Use this copy-and-paste template for any foreign birth record. It includes the required translator’s certification and is formatted for easy printing or uploading.
Table of Contents
ToggleA) English translation body (generic)
TRANSLATION OF BIRTH CERTIFICATE (English)
Issuing Authority: [Authority name in source language] → [English]
Place of Issue: [City, State/Province, Country]
Registration No.: [Number]
Entry/Book/Folio: [As shown]
Date of Issue: [DD Month YYYY]
Child’s Details
- Full Name: [AS ON ORIGINAL]
- Sex: [Male/Female]
- Date of Birth: [DD Month YYYY]
- Place of Birth: [City, State/Province, Country]
- Registration Date: [DD Month YYYY] (if listed)
Parents’ Details
- Mother’s Full Name (maiden name if shown): [ ]
- Mother’s Place of Birth / Nationality (if shown): [ ]
- Father’s Full Name: [ ]
- Father’s Place of Birth / Nationality (if shown): [ ]
Additional Annotations / Marginal Notes
- [Translate seals, stamps, marginal notes, signatures, abbreviations, and acronyms. If a word or seal is illegible, note: “illegible.” Do not omit any content.]
End of Translation of the Birth Certificate.
B) Translator’s certification (copy-and-paste)
CERTIFICATION OF TRANSLATION ACCURACY AND COMPETENCE
I, [Translator’s Full Name], certify that I am competent to translate from [Language] into English, and that the attached translation of the [Document Title, e.g., Birth Certificate] is a complete and accurate translation of the document in [Language].
Signature: __________________________
Printed Name: _______________________
Date: _______________________________
Email/Phone: ________________________
Address: ____________________________
USCIS requires any foreign-language document to be accompanied by a full English translation and a translator’s certification asserting completeness, accuracy, and translator competence. No fixed format is prescribed beyond these elements.
Helpful comparisons: Publicly shared templates exist from NIJC and Lawbench; community projects list country-specific layouts (e.g., Mexico, El Salvador). Review only as references—always match your exact document.

Birth certificate translation examples & format samples (Spanish → English)
Below are concise examples to help you mirror typical Latin American formats. Always translate everything (headers, seals, stamps, marginal notes).
Example 1: Mexican birth certificate translation template (Acta de Nacimiento)
Common fields you may see: Entidad Federativa/Estado, Municipio/Alcaldía, Oficialía/Registro Civil, Libro, Acta, Folio, CURP, Nombre(s), Primer/Segundo Apellido, Fecha de Nacimiento, Sexo, Lugar de Nacimiento, Nombre de la Madre, Nombre del Padre, Sello y Firma.
Render in English like:
FEDERATIVE ENTITY (State): [ ]
MUNICIPALITY: [ ] CIVIL REGISTRY OFFICE: [ ]
BOOK: [ ] CERTIFICATE (ACTA) NO.: [ ] FOLIO: [ ]
CURP: [ ]
CHILD’S NAME: [Given Names] [First Surname] [Second Surname]
SEX: [ ] DATE OF BIRTH: [DD Month YYYY]
PLACE OF BIRTH: [City, State, United Mexican States]
MOTHER: [Full Name as shown]
FATHER: [Full Name as shown]
SEAL/STAMP: [Translate text on seal]
SIGNATURE: [Signature of Civil Registrar]
(For country-specific examples/templates shared by nonprofits and community organisations, see Dreamers Network’s download list.)
Example 2: El Salvador birth certificate translation template (Partida de Nacimiento)
Typical fields: Alcaldía Municipal, Registro del Estado Familiar, Libro de Nacimientos, Partida/Folio, Lugar y Fecha, Nombre del(a) inscrito(a), Padres, Firmas y Sellos. Render in English similarly:
MUNICIPAL MAYOR’S OFFICE — FAMILY STATUS REGISTRY
BIRTHS BOOK: [ ] ENTRY/PAGE (FOLIO): [ ]
PLACE & DATE OF REGISTRATION: [City, Department, Republic of El Salvador — DD Month YYYY]
REGISTERED NAME OF CHILD: [ ]
DATE OF BIRTH: [ ] PLACE OF BIRTH: [ ]
MOTHER: [ ] FATHER: [ ]
SEALS/STAMPS: [Translate all visible text]
SIGNATURE OF REGISTRAR: [ ]
(Background examples of Salvadoran birth records are widely discussed online; still, base your translation strictly on your document’s text.)
How to use this template (step-by-step)
- Transcribe exactly what you see (don’t summarise; don’t skip seals, headers, or marginal notes).
- Maintain layout cues (book/folio/entry numbers, page references).
- Expand abbreviations in brackets when helpful (e.g., “Mun.” → “[Municipality]”).
- Dates & names: Keep the original order and diacritics; if unclear, note [illegible].
- Do not notarise unless requested by the adjudicator or agency.
- Attach the certification (see Section B) and sign.
- Provide both: the translation and a clear copy of the original in the submission packet.
USCIS translation requirements (in plain English)
- Full English translation of any non-English document is required.
- The translator must certify that the translation is complete and accurate, and that they are competent to translate into English.
- USCIS does not require a specific template; compliance hinges on content (full translation + certification).
These requirements are reiterated across USCIS Policy Manual chapters referencing foreign-language evidence; each states that documents must be accompanied by a certified English translation.
When a DIY template is risky (and when to hire a pro)
Use a professional USCIS-compliant certified translation if your document is:
- Heavily annotated (multiple stamps/seals/marginal notes)
- Handwritten or partly illegible
- From multiple issuers (amendments, re-registration, name changes)
- Needed urgently and you can’t risk errors
Upload Your File for a same-day quote. We’ll return a certified translation with the proper statement and formatting ready for USCIS submission.
Birth certificate translation form vs. template (what’s the difference?)
- A template = a structured layout you fill with a faithful translation of your document.
- A form = a pre-formatted sheet some organisations provide to standardise translations. USCIS accepts either, provided the translation is complete and includes the certification.
Real-world references & examples
- USCIS rule (8 CFR 103.2(b)(3)) — the governing requirement.
- USCIS Policy Manual — Evidence & Documentation — reiterates certified translation for non-English documents.
- Template examples from legal/nonprofit sites for comparison: NIJC, Lawbench, and community lists.
FAQs
Q1. Is there an official USCIS printable birth certificate translation template?
A. No specific form is prescribed. USCIS requires a full English translation plus a translator’s certification asserting completeness, accuracy, and competence. Your format can vary as long as those elements are present.
Q2. Can I translate my own birth certificate for USCIS?
A. USCIS requires a translator who certifies competence and accuracy. Many applicants use a professional to avoid risk, especially where illegible text, stamps, or specialised terms appear. Always include the certification statement.
Q3. Do I need a notarised translation?
A. Notarisation is not required by default for USCIS; it’s sometimes requested by other agencies or specific adjudicators. Follow your form instructions and request notices.
Q4. What about Mexican or El Salvador birth certificates?
A. You may use this template. Ensure you translate all Spanish headings (e.g., Acta de Nacimiento, Libro, Folio, CURP, Alcaldía, Registro del Estado Familiar), seals, and notes. The same USCIS certification rule applies.
Q5. Will USCIS reject my application if the translation is incomplete?
A. Incomplete or uncertified translations can lead to delays or a request for evidence (RFE). Provide a complete translation with the proper certification to prevent issues.
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What you get:
- A USCIS-compliant certified translation (includes signed certification)
- Clear formatting mirroring your original (seals, stamps, marginal notes translated)
- Digital delivery; hard copies on request