How do you translate a Venezuelan cedula for USCIS?
USCIS asks for a full English translation of any document in Spanish, with the translator’s signed certification. We translate the Venezuelan cedula, the cédula de identidad issued by SAIME, front and back, in any version: a laminated card issued after 2012, an older one, or the yellow card of a permanent resident. Both sides fit on one page: $25, ready within 24 hours after payment.
Versions of the card
The cédula de identidad (C.I.) is issued by SAIME, Venezuela’s identification, migration and foreigners service (Servicio Administrativo de Identificación, Migración y Extranjería). Citizens and permanent residents can get one, and a permanent resident’s card reads Extranjero on a yellow background. Cards issued after 2012 are laminated with the SAIME logo and have threads that react to black light; cards issued in 2016 and later also carry a seal of Venezuela on the back that reacts to black light (U.S. Department of State (opens in a new tab)).
SAIME issues the first cedula to children from age 9, and a new one on renewal or when a card is damaged, stolen or lost (SAIME (opens in a new tab)).
What the translation includes
We translate both sides of the card in full, as USCIS requires (8 CFR 103.2(b)(3) (opens in a new tab)): the number, names, dates, signatures, stamps and any handwriting. Security features that only show under black light don’t appear on a copy; we translate what is visible on the copy you file. If a word can’t be read, the translation marks it [illegible] instead of guessing.
The SAIME data certificate
Besides the card, SAIME issues a certificate of the data on its records (certificación de datos). A digital one is requested online, and one with a wet seal at the nearest SAIME office. For use abroad, you apply at the citizen service office at SAIME headquarters in Caracas or at the nearest SAIME office (SAIME (opens in a new tab)). If you have one, we translate it as a separate document.
The cedula and the criminal record
Venezuela’s criminal record certificate (certificación de antecedentes penales) is free and goes to people 18 and older who hold a national identity card. It’s requested on the Interior ministry website, which also verifies it (U.S. Department of State (opens in a new tab)). We translate it too.
Names
Venezuelan names usually carry two surnames. We keep both, in the order of the card, and spell names as in your passport. Tell us the spelling when you order, and it will be the same in every document of your order.
Where the translation goes
- TPS (Form I-821): the instructions name a national identity document from your country of origin with your photo or fingerprint among the proofs of identity and nationality (Form I-821 instructions (opens in a new tab)).
- Asylum (Form I-589): the instructions recommend filing a copy of other identification documents you have, such as a national identification card (Form I-589 instructions (opens in a new tab)). Asylum documents
- 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
Do you translate a SAIME data certificate?
Yes. A certificación de datos is priced like any other document, by the page, and we translate it in full, seals and verification details included.
How much does it cost?
Both sides of a cedula make one page: $25. Every additional page in the same order is $20, so a cedula, a birth certificate and a criminal record of one page each 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. We work from clear photos or a scan of both sides.
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.