How to Translate Your Birth Certificate for USCIS

What is a birth certificate?

A birth certificate is an official document that shows the details of a person's birth. It can also be used as an identity document in some official situations. Although the content of a birth certificate may differ depending on the country it was issued in, the standard content includes details like your name, the date you were born, where you were born, and the names and signatures of your parents.

A birth certificate is issued by the relevant records office or an equivalent in the city, county, or state where you were born through the hospital where you were born. Depending on the country, the issuing authority could be called the National Population Commission (NPC), the Department of Vital Statistics, the General Register Office (GRO), the Registry of Vital Records and Statistics, or something similar.

Although the exact process for obtaining a birth certificate may vary, it generally requires submitting an application and paying a fee.

When to translate a birth certificate

There are many legal and official situations when you need to translate a birth certificate for USCIS. They include visa/passport applications, driver's license applications, marriage certificate registration, academic applications, and bank applications. Getting a certified translation of your birth certificate ensures that your document is accepted and eliminates delays.

Here are some more reasons why the USCIS may ask for a foreign birth certificate translation:

1. Child adoption application
2. Death certificate application
3. Baptism ceremony
4. Legal applications
5. Employment Application
6. Permanent residency (green card) application
7. Naturalisation

Official authorities ask for birth certificates because they can be very good identification documents. Birth certificates aid the documentation process of the application you are submitting. 

Finally, requesting the birth certificate in English (the official language in the USA) ensures that USCIS officials can understand the content of the document correctly and use it appropriately.

Do you have to translate your birth certificate for USCIS?

If your birth certificate is not in English, USCIS requires a certified translation. According to USCIS guidelines, 

"Any document containing foreign language submitted to USCIS shall be accompanied by a full English language translation which the translator has certified as complete and accurate, and by the translator's certification that he or she is competent to translate from the foreign language into English." 

This means that any foreign-language document submitted as part of an immigration application must include:

1. A complete English translation that accurately reflects the original document.
2. A certification statement from the translator affirming the translation's accuracy and qualifications.

Certification by Translator

I, [typed name], certify that I am fluent (conversant) in the English and ________ languages and that the above/attached document is an accurate translation of the document attached entitled ______________________________.

Signature_________________________________

Date Typed Name

Address

Failure to submit a properly translated and certified birth certificate can lead to delays, requests for evidence (RFE), or even denials of your application. To ensure compliance, always use a USCIS-certified translation service for the birth certificate to meet the requirements.

Recommended Reading

The Complete Guide to USCIS Form I-131

What are the USCIS birth certificate translation requirements?

In addition to the USCIS birth certificate translation requirement mentioned above, immigration officials expect other things when they receive a translated document. 

• All birth certificates for USCIS applications that are not in English must be translated into English by a professional translator.
• The translation must be typed out on paper, not hand-written or on a digital device.
• The translation must match the original document exactly.
• The translation must be certified (accompanied by a certification statement) and typed on the translator's official letterhead.

Pro Tip: If you have misplaced or damaged your original birth certificate from your home country, visit the Department of State reciprocity for information on the next steps.  You will find information about documents available from various nations, and how to obtain a new document if needed. 

What is a certified birth certificate translation?

A certified birth certificate translation is done by a translator who is a member of an accredited association. The certified translation is accompanied by the certified translator's stamp and seal. Their stamp or seal displays their membership number, allowing them to be recognised easily. Alongside the translator's stamp/seal, the translator attaches a certification statement. This statement attests that the translation is a true and accurate copy of the original document and is closed with the translator's signature, the translation date, and the translation venue.

How to translate a birth certificate for USCIS

Now that you understand why you may need to translate your birth certificate for USCIS, the next step is learning how to do it correctly. USCIS birth certificate translation requirements are strict, so following the proper steps will help avoid delays or rejections.

Organise your birth certificate and accompanying documents

Before you begin translating a birth certificate, gather your original birth certificate and any related documents that USCIS may require. Carefully check for errors, missing information, or illegible text in the original document, as these can cause issues in the translation process.

Hire a translator or certified translation company

USCIS requires a certified translation of your birth certificate to guarantee acceptance. However, you cannot translate your birth certificate; you need a professional translator or a certified translation company. This is so you meet the USCIS birth certificate translation requirements. Hire a professional translator or a reputable company that offers USCIS-certified translation services with 100% acceptance. 

Verify the translator's competence and experience

Not all translation services provide high-quality work. To avoid problems, check the translator's credentials, experience, and past client reviews. If using a translation company, research its reputation to confirm its track record of USCIS-approved translations. 

Request a quote

Once you've reviewed the translation agency's track record, you can request a quote to get an estimate. This will help you avoid paying hidden charges or exceeding your budget. For example, most certified translation services take 250 words, including numbers, as the measurement for a page. You will pay for the extra page if your document exceeds that number, even if it's single-page. Requesting a quote helps you avoid this. 

