Translation for Citizenship (Form N-400)
Certified translations of the foreign documents a naturalization application needs: marriage, divorce and name-change records, and court or police dispositions.
Reviewed by Murat Saymaz, Global Certified Translations · Facts checked 4 November 2026
The short answer
Most naturalization applicants need few translations, because USCIS already has their earlier immigration file. Translations are needed for new foreign documents you submit with Form N-400 or bring to the interview: typically marriage and divorce records, name-change documents, and records of any arrest or court case abroad, each with a certified English translation (8 CFR 103.2(b)(3)).
Rules that apply
Each rule links to its source. Checked 4 November 2026. Rules change, so confirm with the office that will receive your documents.
| Rule | Source |
|---|---|
| Foreign-language documents submitted to USCIS need a full English translation certified by a translator competent in both languages. | 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3) |
| Applicants naturalizing after three years as the spouse of a US citizen must show they have been married to and living with that citizen for the required period. | 8 CFR 319.1 |
| Applicants must show good moral character during the statutory period; arrests and convictions anywhere in the world are relevant. | 8 CFR 316.10 |
| Form N-400 instructions list the documents to submit and bring to the interview. | USCIS, Form N-400 |
| USCIS Policy Manual Volume 12 sets out the naturalization requirements officers apply. | USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 12 (Citizenship and Naturalization) |
Why you may need less than you think
By the time you apply to naturalize, USCIS has your green card file, including translations of the birth and marriage certificates you filed then. You do not need to translate them again unless you are asked or something has changed. What USCIS does not have are documents created since, or documents about events it has not seen.
Documents that commonly need translating
- Marriage records, if you married abroad after getting your green card, or you are applying on the three-year rule as the spouse of a US citizen and the marriage was abroad.
- Divorce decrees ending earlier marriages, yours or your spouse's, if they are not already in your file.
- Name-change documents from a foreign court or registry, if your name differs from your green card.
- Court and police records: certified dispositions of any arrest, charge or conviction abroad, even if dismissed or expunged.
- Evidence for exceptions, such as documents about long trips abroad or foreign tax filings, if your attorney asks for them.
Bring originals and translations to the interview
The officer may ask to see originals of documents you submitted as copies. Bring the original, the certified translation, and a copy of both. If you are asked for a document at the interview that you did not bring, USCIS usually gives you a deadline to send it, with a translation.
Court records from abroad
Good moral character questions are where translations matter most. A foreign court judgment or police certificate must be translated in full, including the final disposition and any endorsement showing the case is closed. Legal terms are translated with their closest English term and the original in brackets, since "acquittal", "dismissal" and "conditional discharge" have different consequences. Talk to an immigration attorney before filing if you have any criminal record, anywhere.
Name consistency
If your name is written differently across documents (transliteration, maiden name, an added surname), we give the name as on your green card and note the original spelling in brackets, so the officer can see they refer to the same person.
Children deriving citizenship
Children under 18 who are green card holders often become citizens automatically when a parent naturalizes, and later apply for a certificate of citizenship or a US passport. Those applications use the child's foreign birth certificate and, where parents were not married or have divorced, custody and legitimation records. Translate them when the child's application is filed; they are separate from the parent's N-400.
What we don't do
We translate; we do not complete Form N-400, advise on eligibility or criminal-record issues, or interpret at naturalization interviews. USCIS interviews for naturalization are conducted in English except where an exemption applies.
Documents we translate for this
Marriage Certificate translation
Certified marriage certificate translation for USCIS spousal petitions, name changes and consular filings.
Divorce Decree translation
Certified divorce decree translation for USCIS, remarriage, name changes and recognition of a divorce abroad.
Police Certificate translation
Certified translation of FBI background checks for use abroad, and of foreign police certificates for USCIS and the NVC.
Name Change Documents translation
Certified translation of foreign name-change orders, deed polls, marriage records and registry annotations that link one name to another for USCIS, SSA …
Price
$39 for the first page (up to 250 words) into English, $49 into any other language, then $0.116 per additional word. Each file is priced on its own. The signed certificate of accuracy is included.
Full pricingTurnaround
24 hours standard for most documents. Expedited service is +50% for 6–8 hours and +100% for 1–3 hours. Large files are quoted with a delivery date before you pay.
Questions
Do I need translations of foreign tax returns for the N-400?
Only if you are asked for them, for example about time spent abroad or tax filing. Your attorney or the interview notice will say.
Do I need to translate my birth certificate again for citizenship?
Usually not. USCIS has it from your green card file. Translate it only if you are asked or if you are submitting it again for another reason.
Do I need translations for a foreign divorce?
If the divorce is not already in your file, yes: submit the final decree with a certified English translation.
Can I bring my own translation to the interview?
You cannot certify your own translation. The translation must be certified by a competent translator other than you.
Related
Prepared by Global Certified Translations, Edgewater, NJ. Translations are signed by a State Court Certified Translator. This page explains translation requirements; it is not legal advice.
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