For an I-130 petition, translate submitted foreign-language evidence into English in full and include the signed certification described in the USCIS instructions. The evidence needed varies by relationship and circumstances. Use this checklist to organize translation work, then confirm the required records with the legal team.
Build the document list for the specific petition
Use the evidence section of the official I-130 instructions rather than treating every family petition as the same packet. Depending on the relationship and circumstances, translation work may include:
- Birth and other civil records used to establish the claimed relationship.
- Marriage records and records showing the termination of earlier marriages where relevant.
- Adoption or other family-relationship records requested for the case.
- Foreign-language leases, financial records, letters or affidavits submitted as supporting evidence.
- Name-change records or other documents the legal team identifies.
Check bilingual documents too. A printed English field does not mean that every annotation, seal or handwritten entry is also in English.
Five checks before the packet is filed
- Source completeness: collect clear copies of every page and any written reverse side.
- Translation completeness: compare the English text with each field, stamp and annotation in the source.
- Certification: check the signed statement, translator’s printed name, signature date and contact information against the form instructions.
- Names and dates: preserve the source information and flag differences between records. Do not edit a translation to conceal a discrepancy.
- Document identification: make it easy to match each source record to its translation and certification.
Organize the handoff to the legal team
Use clear filenames and keep a checklist of received, translated and reviewed documents. A consistent packet layout helps review; it does not replace the filing instructions. The legal team should confirm the final order and whether any additional evidence is needed.
If the case also involves adjustment of status, review the green card translation guide separately. I-130 and I-485 are different forms with their own instructions.
Arrange translation with Ichundu
Send the document list, readable copies and the filing deadline. Identify the receiving authority and request certification explicitly; it is quoted separately. Ichundu will confirm price and delivery based on the actual scope. For recurring case files, see translation services for immigration law firms.
Official sources
- USCIS: Form I-130 and current filing information
- USCIS: I-130 instructions, including translations and evidence
Reviewed October 13, 2026.
