS treats each differently.
The Official Word from USCIS: What the Policy Manual Actually Says
In July 2022, USCIS permanently adopted a policy that had temporarily been implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic: accepting electronically reproduced signatures on paper applications.
According to the USCIS Policy Manual, a valid signature for immigration purposes is:
A handwritten mark, which does not need to be legible or even in cursive
For paper filings, USCIS explicitly accepts photocopies, scans, or faxes of original handwritten signatures (unless specific form instructions state otherwise)
This policy is grounded in regulation 8 C.F.R. § 103.2(a)(2), which governs signature requirements.
What USCIS explicitly rejects:
Typed names in signature blocks
Signatures created by stamps or typewriters
Auto-pen signatures
True electronic signatures (like DocuSign) on paper forms
This seems straightforward—photocopies of signatures are acceptable. So why do attorneys still emphasize "wet signatures"?
The Reality Gap: Why Attorneys Still Worry and RFEs Are on the Rise
Despite the clear policy, a concerning trend has emerged. According to RN Law Group, "In 2025, USCIS began issuing RFEs (Requests for Evidence) and NOIDs (Notices of Intent to Deny) alleging signatures appeared reproduced rather than original." This means that even though the policy allows photocopied signatures, some USCIS officers are scrutinizing and questioning their validity.
This isn't limited to immigration. One attorney reported, "I've had filing clerks in SDNY attempt to smear a signature to confirm it was wet/ink for sealed filings." This test—trying to smudge ink to verify it's not printed—illustrates the institutional skepticism toward digital processes.
In a similar vein, architects report building departments rejecting digital submissions because officials believe wet stamping is "inherently more secure." One architect noted that physical stamping adds "an additional two days for deadlines" to their workflow.
This disconnect between official policy and actual practice stems from several factors:
Institutional inertia: Government agencies adapt slowly to technological change
Verification concerns: Officers worry about fraud and forgery
Inconsistent training: Not all USCIS officers may be fully updated on current policies
High stakes: With life-changing decisions at stake, officers may be extra cautious
For NIW applicants, this reality means that while USCIS officially accepts photocopied signatures, the safest approach is still more conservative than the bare minimum requirements.
Your Action Plan: A Practical Guide for NIW Applicants in 2025
Rule #1: NEVER Send Original Documents (Unless Specifically Required)
This cannot be emphasized enough. As one experienced applicant warned: "NEVER send originals. EVER!" The USCIS process involves handling thousands of documents, and there's no guarantee you'll get your originals back. In fact, USCIS clearly states that if original documents are submitted when not required, they may be destroyed.
Always submit legible photocopies of requested documents unless the instructions specifically instruct otherwise. Keep your originals safe—you may need them if questions arise.
The Conservative Compliance Approach
To minimize risk and avoid signature-related RFEs:
Always retain the original: Keep the physical document with the original wet ink signature, even after submitting a scanned copy. If an RFE is issued questioning your signature, you'll have the original as evidence.
Use blue ink for all signatures: This simple trick helps differentiate between original and photocopied signatures. Black ink can sometimes look printed when photocopied, while blue ink is more visibly distinct in reproduction.
Scan in color when possible: When submitting scanned copies of signatures, color scans better preserve the appearance of blue ink signatures, making their authenticity more apparent.
Navigating Translated Documents for NIW Petitions
Foreign language documents present a particular challenge for NIW applicants. The confusion around "certified translations" is widespread, with many applicants assuming they need expensive professional services with official seals. While the requirements are simpler than many believe, using a dedicated service can provide critical peace of mind.
Here's the truth about translation requirements for USCIS:
"Certified Translation" demystified: For NIW petitions, USCIS does not require a translator with a formal government certification or an official seal. Instead, they require a signed attestation of accuracy from a competent translator. While this means a bilingual friend could provide the translation, using a professional service like Bluente's Certified Document Translation for a flat fee ensures the attestation is correctly formatted and the translation is flawlessly accurate, avoiding potential RFEs. As one applicant noted, "you just need to translate them by some people that can understand both English and your language"—and a professional service guarantees that competency.
The Translator's Attestation Letter: What USCIS does require is a signed statement from the translator that includes:
A declaration of their competency to translate from the foreign language to English
An attestation that the translation is "complete and accurate to the best of my ability"
Applying the Signature Rules: The translator signs this attestation with a wet signature. You then scan and submit this signed letter along with both the original foreign-language document and the translation. This digital-friendly process is standard for services like Bluente, which deliver certified, signed attestations electronically, ready for you to print and include with your application.
