If you want to get a document professionally translated into English for the United States Citizenship and Immigration services (USCSI) application, you may be required to provide evidence that you used a qualified professional service. This evidence arrives typically in one of two forms: a certified translation or a notarized translation. The differences between the two and when they are used are significant.
- Certified Translation
A certified translation means that the translation agency or translator has provided a signed statement that the translation is a real and genuine translation of the original. Certified translations are normally needed for legal papers such as court transcripts, business contracts, adoption agreements, immigration documents, and birth, death, or marriage certificates.
- Notarized Translation
A notarized translation is not about quality control and more about reflecting official plans. A notary public is a person who is allowed by the government to supervise and verify several legal formalities – one of them being notarized translations. Notarized translations are usually needed for education-based documents like high school transcripts or international diplomas.
Use one, not both
Certified and notarized translations offered by professional translation services are both known translations. Both are completed by experienced translators, checked for accuracy and only then delivered to the client. Both are significant for USCIS translation.
Today, it’s normally one or the other that is needed – either a certified or a notarized translation, but not both. This was not always the situation, as just a few years ago the USCIS claimed that all certified translations also be notarized. Though, the USCIS has since changed the laws and dropped the notarization condition, making certified translations the official U.S. terms for all immigration purposes.
Every year the immigration body in the United States receives many applications from immigrants and the families of foreigners who intend to move to the U.S. Some applications must be sent in with the translation of foreign-language documents. Individuals who are preparing their application often ask us whether they will need to get a certified and notarized translation. A few years ago certified translations for USCIS had to be notarized. However, recently the rules have changed and for immigration purposes, applicants are no longer required to submit a notarized translation.
The non-English language documents have to be translated by a professional translator and be accompanied by his/her certification. A typical example of a document that has to be translated for an immigration application is a birth certificate. For USCIS translation matters the identity of the translator does not have to be verified by a notary public whether it is a birth certificate or a divorce decree that you are presenting. A professional translator or a translation company can sign a declaration attesting to their fluency in the source and English languages. They keep up with updates to immigration policies. They are aware that immigration authorities no longer request notarized translations. As a result, they prepare certified translations for those who want the translated documents for a visa application. Nevertheless, they can notarize translations upon request. If you have been asked to provide the professional translation of your foreign-language documents, you need to get certified USCIS translation for a successful immigration process.
Many individuals contact translation agencies about their professional translations for immigration purposes. They always explain that they only need a certified translation. Professional language service providers aim to provide prompt service so that you can submit your application on time. They can translate your documents quickly without losing accuracy. Expert translators are meticulous and translate documents with keen attention to detail. They examine the text in the source language and choose the best words in English to express the meaning of the original document. They understand that experienced translators with advanced language skills can often deliver better USCIS translations than those who have just started working in the industry. Before hiring any translation agency or translator, you need to contact them with questions about their certified document translation services. Speak with a representative about certified translations for USCIS and get a quote promptly. For a successful USCIS process, language service providers will need to know the purpose of the translation to attach the proper certification.
