USCIS and Certified Translations: An In-depth Overview

Welcome to Idiomatic USA's in-depth guide on Translation Services for USCIS! If you find yourself navigating the intricate world of U.S. immigration, we understand the paramount importance of precise and professional translation for your application. Our team of certified translators is devoted to delivering top-notch translations that meet the stringent requirements of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

The USCIS, a governmental agency responsible for overseeing the immigration and naturalization process in the United States, processes diverse immigration applications, forms, and petitions, often necessitating the submission of supporting documents in English. This is where our translation services come into play, ensuring the accurate translation of your documents while adhering to USCIS guidelines.

Idiomatic USA has ample experience of providing certified translation services for USCIS, encompassing a wide array of documents.

The documents we offer translation services for include, but are not limited to:

• Birth certificates

• Marriage certificates

• Divorce decrees

• Business documents

• Diplomas and transcripts

• Medical records

• Police clearance certificates

• Passports and visas

Our translation services cater to various situations that may require USCIS document translation, such as:

• Seeking asylum in the United States

• Obtaining permission to live in the U.S. with a family member

• Relocating to the U.S. as an investor

• Coming to the U.S. for temporary or permanent work

• Adopting a child from another country

• Serving as a missionary in the United States

Regardless of your specific needs, we are here to ensure the accuracy, professionalism, and compliance of your translated documents with USCIS requirements.

In the unlikely event that your certified translation is rejected by USCIS, we will work closely with you to promptly address the issue. Our team will thoroughly review the translation and make any necessary corrections at no additional cost. We prioritize your satisfaction and remain committed to providing translations that meet or surpass USCIS standards.

USCIS-Certified Translation Requirements 

Foreign-issued, non-English documents submitted to USCIS, other federal agencies, or academic institutions as part of an application require a Certified Translation. A certified translation involves the translator producing a word-for-word literal translation of the original document and including a signed statement affirming the completeness and accuracy of the translation.

The USCIS provides specific guidelines:

"If you submit any documents (copies or original documents, if requested) in a foreign language, you must include a full English translation along with a certification from the translator verifying that the translation is complete and accurate and that they are competent to translate from the foreign language to English."

The translator's certification is typically in the form of a written statement accompanying the translated document, provided to you as an electronic PDF file or a physical copy. You can then include the translation, along with the original document, in your visa or green card application.

In the rare case of your certified translation being rejected by USCIS, we assume full responsibility for resolving the issue. If the administration requests a Request for Evidence (RFE) due to concerns about the accuracy or authenticity of the translation, our team will diligently address these concerns and provide the necessary evidence.

Here's how we handle such situations:

• Accuracy: We understand the importance of precise certified translation for USCIS processing. Therefore, if your translation is flagged for accuracy issues, our team of certified translators will thoroughly review the document, make any necessary corrections, and resubmit it to USCIS to ensure compliance with their standards.

• Timeliness: We recognize that immigration processes have time sensitivity, and delays can cause unnecessary stress. In the event of rejection or an RFE, we prioritize your case and work swiftly to rectify the issue, minimizing potential application delays.

• Validity: USCIS may question the validity of a translated document if they suspect it to be counterfeit or untrustworthy. In such cases, we provide additional evidence to establish the legitimacy of our immigration translation services and our translators' credentials. This may include certification or notarization of the translated documents, along with relevant information about our company and the translator's qualifications.

Idiomatic USA is a translation agency with a proven track record in providing certified translations to our customers worldwide. You can expect accurate translations from us on the same day or within 24 hours, with a 100% acceptance guarantee within the US and by USCIS.

Who Can Certify a Translation in the US? 

Unlike many other countries, the United States does not have federal or state licensing or certification for translators. Therefore, there is no concept of a sworn/certified translator in the USA. Additionally, the USCIS does not impose any professional or academic requirements on who can produce a certified translation.

As a result, anyone with sufficient competence in both languages can translate a document into English and provide a signed statement attesting to the completeness and accuracy of the translation.

Customers choose Idiomatic USA for their USCIS-certified translation needs due to our extensive experience and expertise in handling all types of documents, the speed and quality of our translations, and the peace of mind in knowing that our certified translations are fully accepted, reducing the risk of rejection or delays in your application.

Where USCIS-Certified Translation Services are Required 

Idiomatic USA provides USCIS-certified translations that are accepted by the following agencies and organizations in the US:

• US Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS)

• Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG)

• LLM Credential Assembly Service (CAS)

Our certified translations are also accepted by universities, banks, local authorities, courts, and foreign embassies based in the US.

