How to Translate a Birth Certificate for USCIS

Translate your birth certificate for USCIS with Sure Translation. Certified, fast 1-day turnaround, and 100% guaranteed acceptance.

If you’re applying for U.S. immigration, registering a marriage, or dealing with other legal paperwork, you’ve likely run into this requirement: a certified English translation of your birth certificate.

Sounds straightforward, right? But when it comes to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), even small translation errors can cause big delays, or even worse, a rejected application.

That’s because USCIS requires all foreign birth certificates to be translated into English in a way that’s clear, complete, and compliant. This ensures immigration officers can fully understand your documents and process your application without any language barriers.

At Sure Translation, we know that translating a birth certificate isn’t just about swapping words from one language to another. It’s about capturing every important detail including names, dates, and locations in a format that meets USCIS’s exact standards.

To help you avoid common pitfalls and feel confident in your birth certificate translation, we’ve created a step-by-step guide that walks you through the process. From when and why you need a translation to how to get it done right the first time, we’ve got you covered.

Is a Certified Birth Certificate Translation Required by USCIS?

Yes, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires a certified birth certificate translation for any birth certificate that is not originally in English. This requirement ensures that USCIS officers can accurately review and verify all the personal information in your immigration application. 

Submitting a non-certified or incomplete translation can lead to processing delays or even application denial. To guarantee compliance with current USCIS translation requirements, make sure your birth certificate is professionally translated and certified before submission.

Can I Translate my Birth Certificate on my own?

Unfortunately, no, you can’t translate your own documents and neither can your family members.

USCIS has a strict policy that all translations must be done by a third party who is not involved in your immigration case. That means you’ll need to work with a qualified, independent translator like our team at Sure Translation to get it done properly.

Trying to submit a self-translated birth certificate is a fast track to problems. USCIS won’t accept it, and you could receive a Request for Evidence (RFE), which can delay your application and create unnecessary stress.

Choosing a professional or certified translation service ensures your document meets every requirement and gives you peace of mind knowing it’s been handled by experts who understand exactly what USCIS is looking for.

What are the USCIS Translation Requirements for a Birth Certificate?

USCIS has specific requirements for translated documents. To be accepted, a birth certificate translation for USCIS must be complete and accurate, translating all text and marks exactly as they appear on the original. The translation must also be accompanied by a certification statement signed by the translator, affirming the accuracy of the translation and their fluency in both English and the original language. Missing any of these USCIS translation requirements can jeopardize your immigration or citizenship application.

What is a Certified Translation?

A certified translation is a document translation accompanied by a signed statement from the translator, or translation agency, attesting to the accuracy and completeness of the translation. This certification statement includes the translator’s name, signature, qualification, and contact information. 

Certified translations are required for official purposes, such as submitting documents to USCIS, and serve as a legal declaration that the translation is a true and accurate representation of the original document.

How to Find a Certified Translator for USCIS?

To stay fully compliant with USCIS guidelines, you’ll want to work with a certified translator or a reputable translation agency with proven experience handling official documents. At Sure Translation, we specialize in USCIS-certified translations and understand the fine print that can make or break an application.

When choosing a service, look for agencies that focus specifically on USCIS requirements and are members of trusted organizations like the American Translators Association (ATA). It’s also smart to check online reviews, turnaround times, and whether they offer a 100% USCIS acceptance guarantee like we do at Sure Translation.

And of course, pricing matters. At Sure Translation, we keep it simple and affordable at just $18 per page, while still ensuring your document is translated professionally, accurately, and ready for submission.

Does a Translated Birth Certificate need to be Notarized for USCIS?

For USCIS purposes, a notarized translation of your birth certificate is not required. USCIS only mandates a certified translation with an attached certification statement. 

However, notarization may be requested by other government agencies, schools, or courts, so always double-check requirements for your specific situation.

Do I need the original birth certificate for USCIS?

Yes, you must include a clear photocopy or scanned image of the original foreign-language birth certificate along with its certified English translation. USCIS does not require you to send the physical original unless specifically requested, but the copy must be legible and unaltered. Submitting both the source document and its translation ensures that all personal data can be properly reviewed by immigration officials.

How to Translate a Birth Certificate for USCIS

Translating a birth certificate for USCIS involves several key steps to ensure your application is approved without delays:

1. Choose a Trusted Translation Service

Start by selecting a reliable, professional translation agency that knows the ins and outs of USCIS requirements. Look for services with a solid track record in immigration translations, preferably ATA-certified and backed by strong client reviews. Features like USCIS acceptance guarantees, secure document handling, and clear, upfront pricing are all signs you’re in good hands. A specialized service, like Sure Translation, helps eliminate guesswork and ensures your document meets all certified translation standards.

2. Request a Quote and Turnaround Time

Before you commit, ask for a clear price quote and delivery estimate. Most certified translation services charge by the page, with Sure Translation offering the best value on the internet at just $18 per page. Sure Translation also offers a 1-day turnaround, which is great if you're working on a tight timeline.

3. Send Your Birth Certificate Electronically

Once you’ve chosen a provider, scan or take a high-quality photo of your original birth certificate. Make sure it’s clear, complete, and legible as every mark and detail matters. Then upload or email it directly to the translation service. Digital submission is fast and secure, and it allows you to track your order and receive your completed, USCIS-certified translation via email or secure download.

4. Review the Completed Translation

When your translation is ready, take a few minutes to review it carefully. Double-check that names, dates, and places all match the original document exactly. A reputable service like Sure Translation will also include a signed certification statement and offer free revisions if anything looks off.

By following these steps, your translated birth certificate will fully comply with USCIS standards.

How do I know which birth certificate to use for USCIS?

Use your official, government-issued birth certificate, ideally the long-form version with full personal details, parental information, and official seals or signatures. Avoid using hospital birth records or abbreviated certificates, as these might not be accepted by USCIS. If you have multiple versions, select the document that most fully matches USCIS documentation guidelines for proving identity and family relationships.

Translate a birth certificate for USCIS with Sure Translation

Sure Translation specializes in USCIS birth certificate translations, offering certified accuracy, fast turnaround, and the lowest prices on the internet at only $18 per page. Every translation comes with a full certification statement meeting all USCIS guidelines, plus a 100% acceptance guarantee. Enjoy secure online ordering, experienced translators, and support for any questions during your immigration journey. Order your certified birth certificate translation today for next-day delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will USCIS accept a birth certificate translation I do myself?

No, translations must be certified by a third party not involved with your application, who attests to the translation’s accuracy and completeness.

Do I need notarization for my birth certificate translation?

No, a notarization is not required for a birth certificate translation for USCIS. However, it must be certified. If you’re submitted a birth certificate translation to other agencies, we recommend checking with those agencies to see if notarization is required for their process.

What if my birth certificate translation is rejected?

Certified translations from Sure Translation are backed by our 100% USCIS acceptance guarantee. In the case of a rejected translation, we offer unlimited revisions to ensure your documents are accurate and approved by USCIS. 

How quickly can I get a certified birth certificate translation from Sure Translation?

Certified birth certificate translations from Sure Translation have a 1-day turnaround time.

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