USCIS Certified Translation FAQ Hub
Expert answers to all key legal, formatting, name spelling, and notary questions regarding certified translations for immigration.
Translation Guidelines Categories
Legal Regulations
USCIS requirements are governed by 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3). Translations must include a signed Certificate of Accuracy, and translators must certify they are fluent and competent in both languages.
Formatting & Layouts
USCIS officers review hundreds of applications daily. Standardizing your layout to mirror the original document simplifies review and prevents name spelling or date structure queries.
Translator Credentials
No official state license is required by USCIS, but the translator must be a disinterested third party (not the applicant or their family member) and must provide their physical signature.
Frequently Asked Questions Accordion
What is a USCIS certified translation?+
Under 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3), a certified translation is a complete, accurate English translation of a foreign-language document accompanied by a signed statement from a competent translator certifying their competency and the accuracy of the translation.
Does USCIS require notarization for translations?+
No. Since 2011, USCIS explicitly does not require notarization. They only require a signed certification statement from a competent translator. Some agencies add notarization as an extra fee, but it is not necessary for immigration applications.
What happens if a stamp or seal is left untranslated?+
If an official seal, stamp, or registrar signature is left untranslated, USCIS may reject the document or issue a Request for Evidence (RFE). Professional translations must represent all official stamps, seals, and signatures in the English layout.
Can I translate my own documents for USCIS?+
No. The petitioner/applicant and their immediate family members cannot translate their own documents for their immigration case. The translator must be an independent third party.
Do you translate birth certificates from Urdu and Arabic into English?+
Yes. We translate NADRA birth certificates, marriage certificates (Nikah Nama), police clearances, and university transcripts from Urdu, Arabic, and all major languages into English.
How fast can I get my certified translation?+
Our standard turnaround is 24–48 hours. We also offer same-day express delivery within 12 hours for urgent immigration submissions.
What details must a USCIS certified translation contain?+
It must contain the translator's name, contact information, signature, official stamp, and the certification date. Lisan.pk guarantees all these elements are present on every translation.
What format does the USCIS certified translation need to be in?+
The translation must mirror the original document's format as closely as possible and include a signed certification statement on the translator's letterhead.
Translation Specifications Summary
Standard turnaround times, pricing, and compliance details.
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