If your birth certificate is written in a language other than English, yes — a certified English translation is required when submitting it to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) as part of your immigration application. This simple step ensures USCIS can accurately review your identity, eligibility, and family relationships without delays or denials.

Do not risk your application being delayed. Request a Free Consultation or Upload Your File for a certified translation today.

Why USCIS Requires Birth Certificate Translation

Any foreign-language document submitted to USCIS — including a birth certificate — must be accompanied by a full and certified English translation. This means:

• The entire content of the original document is translated, including stamps, seals, and marginal notes.
• The translator signs a certificate of accuracy stating they are competent in both languages and that the translation is complete and accurate.
• A copy of the original foreign-language birth certificate is submitted along with the translation.

This requirement is rooted in federal regulation ensuring all evidence is understandable and verifiable during USCIS adjudication.

Need help preparing your translation? Get a Quote from certified translators who specialize in USCIS compliance.

When You Absolutely Need to Translate Your Birth Certificate

You must provide a certified English translation when your birth certificate is:

✔ Submitted with a visa application
✔ Included in an adjustment of status (green card) petition
✔ Part of a citizenship or naturalization process
✔ Filed in support of dependent or family-based immigration cases

If your birth certificate is already in English, no translation is needed—just submit a clear copy.

What “Certified Translation” Really Means

A certified translation for USCIS must include:

1. Full, accurate English translation of every word on the original document.
2. Translator’s certificate of accuracy, which includes:
   • Translator’s full name
   • Statement confirming translation is complete and accurate
   • Confirmation of competence in both languages
   • Translator’s signature, date, and contact information
3. A copy of the original birth certificate in the source language.

This is different from a notarized translation; USCIS does not require notarization — only certification of accuracy. Notarization simply verifies a signature, not the translation’s correctness.

Can You Translate Your Own Birth Certificate for USCIS?

No — USCIS generally discourages applicants from self-translating their own birth certificates.

Although regulations state that anyone “competent in both languages” can translate, translating your own birth certificate is risky because:

• It creates a conflict of interest.
• It increases the chance of errors in legal terminology, formatting, or dates.
• USCIS officers may give extra scrutiny or issue a Request for Evidence (RFE).

Instead, have a qualified third party — such as a professional translator — prepare and certify the translation.

Avoid RFEs and delays — Upload Your File for a professionally certified translation.

Common Translation Mistakes to Avoid

Even minor errors can slow your USCIS case. Watch out for:

• Incorrect date formats (e.g., day/month/year vs. U.S. month/day/year)
• Missing seals, stamps, or signatures
• Incomplete or missing certification statement
• Translator lacking language competence

Professional translators know USCIS formatting expectations and ensure your submission is flawless.

Example: Correct Certified Translation Statement

I, [Translator’s Full Name], certify that I am fluent in both [source language] and English, and that the attached document is a complete and accurate translation of the original document entitled [Document Title].
Signature: _____________________
Date: _____________________
Contact: _____________________

What Happens If You Don’t Translate Your Birth Certificate?

Failing to submit a certified translation can result in:

❌ Requests for Evidence (RFEs)
❌ Delayed case processing
❌ Denied applications
❌ Increased legal costs and stress

Proper translation from the start safeguards your immigration timeline.

Certified Translation vs. Notarized Translation

Feature	Certified Translation	Notarized Translation
Required by USCIS	✔	✘
Verifies accuracy	✔	✘
Translator certification	✔	Optional
Notary involvement	Optional	✔

USCIS focuses on accuracy and certification — not notarization. Notarized translations may still be required by foreign entities, but not for USCIS applications.

How to Prepare Your Birth Certificate for Translation

Follow this quick checklist:

• 📄 Scan the original birth certificate in high resolution.
• 📘 Ensure all text and markings are legible.
• 🔍 Confirm that every detail (names, dates, places) is clear.
• 📤 Upload to a certified translation service or request a quote.

Start Your Project now and avoid costly mistakes or delays.

FAQs

Do I need to translate a foreign birth certificate for USCIS?
Yes. If it is not in English, USCIS requires a certified translation along with the original document.

Can my friend translate my birth certificate?
Yes — but the translator must be fluent in both languages and include a proper certification statement.

Does USCIS require translation notarization?
No. USCIS only requires a certification of accuracy from the translator.

Will USCIS reject my application without certified translation?
Yes — an untranslated or incorrectly translated birth certificate typically leads to an RFE or delay.

How long does translation take?
Certified translations can often be completed within 1–3 business days depending on language and document complexity.