If you’re applying for a green card—whether through marriage or a fiancé visa—one of the first things you’ll need is a translated birth certificate. It might seem like a small step, but if it’s not done correctly, it can create serious delays with USCIS.
As someone who works with couples every day, I’m here to walk you through exactly how to handle green card application translation, meet the I-130 translation requirements, and ensure your K-1 visa translation documents are 100% compliant.
Why Your Birth Certificate Needs to Be Translated
USCIS requires all non-English documents to be submitted with a certified English translation. That includes birth certificates, marriage certificates, and sometimes even personal letters.
So, if your birth certificate is in Spanish, Farsi, Russian, Chinese, Tagalog, or any other language, it needs to be translated by a qualified third party—not your cousin, not Google Translate.
I-130 Translation Requirements Explained
The I-130 Petition for Alien Relative is the form that U.S. citizens or green card holders use to petition for their spouse. Part of that filing includes submitting a certified translation of the immigrant spouse’s birth certificate.
USCIS translation requirements include:
- Word-for-word translation (not a summary)
- A signed certification of accuracy from the translator
- The translator’s full name and contact details
If any part is missing, you risk a Request for Evidence (RFE)—and that means delays.
Green Card Application Translation: What You’ll Need
Beyond the birth certificate, other green card application translation needs may include:
- Foreign marriage certificates
- Divorce decrees
- Police certificates or background checks
- Foreign-issued ID documents
We make it easy. Just upload your scanned documents, and we’ll handle the rest with our network of trusted certified translators.
K-1 Visa Translation Documents: What to Watch For
If you’re applying for a K-1 fiancé visa, you’ll need:
- The foreign fiancé(e)’s birth certificate
- Any prior marriage documents (if applicable)
- Police records from any country they’ve lived in
All of these must be translated according to K-1 visa translation documents standards. Our team helps you prep everything for NVC and embassy review.
Turnaround Time and Cost
We know this is time-sensitive. Most of our clients get their certified translations within 24–48 hours. Prices typically range from $35 to $80 per page, depending on the language and formatting.
We only work with translators who understand I-130 translation requirements and other immigration rules so you don’t have to second-guess.
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FAQs
Q1: Can I translate my own birth certificate for USCIS?
A: No. Translations must be done by a third-party certified translator with a signed statement.
Q2: How long does a birth certificate translation take?
A: Most certified translations are completed within 24–48 hours through our partner network.
Q3: Do I need to notarize the translation?
A: Not for USCIS. A certified translation is sufficient unless the embassy specifically asks for notarization.
Q4: What if the birth certificate has stamps and handwritten notes?
A: Everything must be translated—including stamps, seals, and scribbles. We make sure nothing gets missed.
Q5: Can I submit a digital copy of the translation?
A: Yes. Print it and include it in your USCIS package. Make sure the certification is included.
Final Thoughts + CTA
Getting a birth certificate translated may seem like a minor detail, but when it comes to USCIS, there’s no room for error. Whether you’re filing an I-130, submitting your green card application translation, or preparing K-1 visa translation documents, we’ll help you get it right the first time.
👉 Contact Virtual Same Day Marriage today to start your certified translation and move your immigration case forward without delays.
Your love is real—let’s make the paperwork match. ❤️
