How do you translate a Russian or Soviet birth certificate for USCIS?
USCIS asks for a full English translation of a Russian birth certificate with the translator’s signed certificate. Immigration court also asks for the translator’s signed certificate. NVC asks for a translation unless your visa interview is in a country where Russian is an official language. We translate Russian and Soviet birth certificates in full: every field, stamp and handwritten line. A birth certificate is usually one page: $25, ready within 24 hours after payment.
What the translation includes
We translate the certificate in full, as USCIS requires (8 CFR 103.2(b)(3) (opens in a new tab)). A summary doesn’t count (USCIS Policy Manual (opens in a new tab)). The translation has:
- every field: the child’s name, date and place of birth, the parents’ names (on Soviet certificates, also their nationality), the record number and date;
- the name of the registry office (ZAGS), its seal and the signature of its head;
- the series and number of the certificate;
- stamps and notes on the back, such as a citizenship stamp or an apostille.
A duplicate certificate is translated the same way, and the translation shows that it is a duplicate and when it was issued.
Names and handwriting
We spell names as they appear in your international passport. Include the spelling in your request, and we’ll use it in every document in your order.
Handwritten Soviet certificates, faded stamps and copies of copies are routine for us. If a word can’t be read, the translation marks it [illegible] instead of guessing.
Where the translation goes
- USCIS: a full translation and the translator’s signed certificate. What USCIS accepts
- NVC and US consulates: you upload the translation in one file with the birth certificate itself. A translation isn’t needed if your visa interview is in a country where Russian is an official language. What NVC accepts
- Immigration court: a typed certificate with the translator’s address and phone. What the court accepts
What to file in your case is for you or your attorney to decide.
Sample translations
6 samplesEach sample has the original, the translation and the signed certificate. Personal details are blurred.
Questions
How much does it cost?
A birth certificate is usually one page: $25. Each additional page in the same order is $20, so three birth certificates are $65.
Do I need a notary?
USCIS and immigration court rules don’t require one: they ask for the translator’s signed certificate, and it’s included.
My certificate is handwritten or faded. Will you take it?
Most likely. Send a photo and we’ll tell you honestly whether we can read it. If a word can’t be read, the translation marks it [illegible] instead of guessing.
How long does it take?
1–4 documents: within 24 hours after payment; faster, within 12 hours (+$15 a page) or 3 hours (+$30 a page, paid between 8 am and 6 pm Pacific time). For 5 or more, we give you the date with the quote.
Will USCIS accept the translation?
No one can promise that an agency will accept a document. We follow its rules to the letter, and if an agency raises an issue with our translation, we fix it for free.
How we do it
- Full translation
every stamp, signature and handwritten line
- Signed certificate
with the translator’s name, address and phone
- A PDF, ready to file
original, translation and certificate, translation pages numbered
- Price
$25 for the first page up to 250 words, $20 for each additional page, in the same document or another one.
- Turnaround
1–4 documents: within 24 hours after payment; faster, within 12 hours (+$15 a page) or 3 hours (+$30 a page, paid between 8 am and 6 pm Pacific time). For 5 or more, we give you the date with the quote.
This is a summary of what the agency publishes, not legal advice.