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USCIS Document Checklist

Find out exactly which documents need certified translation for your immigration application. Select your case type below.

Select Your Application Type

Choose the immigration category to see which documents need certified translation.

Why USCIS Requires Certified Translations

United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires that all foreign-language documents submitted as evidence be accompanied by certified English translations. This requirement applies to every immigration benefit — from family-based green cards and naturalization to work visas and asylum applications.

A certified translation must include a signed Certificate of Accuracy, where the translator attests that the translation is complete and accurate and that they are competent to translate from the source language into English. USCIS does not require the translator to be “certified” by any specific body, but the certificate itself is mandatory.

Submitting documents without proper translations — or with translations that lack a Certificate of Accuracy — can result in a Request for Evidence (RFE) or outright denial. RFEs add weeks or months to your case timeline, so getting your translations right the first time is one of the simplest ways to avoid processing delays.

Translation Agency USA provides USCIS-accepted certified translations for all document types. Every translation includes a signed Certificate of Accuracy and is formatted to meet USCIS submission standards. Our translations are compliant with ISO 17100 quality standards.

USCIS Translation FAQ

Does USCIS require certified translations?
Yes. USCIS requires that any foreign-language document submitted as evidence must be accompanied by a full English translation. The translation must include a signed Certificate of Accuracy from the translator or translation company, attesting that the translation is complete and accurate.
What is a Certificate of Accuracy?
A Certificate of Accuracy (also called a certification of translation) is a signed statement from the translator affirming that the translation is complete and accurate to the best of their knowledge. USCIS requires this certificate to accompany every translated document. Translation Agency USA includes a Certificate of Accuracy with every order at no extra charge.
Can I translate my own documents for USCIS?
USCIS does not explicitly prohibit self-translation, but the translator must certify they are competent to translate the document. In practice, USCIS officers may question self-translations, and a rejected translation can delay your case by months. Using a professional translation service eliminates this risk.
How much does USCIS document translation cost?
Certified translation for USCIS documents starts at $24.95 per page for standard delivery (3-5 business days). Most immigration documents are 1-3 pages each. The total cost depends on the number of documents and pages in your specific case. Use the checklist above to estimate your total translation cost.
How long does USCIS translation take?
Standard delivery takes 3-5 business days. Rush delivery (24 hours) and same-day delivery are available for urgent filings. If you have an upcoming USCIS deadline, we recommend ordering as early as possible to allow time for any revisions.
Do I need to translate every page of my passport?
It depends on the application. For most immigration petitions, you only need to translate the biodata page (the page with your photo and personal information) and any pages with relevant stamps or visas. For naturalization (N-400), USCIS may ask for all used pages to verify your travel history.
What happens if I submit documents without translations?
USCIS will issue a Request for Evidence (RFE) asking you to provide certified translations of any untranslated foreign-language documents. This delays your case by 60-90 days on average. To avoid RFEs, submit certified translations with your initial filing for every document not in English.
Do supporting documents like bank statements need translation?
Yes. Any foreign-language document submitted as evidence to USCIS must be accompanied by a certified English translation, including bank statements, employment letters, tax records, and affidavits of support. Even documents with partial English text must be fully translated if they contain any foreign-language content.
Can I use the same translation for multiple USCIS applications?
Yes. A certified translation does not expire and can be reused for multiple USCIS filings. For example, a translated birth certificate used for an I-130 petition can also be submitted with a subsequent I-485 adjustment of status application. Keep your certified translations in a safe place for future use.