Introduction
It is crucial to verify the precision of your birth certificate translation intended for USCIS. USCIS places significance on maintaining consistency between the details you submit and your online profile, underscoring the importance of having your documents, including the translation of your birth certificate, professionally prepared by reliable and experienced experts.
This article provides a comprehensive guide on meeting the birth certificate translation requirements for USCIS, regardless of the service provider you choose.
Understanding Birth Certificates
A government-issued document known as a birth certificate serves to authenticate your identity and age. It includes details such as your name, date of birth, and place of birth. The format and issuing authority of birth certificates vary from one country to another.
These certificates function as evidence of identity, particularly in applications for passports or driver’s licenses.
A government-issued document known as a birth certificate serves to authenticate your identity and age. It includes details such as your name, date of birth, and place of birth. The format and issuing authority of birth certificates vary from one country to another.
These certificates function as evidence of identity, particularly in applications for passports or driver’s licenses.
When to Translate a Birth Certificate
Should your birth certificate be in a language other than the required one, it is necessary to translate it and present the translated version to an authorized entity.
In the context of immigration procedures in the United States, a translated birth certificate may be necessary when seeking a resident visa. Similarly, educational institutions may ask for a translated birth certificate when pursuing studies abroad.
Certain occasions and documentation require the translation of a birth certificate:
• Applying for a passport
• Applying for a driver’s license
• Custody matters
• Death-related procedures
• Marriage documentation
• Social security benefits applications
• Enrollment in school
Is it Mandatory to Translate Birth Certificates for USCIS?
Absolutely, if you’re seeking permanent residence in the United States, the Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) mandates the submission of your birth certificate. If the document is not in English, a translated version is also obligatory. USCIS utilizes this information to confirm your identity, ascertain your visa category, and evaluate whether there are any reasons for potential rejection.
USCIS Guidelines
USCIS outlines specific criteria for birth certificate translations. The translation must be typed rather than handwritten, maintain the original document’s format, and carry certification. The certified translation should feature the translation provider’s letterhead and include an official certification statement.
Key information that the US Citizenship and Immigration Services necessitates from your birth certificate comprises:
• Your complete name
• Place and date of birth
• Full names of your parents
• An official seal validating its authenticity as a record from the issuing authority
Adhering to all translation requirements is crucial to avoid delays in the immigration process and ensure acceptance by the USCIS.
What is a Certified Translation?
A certified translation refers to a literal rendering (word-for-word) of all visible text in a document intended for official use. The recipient, such as USCIS in this context, demands certification to validate the accuracy of the translation.
The translation is accompanied by a signed statement from the translator or translation company, affirming that the translation faithfully represents the original document. This statement is commonly referred to as a “Certificate of Translation Accuracy.”
It’s crucial to understand that, in the United States, a translator is not required to be federally or state-certified to offer certified translation services. Anyone possessing adequate proficiency in the relevant languages can provide the translation.
Can I Personally Translate My Birth Certificate?
USCIS expressly prohibits individuals from translating their own birth certificates and submitting them directly. Furthermore, friends or family members, even if they possess professional translation skills, are not permitted to undertake the translation and submit it directly to USCIS. Such actions are considered conflicts of interest and may lead to rejection. However, if you or someone else is capable of completing the translation, you can submit it to us for thorough review, editing, and comprehensive company certification for USCIS. Our service is available for as low as $25 per 2-page birth certificate. Click here to submit your request.
Is Notarization Necessary for My Translated Birth Certificate for USCIS?
USCIS mandates certified translations but does not specifically require notarization. A notarized translation involves a Notary verifying the identity of the individual who signed the Certificate of Translation Accuracy.
There are instances, such as US passport applications, school transcripts, and employment contracts, where both translation and notarization may be necessary for a document.
Can Notaries Provide Translations for Birth Certificates?
Notaries can create translations for birth certificates and certify them if they possess the necessary expertise. However, they are not allowed to notarize their own translations.
They must decide whether to provide a certified translation of the document and have another individual perform the notarization, or delegate the certified translation to someone else while personally handling the notarization process.
What is the Cost of Translating a Birth Certificate?
The cost of translation services varies based on factors such as the document’s length, the specific language pairing, and whether certification is required. Urgent requests may incur a rush charge for immediate translation.
For the purposes of this article, we assume you need a certified translation of your birth certificate. Translators or translation companies typically charge by the word or page (one “page” being approximately 250 words). The cost per word can range from $0.08 to $0.30, while the cost per page can vary from $15 to $140.
At USCIS Translations, we provide comprehensive certified birth certificate translation services for 120+ languages at $25 per page, with guaranteed USCIS approval and 24-hour delivery. Additionally, we offer the examination, editing, and certification of previously translated documents for USCIS at only $12, often with same-day delivery. Click here for details on our $12 offer or to submit your request.
How to Translate a Birth Certificate
Here is a step-by-step guide on translating birth certificates:
1. If you send us the translation along with the original document(s), we offer USCIS pre-Translated Certification Services. Otherwise, you’ll need to locate a qualified translator or a translation company unaffiliated with you to translate your birth certificate. For immigration-related translations, ensure the chosen company provides immigration translation services and boasts a 100% acceptance rate with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services. USCIS Translations, along with some other companies, maintains a 100% acceptance rate.
2. Request a quote and inquire about the turnaround time for your translation. The duration for translating a birth certificate may vary based on factors such as document length, format, specific language combination, the need for certification, and urgency. Typically, birth certificate translations are completed within 24 hours or less.
3. Send an electronic copy of your birth certificate to the chosen translation provider. To receive a quote for your document translation, provide essential details about the document and your translation requirements. This includes your contact information, the document’s source language, and the target language.
4. After the translation is finalized, its accuracy will be verified. You will then receive a digital copy and, if necessary, physical copies by mail.
The process is generally straightforward and often concludes swiftly.
Additional Important Information
The following supplementary details are worth noting:
- A certified translation has no expiration date; it remains valid indefinitely unless otherwise specified by the requesting agency, a situation that seldom occurs.
- Translating your own birth certificate is not permitted, and the use of Google Translate is not considered a valid option. Apart from potential accuracy issues, Google Translate does not meet USCIS requirements.
- Altering the name or correcting spelling errors in the translated version of your birth certificate is not allowed. A certified translation must accurately represent the original document and highlight any errors present. If corrections are needed, contact the issuing office of the birth certificate to obtain a corrected document.
- The translation must encompass all details from the original birth certificate, including any seals or stamps. If a particular element is unclear or difficult to read, the translator should denote it as “illegible” in the translation.
Professional Certified Translation Services
Have your documents translated and certified by a skilled translator proficient in 120+ languages, all for just $25 per page with 24-hour delivery.
Conclusion:
There are numerous scenarios where the translation of a birth certificate may be necessary beyond just USCIS submissions. It is crucial to review the particular requirements outlined by the institution or agency requesting the translation to ascertain whether certification and/or notarization are prerequisites.
We trust that this article has equipped you with a thorough comprehension of the birth certificate translation process and has addressed many of the questions you may have had on this subject. To prevent delays in immigration processes or other official procedures requiring a translated birth certificate, be sure to adhere to all guidelines and requirements.
Contact (408) 508-4116 or email us at support@uscis-translations.com and get your documents translated and certified by a professional translator today