How do you translate a Russian marriage or divorce certificate for USCIS?
For a marriage-based petition (Form I-130), USCIS asks for your marriage certificate and proof that any earlier marriage legally ended, each with a full English translation and the translator’s signed certificate. We translate Russian marriage certificates, divorce certificates and divorce decrees in full, Soviet ones included. A 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: both spouses’ names, surnames after the marriage, dates and places of birth, citizenship and, where the certificate has it, nationality; the date of the marriage and the record number;
- 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 an apostille.
A duplicate certificate is translated the same way, and the translation shows that it is a duplicate and when it was issued.
Divorce: certificate and decree
If the divorce went through a court, the divorce certificate names the decree it is based on. We translate both the certificate and the decree in full, with seals and stamps. A decree usually runs several pages and is priced by the page.
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: for Form I-130, the marriage certificate and proof that any earlier marriage legally ended, each with a full translation and the translator’s signed certificate (Form I-130 instructions (opens in a new tab)). What USCIS accepts
- NVC and US consulates: marriage certificates, divorce decrees and other proof that a marriage ended are civil documents; you upload each translation in one file with its document. A translation isn’t needed if your visa interview is in a country where Russian is an official language. What NVC accepts
- California DMV: for a secondary review of a driver’s license application, a marriage certificate (the DMV calls it a marriage license) or a divorce decree comes with a certified translation or an affidavit of translation. What the DMV 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 certificate is usually one page: $25. Each additional page in the same order is $20, so a marriage certificate and two divorce certificates are $65. A decree is priced by the page.
Do I need a notary?
USCIS and NVC rules don’t require one: they ask for the translator’s signed certificate, and it’s included.
Do you translate divorce decrees?
Yes, in full, with seals and stamps. A decree usually runs several pages and is priced by the page. Which documents to file is for you or your attorney to decide.
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.