Do Foreign Language Documents Need Certified English Translations?
USCIS regulations require a complete English translation of a foreign-language document, together with the translator's certification that the translation is complete and accurate and that the translator is competent to translate.
The USCIS translation rule applies
8 C.F.R. §103.2(b)(3) requires any foreign-language document submitted to USCIS to be accompanied by a full English translation.
The translator must certify completeness and competence
The certification must state that the English translation is complete and accurate and that the translator is competent to translate from the foreign language into English.
Translate the full document
Partial summaries can create evidentiary problems. Medical records, school records, government records, financial documents, and other relevant evidence should be translated completely when submitted.
Preserve the original-language document
The filing should include both the foreign-language document and its corresponding complete certified English translation so USCIS can evaluate the source record.
Frequently Asked Questions
Must foreign-language evidence be translated?
Yes. USCIS regulations require a complete English translation.
Must the translator certify the translation?
Yes. The translator must certify completeness, accuracy, and competence to translate.
Can I submit only an English summary?
A summary does not satisfy the rule requiring a full translation of the foreign-language document being submitted.
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