Tips for Translating Foreign Documents for Immigration Applications or Petitions

In our previous articles, USCIS Translation Requirements for Immigration Applications and Petitions, and Who Should Translate Foreign Documents for Immigration Applications and Petitions, we discussed U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ (USCIS) requirements for submission of translations for foreign language documents and who may act as the translator.

The following are tips to assist you with this process:

• You must provide a translation of any document that is not in English.
  Exception: You do not need to translate your passport if your passport is primarily written in a language other than English.
• The foreign document must be translated entirely, including: signatures, dashes, seals, and stamps. If something is not clear, the English translation should note it as “not legible.”
• The translation must match the visual format of the foreign document.
• The translation does not need to be notarized if it is being submitted in the U.S. (to the USCIS office). However, it must be notarized if it is being submitted outside the U.S (to a U.S. Consulate or Embassy).

In recent years, USCIS has become increasingly strict about ensuring that their translation requirements are followed. To avoid any delays in the processing of your petition or application you must fully comply with USCIS’s translation requirements.

If you have any questions about USCIS’s translation requirements or any other immigration matters, contact our immigration attorneys at the Law Offices of Azita M. Mojarad, P.C. Our experienced immigration attorneys can advise you on what actions to take to ensure proper submission of your petition or application to avoid any processing delays.