If you’re submitting documents to USCIS, a certified translation is not optional—it’s
mandatory.
Any document not in English must be translated accurately, completely, and certified to
avoid delays, Requests for Evidence (RFEs), or outright rejection of your immigration
application by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Whether you’re applying for a green card, citizenship, work visa, or family-based petition,
this guide breaks down exact USCIS requirements, real costs in the U.S., and realistic
timelines—based on how certified translations actually work in practice.
Key Takeaways (Quick Answers)
● USCIS requires certified translations for all non-English documents
● Certification must include a signed accuracy statement by the translator
● Costs depend on word count, language pair, and urgency (not notarization
alone)
● Most USCIS translations take 1–3 business days
● Using an ISO-certified U.S. translation agency reduces RFEs and delays
Why Does USCIS Require Certified Translations?
USCIS doesn’t accept summaries, partial translations, or casual bilingual translations.
Here’s the reason most applicants don’t realize:
USCIS officers are trained to reject anything that isn’t legally reliable.
They don’t speak the source language—and they’re not allowed to “assume” accuracy.
A certified translation gives USCIS three things:
1. Completeness – every word is translated
2. Accuracy – no interpretation or paraphrasing
3. Accountability – a real person or agency stands behind the work
I’ve seen applications delayed months because of a missing certification sentence. Not a
translation error—just missing wording.
What Is a Certified Translation for USCIS?
A certified translation is a word-for-word English translation of a foreign-language
document, accompanied by a signed certification statement.
USCIS defines it very clearly:
Any document containing foreign language must be accompanied by a full
English translation which the translator has certified as complete and accurate.”
The Certification Must Include:
● Statement of accuracy and completeness
● Translator’s full name
● Signature
● Date
● Contact details
Notarization is NOT required by USCIS, but many applicants confuse this.
Which Documents Require Certified Translation for
USCIS?
If it’s not in English, USCIS expects certification. Period.
Common USCIS Documents:
● Birth certificates
● Marriage certificates
● Divorce decrees
● Police clearance certificates
● Passports (biographic pages)
● Academic transcripts & diplomas
● Affidavits
● Adoption records
Even stamps, seals, and handwritten notes must be translated.
How Much Does Certified Translation for USCIS Cost in
the USA?
This is the #1 question—and also where people get misled.
Average USCIS Certified Translation Cost (USA)
Document Type Typical Cost Range
Birth Certificate $20 – $40
Marriage Certificate $20 – $50
Academic Transcript $30 – $80
Police Record $25 – $60
Multi-page Legal Docs $0.08 – $0.15 per
word
Costs are usually per word, not per page.
ANA Lokalize Pricing (Transparent Model)
Based on ANA Lokalize’s official pricing structure :
● Standard Translation: from $0.081/word
● Professional Translation: from $0.114/word
● Expert / Certified Translation: custom quote (USCIS-ready)
There are no hidden fees, and a minimum of 100 words applies—standard across the
industry.
Be careful of “$10 certified translation” ads. Those often lead to RFEs.
Why Certified Translation Prices Vary So Much
Here’s what actually drives cost:
● Language pair (Spanish is cheaper than rare languages)
● Handwritten or scanned quality
● Legal formatting requirements
● Urgency (rush vs standard)
● Quality control & certification process
At ANA Lokalize, certified translations go through native translators + quality review,
aligned with ISO 9001 and ISO 17100 standards .
That’s the difference between “translated” and USCIS-safe.
How Long Does USCIS Certified Translation Take?
Most applicants overestimate this.
Realistic Timelines (USA)
Document
Size
Turnaround Time
1–2 pages 24–48 hours
3–5 pages 2–3 business days
Large files 3–5 business days
Rush service Same or next day
ANA Lokalize also offers rush delivery when immigration deadlines are tight—something
I’ve seen save entire applications.
Does USCIS Require Notarized Translation?
Short answer: No.
Long answer:
USCIS requires certification, not notarization.
