Immigration filing guide
USCIS Certified Translation
Everything you need to know to submit a translation that meets USCIS requirements — the wording of the certification, what has to be translated, who can sign it, and how to avoid a Request for Evidence (RFE).
What USCIS Actually Requires
Under 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3), any foreign-language document filed with USCIS must be accompanied by a full English translation and a signed certification from the translator. There are five non-negotiable elements:
- 01A complete, word-for-word English translation of every element of the source document (stamps, seals, signatures, and marginalia included).
- 02A signed Certificate of Translation Accuracy from the translator, on company letterhead.
- 03The translator's full name, signature, address, and the date of certification.
- 04A statement affirming the translator is competent to translate from the source language into English.
- 05Formatting that mirrors the layout of the original document so an officer can compare them side-by-side.
The Certification Statement
USCIS does not publish a required template, but every accepted certification contains the same four elements. This is the exact wording ByLyngo uses:
I, [Full Name], hereby certify that I am competent to translate from [Source Language] into English, and that the attached translation of [Document Title] is a true, accurate, and complete rendering of the original document to the best of my knowledge and ability.
Signature: ______________________ Date: __________
Address: [Translator / Company Address]
Documents We Certify Most Often for USCIS
Why USCIS Rejects Translations
- Translations completed by the applicant, spouse, or a beneficiary.
- Missing certification page or missing translator signature/address.
- Summarized translations — USCIS requires every stamp, seal, and marginal note.
- Translations of only part of a document (e.g., front side of a birth certificate).
- Formatting so different from the original that fields cannot be cross-referenced.
How the ByLyngo USCIS Process Works
1. Upload
Send a scan or clear phone photo of every page — front and back — through our secure portal.
2. Certified translation
A qualified human translator produces a full English translation, then a second linguist proofreads for USCIS-ready accuracy.
3. Certification & delivery
You receive a PDF with the translation and signed Certificate of Accuracy — usually within 24–48 hours. Hard copies available on request.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does USCIS require a notarized translation?
No. USCIS only requires a certified translation. Notarization is not required by USCIS for any immigration document, though some consulates or courts abroad may request it separately.
Can I translate my own documents for USCIS?
No. USCIS regulation 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3) requires the translation to be produced by a competent third-party translator — not the applicant, petitioner, or a family member with an interest in the case.
How fast can I get a USCIS certified translation?
Standard turnaround at ByLyngo is 24–48 hours for most single-page documents. Rush service is available in as little as a few hours for time-sensitive filings.
What does a USCIS certified translation cost?
Certified translations start at $49.99 per page. Price depends on document length, language pair, and turnaround time.
Do you translate every stamp, seal, and signature?
Yes. USCIS requires a complete translation of the entire document, including notations like [SEAL], [SIGNATURE ILLEGIBLE], and any handwritten marginalia.
Ready to file with confidence?
Every ByLyngo USCIS translation is backed by our acceptance guarantee. If USCIS rejects the translation for accuracy or certification format, we revise it at no cost.