How to Translate Adoption Papers for USCIS

Which adoption papers require certified translations?

The following documents require certified translations for submission to USCIS:

• Marriage certificate: Applicable if a couple wants to jointly adopt a child. The couple must prove they can meet the basic and educational needs of the child.
   
• Parental consent: If the biological parents consented to the adoption, or their rights were legally terminated, any associated documents, court rulings, or signed consent forms must be translated and certified.
   
• Birth certificate: Showing the country, state, and district of birth, and the legal names of the child.
   
• Medical papers: To confirm their medical history for the sake of healthcare.
   
• Identification documents: For both the adoptive parents and the adopted individual.
   
• Bank statements: To show that the parents of the individual are financially stable and sincere in paying taxes.
   
• Criminal record clearance: From the police department to ensure the adoptive parents do not have any criminal history. 
   
• Custody or Guardianship Orders: In some cases, there may be prior custody or guardianship documents before the full adoption process is completed.
   
• Home study reports (if required): While not always requested, USCIS may ask for a translated version of the home study conducted by a licensed social worker in the country of origin, especially in intercountry adoptions.
   
• Foreign court judgments and legal proceedings: If the adoption took place under the jurisdiction of a foreign court, any rulings, appeals, or supporting legal documents from those proceedings will also require certified translation.
   
• Immigration-related documents from the child’s country: In some cases, adoption agencies or courts may issue identity or status documents needed for visa or immigration purposes. These must be translated if included in your USCIS filing.

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USCIS translation requirements for adoption documents

According to USCIS regulations, all documents in a foreign language must be accompanied by a complete English translation, along with a certification of translation accuracy from the translator or translation agency, verifying the accuracy of the translation. 

“Any document containing a 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.” 

Here’s what USCIS specifically requires for adoption papers translations:

1. Complete and accurate translation

USCIS does not accept summaries or partial translations. Every detail on the original adoption document: names, dates, stamps, signatures, and official notations must be translated word for word.

2. Translator’s certification of accuracy

Each translated document must be accompanied by a signed certification from the translator. This certification must confirm that:

• The translation is complete and accurate.
• The translator is competent to translate from the source language into English.

A typical certification statement reads:

"I, [Translator's Name], certify that I am fluent in [Source Language] and English, and that the above translation is an accurate and complete representation of the original document."

This statement must also include:

• The translator’s full name and signature
• The date of certification
• Contact information (optional but helpful)

Certification by a Translation agency

3. Who can translate?

USCIS allows any competent translator to provide a certified adoption papers translation, but you cannot translate your documents, even if you're fluent. It's highly recommended to use a professional translation service familiar with USCIS standards. 

4. Formatting requirements

The translated document should:

• Be typed, not handwritten.
• Match the layout and format of the original document as closely as possible.
• Include a certification statement from the translator.
• Be printed on the translator's official letterhead if provided by a translation company.

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How to translate adoption papers for USCIS

USCIS has strict guidelines for document translation, so it’s important to follow a clear and compliant process.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to translate adoption papers for USCIS:

Step 1: Gather all relevant adoption documents

Start by collecting every document related to the child adoption that USCIS may require. This includes the adoption decree, birth certificates (before and after adoption), parental consent forms, court rulings, and any custody agreements. Ensure that all documents you have are complete and legible, and that they are the original versions. 

Step 2: Choose a professional translation service

You can find certified translators on association websites like the American Translators Association (ATA). Using ATA-certified translators or translation companies also ensures you get the best services. Alternatively, you can find translators or translation agencies online by searching for keywords like; 

• "USCIS certified translation company",
• "Adoption papers translation services",
• "Adoption document certificate translation company near me"
• "USCIS certified translation services for adoption papers"

When searching, look for services that offer:

• Certified and USCIS-compliant translations
• Fast turnaround times
• A translation accuracy guarantee
• 100% USCIS acceptance guarantee.

Before placing your order, you can request an instant quote and chat with customer services to better understand the cost of translating your adoption papers for USCIS. 

Pro Tip: Avoid using free online translation tools like Google Translate or AI translations, as they are not accepted by USCIS. Machine translation tools do not come with a certificate of translation, and as such, there’s no way of confirming the accuracy of the translation. Submitting an AI-translated document will lead to your application being delayed or even rejected.

If you’re struggling to choose a translation company, check out our detailed comparison of Translayte and other top translation services to help you make the right decision.

Step 3: Submit original documents for translation

Send clear, full copies or scans of your original documents to the translation provider. You usually don’t need to send a physical copy, digital copies are fine unless otherwise stated. On Translayte, you can upload your document in all formats, including JPG, PNG, PDF, or DOCX. 

When uploading, ensure;

• All pages are included, even if they’re blank or repetitive. 
• All stamps, notes, and seals are visible
• Pages are clear and legible

This helps the translator to capture every detail, which USCIS requires for a complete and accurate translation. 

Once you upload the adoption papers, you can add other information and instructions for the translators. Proceed to pay your translation fees to complete the ordering process. Adoption paper translation services cost about $20 - $60 per page, depending on the language pair. Be sure to confirm the price before placing your order.

