How do you translate a Russian military ID or officer’s ID card for USCIS and NVC?

What the translation includes

We translate every page you send 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 military ID book: the series and number, surname, first name and patronymic, date of birth, the photo, the military commissariat that issued it, the military commissar’s rank and signature, the seal;
• the other sections of the military ID book: place of birth, education, civilian occupations, entries on conscription, service and the reserve;
• the officer’s identity card: the card number, the personal number, the military rank and position, the numbers and dates of the orders behind them, who issued the card and when;
• background lettering, the coat of arms and emblems, described in square brackets.

Ranks, positions and seals

We translate ranks and positions instead of transliterating them: the translation reads Major or Deputy Commander of Military Unit. We translate the name of the military commissariat too, with its district and city.

Order numbers and the series and numbers of the forms stay as they are in the document. Abbreviations such as MChS of Russia are transliterated; if a word is abbreviated in the document itself, the translation marks it [abbreviated in the original].

Blank fields are marked [blank], handwritten entries [handwritten], and seals are described in square brackets with any text that can be read on them.

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.

Military ID books are often filled in by hand and their seals are often faded; that’s 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. The Form I-⁠485 instructions name a military identification document among the government-⁠issued identity documents with a photograph (Form I-⁠485 instructions (opens in a new tab)). What USCIS accepts
• NVC and US consulates: for an immigrant visa, the consulate asks for a certified copy of your military record if it can be obtained (22 CFR 42.65(b) (opens in a new tab)). Under the rule, that’s an official document with the complete record of service and conduct, including any convictions by military tribunals. A discharge certificate or an enrollment book replaces it only if it shows the complete record of service (22 CFR 42.65(c)(3) (opens in a new tab)). 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.