How do you translate Russian chats and social media posts for USCIS?

What the translation includes

We translate every screenshot 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:

• the chat name, the sender’s name and the time of every message;
• whose message it is, marked [Left:] and [Right:] as on the screen;
• replies with the quoted message, marked [In reply to:], and reactions with their counts, marked [Reactions to this message:];
• emoji and stickers, described in words in square brackets, such as [thumbs up emoji];
• polls with the options, percentages and the number of votes;
• system lines: who joined the group, who took a screenshot, whether auto-⁠delete is on;
• voice messages and photos, marked as they appear on the screen, such as [Voice message] 0:21 (the translation covers what the screenshot shows);
• posts: a description of the photo, the caption, hashtags, the location tag, the number of likes, and comments with replies.

The screenshots come first, untouched. The translation starts on a new page after them. The translation opens with a note on what the square brackets mean, and the screenshots are numbered, such as [Image 1 of 2].

Names and usernames

Usernames stay as they appear on the screen. 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. If a word can’t be read, the translation marks it [illegible] instead of guessing.

Where USCIS rules mention chats

Not directly. In the Form I-⁠130 instructions for a marriage petition, USCIS lists documents that may prove a bona fide marriage, and the last item is any other relevant documentation to establish that there is an ongoing marital union (Form I-⁠130 instructions (opens in a new tab)). For a fiancé(e) visa on Form I-⁠129F, evidence that you met in person within the two years before you file the petition may include a written statement, a copy of airline tickets, passport pages or other evidence (Form I-⁠129F instructions (opens in a new tab)).

Documents usually translated for these petitions are covered in our guides to Form I-⁠130 and the K-⁠1 fiancé(e) visa.

Whether chats belong in your case is for you or your attorney to decide.

Where the translation goes

• USCIS: a full translation and the translator’s signed certificate. What USCIS accepts
• Immigration court: a typed certificate with the translator’s address and phone; if one certificate covers several documents, it lists them (EOIR Policy Manual 2.3(a) (opens in a new tab)). What the court accepts

What to file in your case is for you or your attorney to decide.