How to Use Translation Services Effectively While Dealing with USCIS?


How to Use Translation Services Effectively While Dealing with USCIS?
Beth Worthy

Beth Worthy

11/19/2020

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) controls the USA’s immigration and naturalization system.

It is an agency of the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and is one of the successors of the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), which was disbanded by the Homeland Security Act of 2002. 

USCIS processes and adjudicates a variety of immigration matters, including applications for work visas, asylum, and citizenship.

Working with the USCIS requires paperwork to be correctly completed.

Frequently, the paperwork must be in multiple languages to enable all parties involved in the immigration process to comprehend the text.

Licensed translation handles various types of documents, including those concerning immigration and citizenship.

Let us discuss how to locate and work with USCIS-certified translation services.

What is a USCIS Certified Translation?

With new regulations being introduced, the US immigration procedure is gradually becoming more complex.

Applications can be rejected if they are not filled out correctly or do not meet all the legal requirements.

USCIS needs certified translation because it needs documentation to show that the copy in the new language is verified as being the same as it was in the original.

For example, a prerequisite for the formalities in the naturalization of foreign-born spouses on the US Department of State’s website reads:

(3) Translations. Any 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.”

The USCIS is strict in its requirements and requires the translated document to include the entire text from the original record.

It should also contain the document certifying the copy, officially known as the signed Certificate of Translation Accuracy.

All copies of non-English papers and credentials need to be certified for the USCIS to accept them. 


The certified translation covers essential certificates required by the USCIS, which include:

  • Birth certificates
  • Marriage certificates
  • Divorce certificates
  • Transcripts
  • Passports
  • Affidavits

How to Get a USCIS-Certified Translation Service?

Taking assistance from a certified translation service is the most straightforward component of the complicated immigration process.

Working with such a service usually consists of the following steps:

  1. Submitting your document to the company. Presently, translators often prefer that you upload digital copies into a protected system.
  2. Supplying relevant personal details, including your name and contact information.
  3. Choosing the languages that you need the text to be translated into.
  4. Submitting the order and paying for the job to continue.

The entire process of producing these documents for immigration ensures that the text and information are precisely translated between languages.

Any mistake might result in misrepresenting a person coming into the country. This can cause various kinds of hassles for the immigrant.

After completing the process, you get the copied document and the Certificate of Translation Accuracy, typically through email and post.

The time needed to complete the process depends on the translation firm. However, many services offer a day’s turnaround time for certificates.

How to Find a USCIS-Certified Translation Firm?

Every year, over a million immigrants, arrive in the US, and certified language services offer their help.

Usually, you might search for local keywords like certified translation services or “USCIS certified translation services near me” to initially find a service in your area. 

You can also seek information from your personal or professional networks to find language companies.

If you know someone who had a good experience with such a company, utilizing that service can minimize your risk of working with questionable certified translation services.

Moreover, if someone recommends a translation agency, it signifies they had a smooth process of getting their documents accepted by USCIS.

You should verify the background of the translation agencies or the translators and compare the firms’ rates.

Focus mainly on their experience in handling USCIS paperwork. Conduct a background check to find the best USCIS language service through the following steps:

  • Verify the proof of their past work. Evaluate work portfolios, client feedback, and references if you are working with an independent translator.
  • Search how companies are rated through independent consumer groups like Consumer Advocates. You may also verify their Better Business Bureau rating.
  • If the company does not list this information on its website, ask for their USCIS acceptance rate for its translated documents. Furthermore, ensure that they provide a Certificate of Translation Accuracy.
  • Ensure that your translation service firm or your independent translator has a professional background. This could mean majoring in the language they translate or have substantial working experience translating documents for the USCIS. They can also belong to a trade body or similar professional organization.

Take your time to analyze a translation service's background and efficiency to make sure you find the most suitable USCIS-certified translation services for you.

This will guarantee that the immigration process will be more straightforward and hassle-free. 

Read Also: Choose A Right Degree To Pursue Your Dream Career

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Beth Worthy

Beth Worthy

Beth Worthy is the Cofounder & President of GMR Transcription Services, Inc., a California-based company that has been providing accurate and fast transcription services since 2004. She has enjoyed nearly ten years of success at GMR, playing a pivotal role in the company's growth. Under Beth's leadership, GMR Transcription doubled its sales within two years, earning recognition as one of the OC Business Journal's fastest-growing private companies. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two kids.