What does a translator’s certification for USCIS say?

The two statements the rule requires

USCIS asks that a document in a foreign language come with a full English translation and the translator’s certification (8 CFR 103.2(b)(3) (opens in a new tab)). The certification says two things:

• the translator is competent to translate from that language into English;
• the translation is complete and accurate.

A certification without one of them doesn’t meet the rule. A summary instead of a full translation doesn’t count either (USCIS Policy Manual (opens in a new tab)).

What else goes on it

The form instructions, for example for Form I-⁠130 (opens in a new tab), ask for the translator’s signature, printed name, the date and contact information. Our certification has:

• the name of the document and its language;
• both statements, in plain words;
• the translator’s printed name, signature and date;
• the translator’s address, phone and email.

It follows the translation, which follows a copy of the original, so the officer sees all three in order.

Who signs ours

The person who translated the document signs the certification. Russian documents are translated and certified by our Russian translator. Ukrainian, Spanish, Romanian and Bulgarian documents are translated and certified by a native speaker of that language, under their own name.

Where the certification is accepted

• USCIS: the certification above with each translation. What USCIS accepts
• Immigration court: a typed certification with the translator’s address and phone; one can cover several documents if it lists them. What the court accepts
• NVC and US consulates: the same statements; the translation is uploaded in one file with the document. What NVC accepts

A notary isn’t part of it: do you need a notarized translation.