A certificate of translation is the signed statement attached to a translation in which the translator vouches for it. You'll also see it called a certification of translation accuracy, a translation certification statement or a translator's certificate. USCIS doesn't publish a form for it, so the wording is up to the translator, as long as it says what the regulation requires.
What the certificate has to say
“Any document containing foreign language submitted to USCIS shall be accompanied by a full English language translation which the translator has certified as complete and accurate, and by the translator's certification that he or she is competent to translate from the foreign language into English.”
That's two statements: the translation is complete and accurate, and the translator is competent to translate from that language into English. A certificate that makes only one of them doesn't meet the rule, however good the translation is. The template below makes both in one sentence.
The template
How to fill it in
- Translator's name. The person who did the translation, written the way they sign. It shouldn't be you, the person you're petitioning for or a relative with a stake in the case.
- Language of the original. Name the language the document is written in, such as Spanish or Urdu. If it mixes two, name both.
- The document. Say what it is, whose it is and when it was issued, so the certificate can't be mistaken for one that belongs to a different document.
- Page count. The number of pages in the English translation.
- Signature and date. The translator signs and dates the certificate. A certificate without a signature doesn't certify anything.
- Address and contact details. The regulation doesn't require them, but they let an officer reach the translator with a question.
Where the certificate goes
File a copy of the foreign-language document, its English translation and the signed certificate together, so an officer can read them side by side. Don't send the original document unless USCIS asks for it.
It doesn't need a notary
USCIS asks for a certification, not a notarization. A notary stamp proves who signed the certificate, not that the translation is right, so it adds nothing to your filing. Some courts, foreign consulates and universities do ask for a notarized translation, so check with whoever will receive it.
Mistakes that get translations questioned
- The certificate says the translation is accurate but doesn't say the translator is competent, or the other way round.
- The applicant, the petitioner or a family member signed it.
- It doesn't name the document, so it could belong to any translation in the file.
- It isn't signed or dated.
- The translation leaves out stamps, seals, handwritten notes or the back of the page. The certificate says the translation is complete, so it has to be. Write [illegible] where something can't be read.
- Names are spelled differently from your passport and your USCIS forms.
Using it outside USCIS
The same certificate works for most US offices that ask for a certified translation, including courts, state DMVs, universities and credential evaluators. Some add their own requirements, such as a notarized signature or proof of the translator's qualifications, so read their instructions before you send it.
With Verdacert
Every Verdacert translation comes with this certificate already filled in and signed by a named reviewer who has no stake in your case. It covers both statements, identifies the document and carries a link anyone can use to verify it. If USCIS rejects it for a translation error, we re-translate or refund (conditions apply - see our Refund Policy).