Upload birth certificate

After selecting a translator, upload your birth certificate and other required documents. Before submitting personal information, make sure the company guarantees document security and confidentiality. Many services accept multiple file formats, including PDF, JPEG, and DOCX.

Get the birth certificate translation

The translator will send you a copy of the translated birth certificate within the stipulated time. In most cases, you will receive it in 24-48 hours. However, Translayte guarantees a 12 - 24 hours timeline for standard documents depending on the complexity. You can also request expedited translation services.

Receive the certified translation by email or by post

After verifying the translation, approve the order and download the final document or have it mailed to your address via post. The certified translation must include a signed certification statement from the translator affirming that the translation is complete and accurate.

Following these steps ensures that your USCIS birth certificate translation requirements are met and avoids unnecessary delays in your immigration process.

How much does a birth certificate translation cost?

The birth certificate translation rates can vary from $20 - $50 depending on several factors, including:

• The language pair: The cost can vary depending on the languages involved. For example, translating from English to Spanish may be less expensive than translating from English to Chinese.
• The complexity of the document: A birth certificate with multiple pages or complex formatting may be more expensive to translate than a simple, straightforward document.
• The level of certification: The cost can also depend on the level of certification required. For instance, a certified translation may be less expensive than a notarised or apostilled translation.

Tips for translating a birth certificate for USCIS

During our time translating documents for USCIS applications, we have gathered some vital tips; in addition to the general USCIS certified translation requirements, here are some.

1. If you submit the birth certificate to the USCIS, it cannot be translated by you, your relative, your friend, or Google Translate. A certified translator must translate it. In some circumstances, it can also be translated by a competent and experienced notary fluent in both the source language and English.
2. You cannot correct grammatical errors, names, or spelling mistakes on the original document or the translated document; you should do this on the original document before it is translated. The translation must be a true and accurate copy of the original document. It must also include every stamp and signature on the original document.
3. The translator cannot add anything to the translation that was not in the original, even if it was in the original document and not clear. He cannot assume what is meant to be there. He should report it as "illegible" in the translation.
4. A certified translation cannot expire; it is valid for as long as possible unless the receiving authority says otherwise.

Can I translate my birth certificate on my own?

No, you cannot translate your birth certificate for USCIS. According to USCIS birth certificate translation requirements, the translation must be done by a qualified third party fluent in the original language and English. The translator must also certify that the translation is accurate and complete.

Self-translation is strictly prohibited because USCIS requires a neutral and qualified translator to avoid errors, misinterpretations, or fraud. Always use certified translation services with experience handling USCIS document requirements to ensure compliance.

Does a translated birth certificate need to be notarised for USCIS?

No, USCIS does not require a notarised translation for a birth certificate. However, the translation must be certified. The translator must include a certification statement affirming the translation is complete and accurate.

Although notarisation is not required, some people notarise their translations for extra credibility. Your birth certificate translation may need to be legalised or have an Apostille before being officially recognised abroad. If you're unsure whether your translation needs to be notarised, check USCIS's official guidelines or consult a legal expert. 

Recommended Reading How to Get an Apostille on Documents Issued in the USA

Can notaries translate birth certificates?

No, a notary public cannot certify or translate birth certificates unless they are certified translators. A notary's role is to verify signatures, not the accuracy of translations.

If you need a certified translation for USCIS, hire a professional translator or company offering USCIS-certified translation services instead of relying on a notary. A notary may notarise the certification statement attached to the translation, but this is not a USCIS requirement.

Do I need the original birth certificate translation for USCIS?

USCIS does not require you to submit the original translated birth certificate. Instead, you must provide:

• A clear photocopy of the original foreign-language birth certificate
• A certified English translation of the document
• A signed certification statement from the translator

You do not need to send the physical original or the original translation unless specifically requested by USCIS. Always keep copies for your records.

How do I know which birth certificate to use for USCIS?

To determine which birth certificate to use for USCIS, follow these guidelines:

• Use a long-form birth certificate: USCIS typically requires a full, detailed version that includes the applicant's name, date of birth, place of birth, and parental information. Short-form or summary versions may not be accepted.
• Check the issuing authority: Your birth certificate must be issued by an official government authority (e.g., a civil registry, municipal office, or national vital records office).
• Ensure legibility: The birth certificate must be clear, legible, and free from damage that could make translation difficult.
• Confirm it meets USCIS requirements: Some countries issue different versions of birth certificates. If unsure which one to use, check with a USCIS representative, an immigration lawyer, or a trusted translation service.

Conclusion

Translating your birth certificate for USCIS doesn't have to be complicated or stressful. With the right information and a trusted translation service, the process can be quick, seamless, and hassle-free. However, following the proper steps and ensuring your translation meets USCIS requirements can help you avoid unnecessary delays in your immigration application. If you're ready to get started, request a free quote.

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