Why Should You Choose Us? 

At Idiomatic USA, we comprehend the significance of accurate and efficient translation for your success. Our commitment to excellence, our team of skilled and experienced linguists, and our dedication to customer satisfaction set us apart from other USCIS translation services.

Expertise: Our team comprises highly skilled translators, editors, and proofreaders who specialize in various industries and languages. We guarantee precise translations that capture the nuances and subtleties of your original content.

Quality Assurance: We follow a rigorous, multi-step quality assurance process, including multiple rounds of proofreading and editing, to ensure that your translations are accurate, clear, and culturally appropriate.

Fast Turnaround: We understand the importance of meeting deadlines and are committed to delivering your translations on time without compromising quality. We offer flexible turnaround times to accommodate your project needs and can handle urgent requests.

Confidentiality: We prioritize data privacy and security. All our team members are bound by strict non-disclosure agreements, and we implement the latest encryption technologies to safeguard your files and information.

Personalized Service: We value our clients and provide personalized attention to each project. Our responsive customer support team is available 24/7 to address your concerns and answer any questions you may have.

How We Work 

Our streamlined process at Idiomatic USA is designed to deliver the highest quality translations efficiently. Here's an overview of how we work:

• Project Evaluation: Upon receiving your project, our team reviews your content, discusses your specific requirements, and provides a detailed quote along with an estimated turnaround time.

• Translator Assignment: We carefully select a professional translator with expertise in your industry and fluency in the source and target languages. This ensures that your translations are not only accurate but also resonate with your target audience.

• Translation Process: Our translator meticulously translates your content while preserving the original message, tone, and style. They also ensure that the translation is culturally sensitive and appropriate for your target audience.

• Quality Assurance: After the translation is completed, a second linguist proofreads and edits the content to ensure its accuracy and consistency. This rigorous quality control process guarantees the highest standard of accuracy and readability.

• Final Delivery: Once the translation passes our quality assurance checks, we deliver the final, polished version to you in your preferred format. Our customer support team remains available to address any questions or concerns you may have.

We take pride in our work and strive to exceed your expectations. Trust Idiomatic USA for all your linguistic needs and experience the difference that exceptional translation services can make for your business.

Frequently Asked Questions About USCIS Translation Services

• What is a USCIS-Certified Translation? 

• A USCIS-certified translation refers to an official translation of any foreign language document accompanied by a signed statement from the translator or translation service. The statement attests to the completeness, accuracy, and the translator's competence to translate from the foreign language to English. This is necessary as USCIS requires a comprehensive document history to establish all facts about an applicant.

• How do I Certify a Translation for USCIS? 

• To certify a translation for USCIS, the translator must provide a signed statement declaring their competence to translate from the foreign language into English and affirming the completeness and accuracy of the translation. The statement can be in the following format:

"I, [name of the translator], certify that I am fluent (conversant) in English and [source language] and that the above/attached document is an accurate translation of the document attached in [source language]."

The translator then signs and dates the statement.

• Who can Translate Legal Documents for USCIS? 

While there is no specific federal or state licensing or certification for translators in the United States, USCIS accepts translations provided by individuals who certify their competence to translate from the foreign language into English and possess adequate experience in the relevant legal field. This means that any person sufficiently proficient in both languages can translate and certify a document. However, it is advisable to use a professional translator or translation service to ensure accuracy and avoid potential issues.

• How Much Does a USCIS-Certified Translation Cost? 

The cost of a USCIS-certified translation can vary significantly depending on factors such as document length, complexity, language pair, and required turnaround time. Some services charge per word, while others have a flat fee per document. It is recommended to obtain a quote from the translation service to get an accurate estimate.

• Do Translations for USCIS Need to be Notarized? 

No, translations for USCIS do not require notarization. They only need a certification from the translator or translation service affirming the accuracy and completeness of the translation. However, Idiomatic USA does offer notarization services, if you would like the peace of mind of doing so.

• Can You Translate Your Own Documents for USCIS? 

No, you cannot translate your own documents for USCIS. USCIS strongly advises using a competent translator to avoid potential issues of bias or inaccuracies.

• Do I Need Hard Copies or Digital Copies for USCIS? 

USCIS accepts both hard copies and digital copies of translated documents. However, it is crucial to stay updated with USCIS's current submission guidelines as they may change over time.