USCIS Certified Translation Requirements (8 CFR 103.2(b)(3))
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The rule
Any document containing a foreign language submitted to USCIS 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 from the foreign language into English (8 CFR 103.2(b)(3)).
What's not required
- Notarization is not required by the regulation.
- ATA certification or a license isn't required. The American Translators Association's own guidance says so (ATA).
- Summaries won't do. It must be a full translation.
What a certification typically includes
The translator's name, signature, date and contact information, a statement of competence and accuracy, and identification of the document translated (per ATA guidance).
Can I translate my own documents?
The regulation doesn't explicitly bar it, but most guidance (including ATA) recommends a translator who isn't the applicant or a beneficiary, to avoid credibility questions.
In-person vs online translation
| Local translator | Online service | |
|---|---|---|
| Turnaround | Varies | Often 24–48 hours (service-stated) |
| Accepted by USCIS | Yes, with proper certification | Yes, with proper certification |
Get a certified translation
Any translator who is competent in both languages can certify. USCIS does not require a particular company.