USCIS translation requirements, from the regulation itself
USCIS requires two things for any foreign language document: a full English translation, and the translator’s signed certification stating the translation is complete and accurate and that they are competent to translate. That is the whole rule. No notary, no license, no approved list.
The exact text of 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3)
“Translations. 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, and by the translator’s certification that he or she is competent to translate from the foreign language into English.”
Source: eCFR, Title 8, section 103.2(b)(3). Read it yourself, it is four lines long. Two requirements come out of it:
- Full translation. Word for word, the whole document. Summaries are not accepted. That includes stamps, seals, headers, footers, margin notes, and handwriting.
- Signed certification. The translator states they are competent in both languages and that the translation is complete and accurate, and signs with their name, date, and contact details.
What about immigration court?
Court proceedings have their own rule, 8 CFR 1003.33, which additionally requires the certification to be printed legibly or typed. If your document is for an EOIR filing rather than a USCIS benefit application, tell us and we format for the stricter standard. Source: eCFR, section 1003.33.
What a compliant certification looks like
There is no official USCIS template. A certification that covers the rule contains: the translator’s full name, a statement of competence in both languages, a statement that the translation is accurate and complete, the document it covers, and the translator’s signature, date, and contact information. One certificate per document, never one blanket certificate for a stack. Every translation we deliver carries exactly this, signed by the human translator who did the work. You can see the format on the samples page.
The checklist USCIS quality really turns on
- Names spelled exactly as the passport spells them, across every document in the package. Mismatched transliteration is the single most common trigger for questions.
- Both sides of every page translated, including stamps and seals at their positions.
- No summarizing, ever.
- Handwriting and margin notes translated, illegible parts marked as illegible rather than guessed.
- Dates and addresses formatted consistently across the package.
- A complete, signed certification with each document.
This list is our internal QA checklist, published. If you would rather not manage it yourself, that is the service: send the document on WhatsApp and it comes back certified the same business day.
Questions people ask
Does the translator need to be certified or licensed?
No. The regulation requires the translator to certify they are competent, not to hold any license or ATA membership. There is no USCIS-approved translator list. What gets translations questioned is quality: missed stamps, summarized text, or names spelled differently than the passport.
Can I translate my own documents for USCIS?
It is risky and most attorneys advise against it. The rule does not explicitly ban self-translation, but an applicant certifying their own document invites extra scrutiny, and an RFE costs you weeks or months. A third-party translator who signs the certification is the safe path.
Does the translation need to be notarized for USCIS?
No. USCIS requires the signed certification only. Notarization adds nothing for USCIS filings. Some consulates and state agencies do want it, so read your recipient’s checklist. We offer it as a $19.95 option when needed.
What happens if a translation is wrong or incomplete?
USCIS typically issues a Request for Evidence, which pauses your case for weeks or months while you fix and resubmit. The common triggers are missing stamps or margin notes, summarized instead of full translation, and name spellings that do not match the passport.
Do stamps, seals, and handwriting need to be translated?
Yes, everything on the page. A proper translation accounts for every stamp and seal at its position, translates handwritten entries and margin notes, and marks anything illegible as illegible instead of dropping it silently.