How to Get a Translated Birth Certificate for USCIS

If you are applying for a US Visa, Green Card, or naturalization, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires that any foreign-language document be accompanied by a full English translation.

The most common document requested is a foreign birth certificate. However, you cannot simply translate it yourself or use Google Translate. USCIS requires a formal Certified Translation. Here is the step-by-step process to ensure your document is accepted and you avoid a dreaded Request for Evidence (RFE).

The Cardinal Rule: You Cannot Translate It Yourself

Even if you are fully bilingual in English and your native language, USCIS regulations explicitly forbid the applicant, or the applicant's immediate family members, from translating their own civil documents. The translation must be completed by a neutral, competent third party.

Step 1: Obtain a Clear Copy of Your Birth Certificate

You do not need to mail your original, physical birth certificate to the translator. A high-quality digital scan or a very clear photograph is perfectly acceptable for the translation process. Ensure that all stamps, seals, and marginal notes are fully visible, as the translator is required to translate everything that appears on the page.

Step 2: Hire a Professional Certified Translator

You must use a translator who is competent to translate the document and who will provide a formal Certification of Accuracy.

ATA Certified: While USCIS does not strictly mandate that the translator be a member of the American Translators Association (ATA), using an ATA-certified professional practically guarantees acceptance.
Experience with formatting: A professional translator will format the English translation to visually mirror the original birth certificate, making it easy for the USCIS officer to verify the fields side-by-side.

Step 3: Receive the Certification of Accuracy

This is the most critical component. The translated document must be accompanied by a signed statement from the translator. According to the Code of Federal Regulations [8 CFR 103.2(b)(3)], the certification must state that:

The translation is complete and accurate.
The translator is competent to translate from the foreign language into English.
It must include the translator's signature, date, and contact information.

Step 4: Submit to USCIS

Once you receive the certified translation (usually delivered as a digital PDF), you will print it out. When submitting your immigration packet to USCIS, you must include both the photocopy of your original foreign birth certificate and the certified English translation containing the signed statement.