If you are applying for a green card, citizenship, or any immigration benefit, USCIS requires every foreign-language document to be submitted with a certified English translation. Your birth certificate is almost always the first document on that list. Here is exactly what USCIS expects — and how to get it right the first time.
What USCIS actually requires
Under federal regulation (8 CFR 103.2(b)(3)), any document in a foreign language must be accompanied by a full English translation plus a certification from the translator stating that the translation is complete and accurate and that they are competent to translate from that language into English.
In practice, a valid certified translation includes:
- A complete, word-for-word translation of the document — including seals, stamps, and handwritten notes
- A signed certification statement with the translator’s name, signature, and date
- A layout that mirrors the original, so officers can compare both documents side by side
Do I need to notarize it?
No. This is the most common misconception we see. USCIS does not require notarized translations — only certified ones. Some state agencies or foreign consulates may ask for notarization, but for USCIS filings the translator’s certification is enough.
Can a friend or family member translate it?
Technically USCIS does not forbid it, but it is risky: the applicant or a family member translating their own documents raises credibility questions, and any error or omission can trigger a Request for Evidence (RFE), adding weeks or months to your case. A professional certified translation removes that risk for a modest cost.
What can go wrong
- Partial translations — leaving out stamps, marginal notes, or the back of the document
- Missing certification — a translation without the signed statement is not acceptable
- Name inconsistencies — spellings that do not match your passport or application forms
How it works with Ichundu
Send us a clear photo or scan of your birth certificate through our online order page. We deliver a USCIS-ready certified translation, typically within 24–48 hours, in English↔Spanish. First order? Use code ICHUNDU.FIRST for 50% off. Questions first? Contact us — we reply the same day.
Immigration law firm? We set up firm accounts with consistent certification, 24–48 h turnaround and consolidated monthly invoicing. Certified translation services for law firms →
