USCIS Translation Mistakes That Lead to Requests for Evidence

When a USCIS officer cannot rely on the evidence in a file, the usual next step is a Request for Evidence (RFE). Responding takes time, and the case waits in the meantime. Translation problems are among the most preventable causes. They all come back to the same rule, 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3), which requires "a full English language translation which the translator has certified as complete and accurate, and... the translator's certification that he or she is competent to translate from the foreign language into English."

Here are seven problems to check for before you file.

1. A partial translation

Translating only the fields that seem relevant (names, date and place of birth) and leaving out the rest does not meet the "full" translation requirement. Every word on the document must be translated, including headers, form labels and footnotes.

2. Untranslated stamps, seals and handwriting

Registry stamps, handwritten amendments and apostilles are part of the document. If they are missing from the translation, the translation is incomplete. See how translators handle stamps and seals.

3. A certificate missing the competence statement

Many online templates only say the translation is accurate. The regulation requires two statements: accuracy and completeness, and the translator's competence in both languages. Check the certificate against our sample certificate of translation accuracy.

4. An unsigned or undated certificate

A typed name is not a signature. The certificate should carry the translator's handwritten or valid electronic signature, printed name, date and contact details.

5. Names that do not match other documents

If the birth certificate translation says "Iuliia" and the passport says "Yulia," the officer has to reconcile them. Use passport spellings consistently across every translation. See name spelling across translated documents.

6. A missing back page

Many civil documents have stamps, registration notes or an apostille on the reverse. If only the front was scanned and translated, part of the document is untranslated. Scan both sides of every page.

7. Translating the wrong version of the document

USCIS expects particular civil documents from each country, listed in the State Department's reciprocity schedule. Some countries issue both short and long forms of a birth certificate, for example. Translating a perfect copy of the wrong document does not help. Confirm which version your country's schedule lists, then translate that one.

What does not cause problems

Two things people often worry about unnecessarily:

• No notarization. USCIS does not require notarized translations. See certified vs. notarized.
• No special translator licence. The regulation requires a competent translator's certification, not a particular credential. Independence still matters, though; see translating your own documents.

A pre-filing checklist

• Every foreign-language document in the filing has a translation.
• Each translation covers the whole document, front and back.
• Each certificate has the accuracy and competence statements, a signature, a printed name, a date and contact details.
• Names, dates and places match across all translations and the passport.
• Each translation is placed with a copy of its original document.

USCIS translations from Global Certified Translations

We translate complete documents, stamps and all, with a signed certificate of accuracy included. Send the passport spellings of the names with your order. Every translation is signed by a State Court Certified Translator. Prices start at $49 for the first page, with standard 24-hour turnaround. See our USCIS translation service or get an instant quote.

This article explains translation requirements. It is not legal advice about your case.