USCIS Approved Translation Services

Many USCIS applicants are required to provide USCIS with translations of their documents. USCIS, as a general rule, does not require the foreign language version of any documentation submitted by an applicant unless they require it for a specific purpose such as eligibility determinations and filing certain types of applications. USCIS may also elect to use only the foreign language version if USCIS cannot read or understand the information in English and/or when another law requires USCIS to consider foreign language documents.

USCIS will accept sworn translations from individuals USCIS Approved Translation Services who have been properly trained and experienced in translation services but is unlikely to reject a document just because the translator wasn’t paid by the filer or was self-certified.

USCIS recommends that you request USCIS to inform you of the decision about your case even if it is USCIS policy not to provide the notification. USCIS will only send notifications (such as receipt notices, requests for additional evidence) in English, except in cases where USCIS may use an interpreter or translator to assist with the notification process.

The USCIS translation services article was released on USCIS.gov and the U.S Department of Homeland Security’s website as a public service to those who need USCIS approved translation services for USCIS applications such as green cards, work permits, change of status, travel permits (I-131), employment authorization documents (EAD), social security cards and birth certificates. USCIS provides information on how to contact USCIS in case further clarification is needed on USCIS approved translation services or related US immigration application matters. USCIS also provides info about translating foreign language documents for US immigration through its network of experienced and qualified translators and interpreters across the United States and around the USCIS translation services. USCIS translations can be performed by USCIS approved translation service agencies and/or experienced, qualified USCIS-authorized translators and interpreters. These USCIS translations can then be used throughout the U.S Department of Homeland Security including but not limited to USCIS (U.S Immigration and Citizenship Services), USCIS Ombudsman, USCIS Administrative Appeals Office, USCIS Refugee Asylum Office, USCIS Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate, USCIS Service Center Operations Directorate and USCIS HQ.

USCIS translation services are provided in a wide range of languages such as Spanish, French, Portuguese, Italian, Russian, Arabic Chinese Japanese or any other foreign language for USCIS immigration applications including citizenship applications (N-400). USCIS has been translating documents since 1953 when the agency was known as the Immigration & Naturalization Service (INS). In 2003 USCIS assumed responsibility for adjudicating immigration benefits cases from the former INS which now falls under the United States Department of Homeland Security.

USCIS LANGUAGES OFFERED USCIS translation services are available in several languages depending on USCIS location, USCIS application type, and USCIS requirements. USCIS will only provide official notification in English. Translations of USCIS documents into various languages may be found on the USCIS website under “Translating your immigration documents”. Languages that USCIS has offered USCIS translation services include but are not limited to Spanish, French, Portuguese, Italian, Russian Arabic Chinese Japanese Korean Vietnamese, etc.

The following is an example of a USCIS approved application for U.S citizenship (N-400) with specific instructions for translating foreign language documents necessary to adjudicate the case.