Guide · Certified translations
Which translation do I need for the USA and USCIS?
Certified translation does not describe an identical procedure in every country. For a US assignment, identify the actual recipient and application documents.
Reviewed on 27 October 2026
The short answer
For foreign-language documents submitted to USCIS, 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3) requires a complete English translation certified for accuracy and completeness, with confirmation of the translator’s competence. The relevant form instructions also apply. Do not assume that a German-only certification statement meets that purpose.
USCIS is not every recipient in the United States
Distinguish a USCIS submission from records for a university, another authority or a private organisation. A consular procedure can also have its own checklist. Saying only that a translation is for America does not adequately describe the assignment.
Collect the form name, current instructions and any request for further evidence. Say whether different people or document types are involved. This helps match each translation clearly to the supporting record it accompanies.
Define the complete scope
Provide front and reverse sides, stamps and attachments together for assessment. Do not independently leave out paragraphs where a complete translation is requested. Names and dates should be traceable across the associated records.
Send the requested certification format with the source. Translating a certificate is different from reviewing an entire immigration application. An existing English document may also play a different role from translating a non-English original.
Read more: 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3): translations submitted to USCIS
Agree the format and submission arrangements
Establish which records and files your procedure asks you to submit and which you should retain. Do not order notarisation or an apostille simply because a general online recommendation mentions one. First check whether the actual recipient requires that step for your case.
If an earlier translation needs supplementing, send the full earlier document and current instructions. This helps clarify the appropriate new version. Translation does not guarantee acceptance of an application or a particular immigration outcome.
Your next steps
Identify the US recipient and form or procedure.
Have current instructions and further-evidence requests ready.
Assemble every relevant source page.
Agree English certification and the required format beforehand.
More questions
Does certified always mean the same as German certification?
No. Read the requirement in the context of its country, recipient and procedure.
Does USCIS always require notarisation?
Do not infer notarisation from the word certified. Check the applicable form instructions and any specific additional requirements.
Does the USCIS rule automatically cover every US university?
No. A university or other recipient may have its own instructions.
Sources and further reading
The receiving organisation’s current instructions matter for your assignment. Send them to us with your documents.
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