Notarization only confirms identity—not translation accuracy. Some agencies include
notarization optionally, but it’s not mandatory unless another authority (like a state court)
asks for it.
Can I Translate My Own USCIS Documents?
Technically? USCIS allows it.
Practically? It’s a terrible idea.
USCIS officers scrutinize self-translations more heavily. Any perceived bias or formatting
issue can trigger an RFE.
I’ve seen bilingual applicants lose weeks fixing this mistake.
A professional agency creates distance, neutrality, and credibility.
Why Using a U.S.-Based Certified Translation Agency
Matters
USCIS standards are U.S.-specific.
ANA Lokalize operates in the U.S. with:
● A physical U.S. address (Wyoming)
● U.S. phone support
● USCIS-compliant formatting
● Secure handling of sensitive documents
That matters when immigration stakes are high.
Step-by-Step: How to Get Certified Translation for
USCIS
1. Upload clear scans of your documents
2. Confirm language pair and deadline
3. Translation + quality review
4. Certification attached
5. Digital delivery (print-ready for USCIS)
Simple—but only if done right.
Common USCIS Translation Mistakes (That Cause
Delays)
● Missing certification statement
● Partial translations
● Ignoring stamps or seals
● Typos in names or dates
● Using non-professional translators
These are avoidable mistakes.
FAQs – Certified Translation for USCIS
What is a certified translation for USCIS?
A certified translation for USCIS is a complete, word-for-word English translation of a
foreign-language document, accompanied by a signed statement from the translator
certifying accuracy and completeness, as required by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration
Services for immigration applications.
How much does certified translation for USCIS cost in the USA?
Certified translation for USCIS in the USA typically costs between $20 and $80 per
document, depending on word count, language pair, and urgency. Most agencies charge
per word, usually ranging from $0.08 to $0.15 per word, with minimum word requirements.
Does USCIS require notarized translations?
No, USCIS does not require notarized translations. USCIS only requires a certification of
accuracy and completeness signed by the translator. Notarization does not verify
translation accuracy and is optional unless another authority specifically requests a notarized
document.
How long does a certified translation for USCIS take?
Most certified translations for USCIS take 1 to 3 business days for standard documents
such as birth or marriage certificates. Larger or complex documents may take up to 5
business days, while rush services can deliver translations within 24 hours if needed.
Can I translate my own documents for USCIS?
USCIS technically allows self-translations, but it is strongly discouraged. Self-translated
documents are more likely to raise credibility concerns and trigger Requests for Evidence
(RFEs). Using a professional, independent translator reduces delays and improves
acceptance by USCIS officers.
Which documents must be translated for USCIS?
USCIS requires certified translations for any document not in English, including birth
certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, police records, passports, academic
transcripts, and affidavits. All text, stamps, seals, and handwritten notes must be fully
translated.
What happens if USCIS rejects a translation?
If USCIS rejects a translation, they typically issue a Request for Evidence (RFE), delaying
your case by weeks or months. Common reasons include missing certification statements,
incomplete translations, or formatting errors. Submitting a compliant certified translation
resolves the issue.
Is a certified translation the same as a sworn translation?
No. A certified translation includes a signed accuracy statement, while a sworn translation
involves a translator authorized by a court or government body. USCIS requires certified
translations, not sworn translations, unless another agency or foreign authority explicitly
requests a sworn version.
Who provides USCIS-certified translation services in the USA?
ANA Lokalize provides USCIS-certified translation services across the USA, delivering fully
compliant translations with signed certification statements. Their translations meet USCIS
accuracy, completeness, and formatting requirements, helping applicants avoid delays,
RFEs, and rejections during immigration and visa processing.
Why choose ANA Lokalize for USCIS certified translation?
ANA Lokalize is a U.S.-based translation agency offering certified USCIS translations with
ISO 9001 and ISO 17100 quality standards. Their native translators, quality control process,
and transparent pricing ensure accurate, secure, and USCIS-compliant translations
accepted for immigration, green card, and citizenship applications.
