USA: translating documents for USCIS without a notary — why a Russian stamp is not needed there

A client was filing with USCIS in a family-based category. She had ordered notarised translations of her birth and marriage certificates in Russia — with seals, binding and notary certification. In the US file all those stamps were useless. USCIS requires something else: a certified translation.

What a certified translation for USCIS is

USCIS rules require that any foreign-language document be accompanied by a full English translation and a statement from the translator that they are competent in both languages and that the translation is accurate. The translator signs the statement and gives their name, address and date. Notarisation is not required. An apostille on documents for USCIS is usually not needed either.

Common mistakes

Incomplete translation. Stamps, notes on the back, signatures and seals must all be rendered in the translation. If the certificate bears an apostille, its text is translated too.

Translating your own documents. The applicant should not translate their own documents: it is seen as a conflict of interest.

Inconsistent spelling of names. Transliteration must match the passport and other documents in the case. Discrepancies are a frequent reason for a Request for Evidence (RFE).

Where this does not apply

Other US agencies and courts may have different requirements: courts in some states require notarised translations, and using a document as evidence in a state may require an apostille. Check the requirements for the specific purpose.

The case

We prepared translations with a translator's certificate in English, in the format USCIS expects. The client's notarised translations turned out to be an unnecessary expense, but the file passed without an RFE on documents. Tip: for the US, start not with a notary but with the question of which agency will read the translation.