A sample attestation might read:
I, [Translator's Name], certify that I am fluent in English and [Foreign Language], and that the above document is a complete and accurate translation of the attached [Foreign Language] document to the best of my knowledge and ability.
Signature: _________________ Date: _____________________
The Bottom Line: Cost, Time, and Peace of Mind
Digital submission methods offer clear advantages:
Reduced costs: No expenses for printing multiple copies, mailing physical documents, or notarization fees
Eliminated logistical delays: No waiting for documents to travel internationally
Environmental benefits: Less paper waste
However, these benefits must be weighed against the potential cost of an RFE or denial due to signature issues. A signature-related RFE could delay your application by months, or in the worst case, lead to a denial that requires reapplication.
For translation services specifically, working with remote translators becomes much simpler when you understand that:
The translator doesn't need special credentials
Their wet signature on the attestation can be scanned
You should keep the original attestation with wet signature
You can submit legible photocopies of all documents
This approach balances efficiency with compliance, allowing you to confidently work with translation services anywhere in the world while minimizing the risk of document-related RFEs.
Smart Navigation for a Successful EB2-NIW Petition
Are wet seals necessary in 2025? For USCIS applications, overwhelmingly no. Notary seals are rarely required for NIW petitions, and translator seals are never required.
Are wet signatures still relevant? Absolutely—as the physical source document for the legally accepted digital copy.
The smart approach for NIW applicants is a hybrid method:
Obtain original wet ink signatures (preferably in blue ink) on all required documents
Make high-quality color scans for submission
Securely store the originals in case questions arise
By understanding both the official rules and the unspoken realities of the process, you can prepare an NIW petition that is both compliant and resilient to scrutiny. Remember that while USCIS policies have evolved to accept digital reproductions, maintaining physical originals provides the ultimate insurance against potential challenges.
This balanced approach addresses both the letter of the law and the practical realities of immigration processing, giving your EB2-NIW petition the best chance of success without unnecessary complications or delays related to signature requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does USCIS accept scanned or photocopied signatures?
Yes, USCIS officially accepts scanned, photocopied, or faxed versions of original handwritten signatures on most forms and documents. This policy was made permanent in July 2022. However, due to reports of some officers issuing Requests for Evidence (RFEs) for signatures that appear reproduced, the safest approach is to submit a high-quality scan of an original wet ink signature and keep the original document for your records.
Do my translated documents need a "wet seal" for an EB2-NIW petition?
No, your translated documents do not need a wet seal from the translator for a USCIS petition. USCIS only requires a "certified translation," which consists of the translated document and a signed attestation letter from a competent translator. This letter confirms their fluency and the accuracy of the translation; no official stamp or seal is necessary.
What is the difference between a wet signature and a wet seal?
A wet signature is a name signed by hand with ink, while a wet seal is a physical impression made on paper by a stamp or embosser. For most USCIS applications, the key requirement is a valid signature, not a seal. A wet signature is the physical act of signing, whereas a wet seal is used for official authentication by notaries or certain licensed professionals, which is generally not required for NIW petition documents like translations.
Who is qualified to provide a certified translation for USCIS?
Anyone who is fluent in both English and the foreign language can provide a certified translation for USCIS. The translator does not need to be a government-certified professional. They simply need to provide a signed statement attesting to their competency and the accuracy of the translation. Using a professional service ensures the translation and attestation format are correct, minimizing the risk of an RFE.
Should I send my original documents with wet signatures to USCIS?
No, you should never send original documents to USCIS unless they are specifically requested. Always submit high-quality, legible photocopies or scans. USCIS may destroy original documents that are submitted unnecessarily. Keep all your original signed documents in a safe place in case you need to prove their authenticity later.
Why is it better to use blue ink for signatures on immigration documents?
Using blue ink for signatures is a best practice that helps distinguish an original handwritten signature from a black-and-white photocopy. When scanned in color, a blue ink signature is more visibly authentic to a reviewing officer, reducing the risk of it being mistaken for a printed name. This simple step can help avoid unnecessary scrutiny or an RFE.
Remember, the goal is not just to meet minimum requirements but to present an application so clearly compliant that it sails through the process without raising questions about document authenticity—letting USCIS officers focus on evaluating your qualifications rather than questioning your paperwork.