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USCIS Certified Translation Services

Certified translations that meet USCIS requirements (8 CFR 103.2(b)(3)). Fast turnaround, native translators, 100% acceptance guarantee for US.

USCISU.S. Citizenship and Immigration ServicesUnited States

If you're submitting a foreign-language document to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, birth certificates, marriage certificates, and similar civil documents are the most common, USCIS has a specific, published legal requirement for how that translation has to be done. This page covers exactly what that requirement is, what it doesn't require (notarization isn't one of them), and how our certified translation meets it.

The requirement, in full

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.

8 CFR § 103.2(b)(3)

Source — checked September 2026

What USCIS Actually Requires

Under 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3), any document containing a foreign language submitted to USCIS must be accompanied by a full English translation which the translator has certified as complete and accurate, and by the translator’s certification that they are competent to translate from that language into English. That’s the complete legal requirement.

Notably, the regulation does NOT require:

  • Notarization of the translation.
  • A government-licensed, court-certified, or otherwise officially credentialed translator.
  • Third-party verification beyond the translator’s own signed certification.

In other words, the U.S. system relies on the translator’s own certification of accuracy and competency, not a licensing or sworn-translator system the way some other countries require. That doesn’t make quality optional, it’s still worth getting right, it just means notarization and formal translator credentials aren’t the legal bar to clear.

How Our Certified Translation Meets This Requirement

  • A signed Certificate of Accuracy accompanies every translation, stating the translation is complete and accurate and that the translator is competent to translate from the source language into English, exactly what 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3) requires.
  • Every translation is completed by a professional, native-fluent translator and checked by a second linguist before delivery.
  • Covered by our 100% Acceptance Guarantee: if it’s rejected specifically for an accuracy issue, we correct it at no additional cost.

See our Certified Translation service page for full pricing and details, and our 100% Acceptance Guarantee page for the guarantee’s exact terms.

Do I Need Notarization Too?

Not for USCIS itself, the regulation doesn’t require it. That said, some employers, schools, or other organizations handling the same translated document occasionally ask for a notarized version for their own separate purposes, so we offer it as an optional add-on. See our Notarization page if you think you might need it for a reason beyond the USCIS filing itself.

Common Documents for USCIS Filings

Most commonly: Birth Certificate and Marriage Certificate translations. See our full Documents directory for guidance on other document types, divorce decrees, academic records, police records, and more.

Which USCIS Filings This Applies To

Questions & Answers

Frequently asked questions.

What applicants ask before ordering a translation for USCIS.

What does USCIS actually require for a foreign-language document?

Under 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3), any foreign-language document submitted to USCIS must be accompanied by a full English translation, along with the translator’s certification that the translation is complete and accurate and that the translator is competent to translate from that language into English. That’s the full legal requirement, no more, no less.

Does USCIS require a notarized translation?

No. The regulation doesn’t require notarization, only the translator’s own signed certification of accuracy and competency. We still offer notarization as an optional add-on, since some individuals, employers, or other third parties handling the same document sometimes ask for it separately, but it isn’t a USCIS requirement itself.

Does the translator need to be government-licensed or court-certified?

No. Unlike some other countries, the U.S. doesn’t require a government-licensed or court-certified translator for USCIS submissions, any competent translator can certify their own translation. We use professional, native-fluent translators and a second-linguist review regardless, since “not required” isn’t the same as “not worth doing properly.”

What happens if USCIS rejects my translation?

If a translation we delivered is rejected specifically for an accuracy issue, it’s covered by our 100% Acceptance Guarantee, we’ll correct it at no additional cost. See our Guarantee page for the full terms.

Which USCIS filings is this for?

Any USCIS benefit request involving a foreign-language document, most commonly citizenship and naturalization, green card and adjustment of status, K-1 fiancé visa, and work or student visa applications. See the related Use Cases pages below for filing-specific guidance.

Which documents most commonly need this?

Birth certificates and marriage certificates are the most common, along with divorce decrees, academic transcripts, police records, and similar civil documents. See our Documents pages for guidance specific to each document type.

How fast can I get a USCIS-ready translation?

Standard turnaround is 24-48 hours; rush and same-day options are available if your filing deadline is close. See our Rush & Same-Day Translation page for details.

  • ATA memberCorporate member #280493
  • 100% acceptedGuaranteed acceptance by USCIS
  • Georgia registeredIncorporated in Georgia

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