USCIS guides
Practical guides on USCIS translation requirements, certified English translations, translator certification and common filing document issues.
USCIS
USCIS Translation Requirements: What Does 8 CFR §103.2(b)(3) Require?
USCIS requires a full English translation when a document submitted as evidence contains a foreign language. The translator must certify that the translation is complete and accurate and that they are competent to translate from the source language into English.
USCIS
Does USCIS Require a Certified Translator?
USCIS does not state that a translator must hold a special USCIS-issued translator license. The federal rule requires a full English translation plus the translator's certification that the translation is complete and accurate and that the translator is competent to translate into English.
USCIS
Does USCIS Require Translations to Be Notarized?
The general USCIS translation rule requires a full English translation and translator certification. 8 CFR §103.2(b)(3) does not impose a blanket requirement that the translation or certification be notarized.
USCIS
Does USCIS Require an Apostille for Foreign Documents?
The general USCIS translation rule does not impose a blanket apostille requirement. Translation and apostille are different document functions. Whether the underlying document needs authentication depends on the filing, document and applicable instructions—not on the translation rule alone.
USCIS
Can I Translate My Own Documents for USCIS?
8 CFR §103.2(b)(3) does not expressly state a blanket prohibition on an applicant translating their own document. It requires a full English translation and a translator certification of completeness, accuracy and competence. Whether self-translation is a sensible choice is a separate practical question.
USCIS
Does USCIS Require the Entire Document to Be Translated?
Yes—the USCIS rule calls for a full English translation of a foreign-language document submitted as evidence. A summary or translation of only the “important paragraph” is not the same as a full translation.