Step 4: Receive a certified translation of your adoption papers.

Once your order is complete, you should receive your adoption papers translation within the specified timeframe. With Translayte, you can receive your translations in 12 hours or less. The translated document is accompanied by a certificate of accuracy, which is part of the USCIS requirement. The certification statement from the translator or translation company confirms that the translation is complete and accurate and that the translator is qualified.

Step 5: Review your document for errors

After receiving your translation, go ahead to review the translation for accuracy. If you’re not fluent in the target language (in this case, English), you can begin by checking; 

• The accurate spelling of your name
• That stamps, seals, and handwritten notes in the original are included in the translation.
• That names, dates, and key details match across all translations.

Feel free to use AI translations to confirm that it’s a word-for-word translation, or read through essay samples to understand the US English writing style, tone, and phrases. This helps you know what to look out for when reviewing your translated documents. 

Step 6: Submit the translated adoption papers to USCIS

Once your certified translation is ready, submit it with your USCIS application. The translation should be included as a separate document and attached to the adoption documents in the original language.

Pro Tip: If you have multiple USCIS applications requiring translations (e.g., birth certificates, divorce decrees), you should hire a reliable translation company to maintain consistency. Translayte has a team of ATA-certified translators, allowing us to offer USCIS translations for multiple document and language pairs. 

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Do adoption documents need to be notarized for USCIS?

In most cases, USCIS does not require notarization of adoption documents or their translations. What USCIS requires is that all foreign-language documents submitted with an application or petition be accompanied by a certified English translation. 

However, notarization may still be required in some cases if:

• The adoption documents are from a country where notarization is part of the legal validation process, e.g, Turkey.
• A specific USCIS officer or caseworker requests notarized copies of translations during processing.
• You are submitting documents through another agency (e.g., NVC or embassy) that has different requirements.

To be safe, always confirm with your immigration attorney or adoption agency whether notarization is necessary for your specific case.

How to notarize a translated adoption document

If you’ve been asked to notarize a translated adoption document for USCIS or another agency, here’s how to do it correctly:

Step 1: Get a certified translation

Before you can notarize a document, ensure the document is translated by a certified translator or a professional translation agency. It must also include a certification of accuracy signed by the translator or agency. 

Step 2: Visit a notary public

Take the certified translation to a licensed notary public. They append their signature & stamp to the translation, confirming the identity of the translator and certifying their statement.

The notary does not validate the accuracy of the translation, they only verify the identity and signature of the person making the certification. 

Notarized translations produced by Translayte are first certified, then presented to a Notary Public in the country where it is required, who then appends their signature & stamp to our company certification. 

Step 4: Submit with your USCIS application

During your application, submit the original document, the translated version, and the notarized document together.

Note: Notarization does not replace USCIS certification requirements; it is only an additional step if specifically requested.

Where to get a USCIS-compliant adoption document translation

You can get certified translation services for USCIS online from independent translators, translation companies, and law firms. Here are some things you should know;

Professional translation services

Many companies specialise in USCIS certified translations, ensuring compliance with all requirements. For example, Translayte provides fast turnaround times, quality assurance, and a certification statement. Using Translayte certified translation services is best if you want a hassle-free, professionally handled translation with guaranteed acceptance.

Independent certified translators

You can find independent ATA-certified translators offering translation services for immigration purposes online. The American Translators Association (ATA) or other professional organisations often recognise these translators. You can choose this option if you prefer one-on-one service and want to work directly with an experienced translator.

Law firms or immigration consultants

Immigration lawyers or consultants offer translation services as part of their legal assistance packages. These professionals ensure that translations meet USCIS guidelines. However, most of these firms might still outsource the translation to agencies for fast and accurate delivery. This service is best if you need extra legal guidance or have a complicated USCIS process.

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Why should you choose Translayte?

Translayte provides 100% USCIS-accepted translation for various documents, including adoption papers.  Here's why you should choose us;

100% USCIS acceptance guarantee

One of the biggest concerns with translation services is whether USCIS will accept the document. Translayte gives you a 100% acceptance guarantee, meaning your translation meets all USCIS requirements, including proper certification and formatting.

Fast turnaround times (12 hours)

USCIS applications often have tight deadlines, and waiting weeks for a translation is not an option. Translayte offers a 12-hour delivery timeline plus expedited options, ensuring you get your translation quickly without compromising on quality.

Certified & ATA-accredited translators

All translations are done by professional translators who are fluent in both the source language and English. They are also accredited by ATA (American Translators Association) and ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance.

Transparent & affordable pricing

Translayte provides clear, upfront pricing starting at $25 per page, depending on the document type and urgency. You can also request an instant quote to know exactly what you're paying for, with no surprises.

24/7 customer support

If you have any questions or require modifications, Translayte provides responsive customer support. Our support representatives are available 24/7 via WhatsApp, phone, live chat, and email. You can also enjoy bilingual support services, allowing seamless communication. 

Get your adoption paper translation services from Translayte

Choosing Translayte means fast, reliable, and guaranteed adoption document translations that meet all USCIS standards. Request an instant quote to order your certified translation.