What the USCIS translation certification form must include
The certification should state that the translator is competent to translate the language and that the translation is complete and accurate. These are the requirements stated in 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3).
A properly prepared certification should also identify the document being translated and provide enough information to identify and contact the translator.
The statement should include:
Translator's full name
A statement confirming competence in English and the source language
A statement confirming that the translation is complete and accurate
The name or description of the document being translated
Translator's signature
Date of certification
Translator's address
Translator's contact information
For example, when translating a Spanish birth certificate, name it as the “birth certificate”. Do not just write “attached document”. This makes it clear which translation the certification relates to.
Note: You can only use one certification per document to translate. If you have a birth certificate, marriage certificate and police certificate, each document must have a certification statement attached. You cannot use a vague statement that doesn’t identify the document or one certification for all three.
What USCIS does not require
USCIS does not state in 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3) that the translator must:
Be a member of the American Translators Association (ATA)
Hold a government translator license
Be on a USCIS-approved translator list
Have the certification notarised
USCIS translation certification template
You can use the following as a simple, fill-in-the-blank certification. Replace the bracketed information with the correct details for your translation.
Version 1: Plain certification statement
I [typed name] am competent to translate from [foreign language] into English and certify that the translation of the [document title] is true and accurate to the best of my abilities.
Signature_________________________________ Name____________________________________ Address__________________________________ Date___________________________ |
Example of a completed certification
Suppose Maria translates a Spanish birth certificate into English. Her certification could look like this:
I, Maria Rodriguez, certify that I am fluent in English and Spanish, and that the attached document titled Birth Certificate of Carlos Rodriguez is a complete and accurate translation of the original document.
Signature: Maria Rodriguez Name: Maria Rodriguez Address: 123 Main Street, Austin, TX 78701 Telephone/Contact Information: +1 512-555-0123 Date: July 31, 2026 |
Note: The exact layout can vary. What matters is that the certification is signed, dated, and complete.
Download the free USCIS translation certification template
If you prefer not to create the certification from scratch, you can use an editable Microsoft Word template.
Download the free template.
Note: This free template is a starting point and does not replace a professional review. To avoid the risk of RFEs, order your certified translation from Translayte.
Should you translate the document yourself?
Technically, 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3) does not say that the translator must be a professional translator or that the applicant is prohibited from translating their own document. The regulation focuses on whether the translation is full, complete, and accurate, and whether the translator is competent.
However, translating your immigration documents can create a credibility issue. You are certifying the accuracy of the evidence submitted in your own case. separates the person submitting the evidence from the person certifying it. It also eliminates the issue of personal bias.
Professional translators also understand how to translate unique elements in documents or rare languages that have special characters.
Final thoughts
A USCIS translation certification is simple to get right, and the template above covers what the rule requires. If you would rather not handle the translation or certification yourself, Translayte can prepare your documents for immigration use and provide the certification. Our certified translation services for USCIS save you time and help ensure your documents meet the requirements. Need certified translation for USCIS? Request a free quote.
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