You’ve gathered your documents, filled out the USCIS forms, and checked off every item—until you’re asked to submit a translated version of a birth certificate, marriage license, or academic transcript. You pause. Your cousin speaks fluent Spanish. Your friend offers to help. Or maybe you’ve found an online tool that promises quick results.
But here’s the question most people don’t ask until it’s too late: Can just anyone provide USCIS-certified translation services? If submitting to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), your translation must meet specific legal standards. Not all translators—or even bilingual speakers—can provide a version that USCIS will accept. This article explains what qualifies as USCIS approved translation services, how to choose a trusted provider, and what to avoid so your application isn’t delayed.
What Does USCIS Require?
USCIS doesn’t just accept any translation. It must follow a very specific rule. According to the official policy:
“Any document containing foreign language submitted to USCIS must be accompanied by a full English translation which the translator has certified as complete and accurate, and by the translator’s certification that they are competent to translate from the foreign language into English.”
So, to be accepted, your translated document must include:
- A complete, word-for-word translation
- A Certificate of Accuracy signed and dated by the translator
- A statement confirming the translator is competent in both English and the source language
If any of these are missing—or if the translation is done informally—USCIS can reject your application or issue a Request for Evidence (RFE), causing major delays.
Can a Bilingual Friend or Family Member Translate for USCIS?
Technically, USCIS doesn’t prohibit friends or family from translating a document. But there are three important reasons why this usually isn’t a good idea:
1. They may not format the document correctly
USCIS expects the translated document to match the structure of the original—line by line, with all stamps, signatures, and handwritten notes accounted for.
2. They may not include the correct certification
Even if your friend is fluent, they may not know how to write and format the required Certificate of Accuracy.
3. They could create a conflict of interest
While not formally prohibited, using someone with a personal connection to your case could raise credibility questions, especially in legal or sensitive applications.
For peace of mind—and to avoid rework—it’s better to rely on USCIS-approved translation services that offer certified, reviewed, and formatted documents.
What Is a Certified Translation (and Why Does It Matter)?
A certified translation is not the same as just being done by someone fluent in two languages. It means the translation comes with a signed statement from the translator or agency confirming that:
- The translation is complete and accurate
- The translator is competent in both languages
This certification ensures that USCIS has a traceable, verifiable record of who completed the translation. It also protects the applicant in case of any dispute or further verification.
Certified translations are standard for:
- Birth, marriage, and death certificates
- Passports and national IDs
- Divorce decrees and court documents
- Medical records
- Diplomas and academic transcripts
- Police or immigration records
Do You Need Notarization for USCIS?
This is a common point of confusion. USCIS does not require notarized translations. The only requirement is a properly certified translation. That said, some applicants choose to notarize translations for personal or legal reasons—or if they plan to use the documents in other countries or settings beyond USCIS. If unsure, a professional agency can guide you based on your case.
What Makes a Translation “USCIS Approved”?
There is no official government list of “approved” translators. Instead, approval is based on whether the translator follows USCIS certification standards.
To be considered USCIS-approved translation services, a provider should:
- Have experience with immigration documents
- Follow USCIS formatting expectations
- Provide a Certificate of Accuracy with every document
- Offer support for multiple languages (especially English to Spanish translation services, the most in-demand pair)
- Deliver translations accepted by USCIS without revision or rework
Why English to Spanish Translation Still Matters
Although most USCIS documents must be translated into English, the reverse—English to Spanish translation services—are still critical in several contexts:
- Explaining application instructions to family members who are Spanish-speaking
- Translating interview prep materials for Spanish-speaking applicants
- Providing bilingual copies of agreements, affidavits, or waivers when families include both English- and Spanish-speaking members
This is especially helpful when working with immigration lawyers, notaries, or support groups serving bilingual communities. The right translation service should offer both directions with equal clarity and attention to legal detail.
Red Flags: What to Avoid in Translation Providers
Not all services advertising “certified translation” actually meet USCIS standards. Here’s what to watch out for:
🚫 Machine-generated translations (Google Translate or AI tools) – These can’t be certified or trusted for legal use.
🚫 Templates without proper certification – The translation may be rejected if there’s no translator name, signature, or date.
🚫 Low-cost services that outsource without oversight – Accuracy, consistency, and quality checks matter. One error can delay your entire case.
🚫 No experience with USCIS or immigration processes – General translation may not include legal formatting or official requirements.
Why Immigration Applicants Nationwide Trusts the Spanish Group
The Spanish Group has helped thousands of applicants submit accurate, certified translations to USCIS, consulates, and immigration attorneys.
We specialize in:
- USCIS-approved translation services for over 90 languages
- English to Spanish translation services for dual-language families and forms
- Guaranteed acceptance for all U.S. immigration processes
- Same-day and 24-hour delivery options
- Certified documents with included Certificate of Accuracy
- Secure uploads and full confidentiality
Our team of legal-grade translators understands how important these documents are—and we treat every case with precision and care.
Conclusion
USCIS won’t give second chances on missing certifications or formatting errors. The translation must be right the first time—accurate, certified, and complete. A trusted professional translation isn’t optional if your application includes documents in another language. It’s a necessary part of the process.
Looking for USCIS-approved translation services you can rely on?
The Spanish Group delivers fast, certified translations backed by legal experience and immigration know-how. From English-to-Spanish translation services to certified English versions of your most important documents, we help you submit with confidence—no second guessing.
