Practical guide

Which documents need to be translated for USCIS?

A practical guide to foreign-language records, complete English translations, and translator certification.

Direct answer

Foreign-language records included in a USCIS filing are translated into English with the required translator certification. The exact mix of records varies by filing, but civil, identity, academic, employment, financial, police, court, and medical documents are common translation categories.

Updated September 21, 2026

Source: 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3), translation rule

Civil and identity records are a frequent starting point

Birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce records, passports, identity documents, and name-change records often establish identity, family relationships, and civil status across the filing.

Employment and qualification records can form a second document group

Diplomas, transcripts, licenses, employment letters, experience letters, contracts, and compensation records are common in employment-based matters and professional evidence sets.

Translate the complete selected record

Review every page, including reverse sides, attachments, seals, and annotations. Group related files by person or document type so names, dates, and recurring terminology can be reviewed consistently across the translation project.

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Practical considerations

  • Send the complete document set.
  • Include relevant reverse sides, seals, stamps, and annotations.
  • State the language pair and requested date.
  • Use clear scans or photos with all text visible.

Frequently asked questions

What types of documents are commonly translated for USCIS?

Common categories include civil records, identity documents, academic credentials, employment records, financial documents, police records, court documents, and medical records.

Should partially English documents still be reviewed?

Yes. A document can contain seals, notes, attachments, or registry language in another language even when some fields are already in English.

Can I submit a complete group of records for one quote?

Yes. Sending the selected document set together helps organize scope and supports consistent treatment of recurring names, dates, and terminology.

Related pages

USCIS translation requirementsDocument translation servicesEB-2 NIWSupported documentsCertificate of AccuracyStart Your Translation
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