When applying for immigration benefits in the U.S., you will often need to translate important documents into English, such as your birth certificate or your marriage certificate. Recently, USCIS has been strict in its translation requirements, and they want you to send them English translations in a very specific format. Here are some common mistakes when translating immigration documents, and how you can avoid them.

Doing the translation yourself

There’s no requirement that someone else translate your immigration documents, but it’s generally a best practice. If USCIS sees that you translated your own documents, they might not trust the veracity or accuracy of the translation. They might reject the translation entirely and ask them to send you a new one.

The best practice is to have a professional translator work on your documents. Rush Translate generally does a good job and charges reasonable fees. Fiverr.com can also be a good option (choose someone with a high rating).

Improper or incomplete translator’s certification

When translating documents, the translator must include a certification at the end of the document. The certification must state that the translator is competent in both languages (English and Spanish, for example) and that the translator has done everything to the best of their abilities. According to 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3), “[a]ny document containing foreign language submitted to USCIS shall be accompanied by a full English language translation which the translator has certified as complete and accurate, and by the translator’s certification that he or she is competent to translate from the foreign language into English.”

A recent translation service that I used included the following language in their certification. This is an example of a solid translator’s certification:

I hereby certify that the above-mentioned document has been translated by an experienced, qualified and competent professional translator, fluent in the above- mentioned language pair and that, in my best judgment, the translated text truly reflects the content, meaning, and style of the original text and constitutes in every respect a complete and accurate translation of the original document.

When reviewing the translator’s certification, you should ensure that the certification contains similar language.

The translator’s certification can go at the end of the English translation. Another option is that the translator can include the certification on a separate page, which I usually place on top of the English translation (though it could go after the English translation, if you’d like).

Incomplete translation (not including every word)

A common mistake when translating documents is that the translator does not do a word-for-word translation. For example, the translator leaves out important words toward the end of a marriage certificate regarding the witnesses to the marriage. It’s possible that USCIS will not catch this error, but you should be diligent in reviewing your translation, ideally before you pay your translation fee, to ensure that every word is translated. You’re paying for a translation, so the translator should be making a full and complete translation, and not just what’s convenient for their schedule.

Spelling or grammar errors

Another common mistake that translators make is spelling English words incorrectly or using improper grammar. I see this especially when English is not the translator’s first language, and especially when a client uses a semi-professional “notario” service to translate their documents. You want your immigration application to come across as professional and well-organized, but including a translation that employs questionable English is only going to hurt your application.

Not including a copy of the original-language document

When submitting translations of your immigration documents to USCIS, you need to include a copy of both versions – the English translation (with translator’s certification), as well as the original-language document. If you include only the English translation, USCIS will likely reject the document entirely.

I generally place the English translation on top, followed by the original-language version, and I staple the documents together.

Ask for help

Translating your immigration documents into English might seem like a formality or an afterthought, but recently USCIS has been strict in reviewing English translations. It’s important to have your translations done by a professional translator, or else you run the risk of USCIS rejecting your immigration documents.

Contact us today if you have questions: +1 845.288.2435 / beaconimmigrationlawyer@gmail.com. 

Beacon Immigration PLLC is a law firm located in the Hudson Valley of New York at 6 Eliza Street, Suite 5, Beacon, NY 12508 (Dutchess County).