How do you translate a Cuban divorce certificate for USCIS?
USCIS asks for proof that a prior marriage ended, fully translated with the translator’s signed certification. A Cuban divorce is recorded in one of three documents: a certificación de divorcio from the civil registry, a notarial deed of divorce (escritura notarial) or a court decree (sentencia de divorcio). We translate the Cuban divorce certificate, deed or decree in full, stamps and seals included. A one-page certificate is $25, ready within 24 hours after payment.
Three documents, three offices
In Cuba a court (tribunal) or a notary’s office grants the divorce and sends it to the civil registry, which updates the former spouses’ civil status (U.S. Department of State (opens in a new tab)). The divorce can be proved by:
- a certificación de divorcio, issued by the registrar of a civil registry;
- an escritura notarial de divorcio, the deed issued by the notary public;
- a sentencia de divorcio, the decree issued by the secretary of the court.
Formats vary, but each must carry a stamp, the seal of the issuing office and the signature of the official who issued it. Under current Cuban law, a marriage certificate with a note of the divorce also proves it.
Ordering a copy from abroad
In Cuba, you can ask the civil registry where the divorce was registered or the one where you live, or order online. The request needs a 5 CUP stamp and the registration details: both names, the place and date of the marriage, the registry, the volume (tomo) and page (folio). From outside Cuba, it goes through a Cuban consulate, a legal representative or a relative in Cuba, or online; the stamp is 125 CUP, and consulate fees vary (U.S. Department of State (opens in a new tab)).
Online copies and the verification code
Cuba’s Ministry of Justice runs a web portal for civil records. A copy ordered there is still signed, sealed and stamped by a registrar. Notarial deeds and digital registry records can be checked on the Ministry’s website with the case number and PIN printed on them (U.S. Department of State (opens in a new tab)). The translation keeps both.
What the translation includes
We translate the document in full, as USCIS requires (8 CFR 103.2(b)(3) (opens in a new tab)). A deed or a decree is translated page by page, with each seal, stamp and signature in its place. If a word can’t be read, it is marked [illegible] rather than guessed.
Cuban names carry two surnames. We keep both in the order of the document and spell names as in your passport, the same in every document in your order.
Where the translation goes
- USCIS: for Form I-130, documents showing that each prior marriage was legally terminated, with a full English translation and the translator’s signed certification (Form I-130 instructions (opens in a new tab)). What USCIS accepts
- NVC and US consulates: since January 4, 2023, the US Embassy in Havana handles immigrant visas for Cuban citizens (U.S. Department of State (opens in a new tab)). The Department of State doesn’t ask for a translation of a certificate in Spanish if you are applying for your visa in Cuba or another country where Spanish is an official language. What NVC accepts
- Immigration court: a typed certification with the translator’s address and phone. What the court accepts
Our Spanish documents are translated and certified by a native Spanish speaker. What to file in your case is for you or your attorney to decide.
Questions
My divorce was done at a notary’s office. Do you translate the deed?
Yes. The Department of State lists the notarial deed of divorce among the Cuban documents that record a divorce, next to the registry certificate and the court decree. We translate it in full, with the notary’s seal and signature.
How much does it cost?
A one-page certificate is $25. Each additional page in the same order is $20, so a certificate and a two-page decree are $65.
Do I need a notary or an apostille?
Not for USCIS: it asks for the translator’s signed certification, and it’s included. Any stamp already on your copy is translated with the document.
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.
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.