Can You Translate Your Own Documents for USCIS? (And Why You Shouldn’t Risk It)

🚫 Can You Translate Your Own Documents for USCIS? (And Why You Shouldn’t)

Here’s a question we get almost every week:

“I’m fluent in English and [insert language]. Can I just translate my own birth certificate for USCIS?”

We get it—you want to save time and money. But if you’re submitting immigration documents to USCIS, especially for marriage-based petitions or adjustment of status, translating your own paperwork is not only discouraged, it’s not allowed.

This blog will explain why, and what to do instead—especially if you’re dealing with Greek to English translator USCIS requirements, searching for Czech document translation online, or need a Bengali certified translation for your case.

🔍 What USCIS Actually Requires for Translations

USCIS is extremely clear about their expectations. All foreign-language documents must:

• Be translated into English in full

• Be accompanied by a signed certification

• Be translated by someone who is not the applicant, petitioner, or beneficiary

The official USCIS language says:

“Any document containing foreign language submitted to USCIS must be accompanied by a full English translation which the translator has certified as complete and accurate…”

So if you’re thinking of doing it yourself—don’t.

🧠 Why You Should Never Translate Your Own Immigration Documents

Let’s break it down:

1. It’s a conflict of interest
   USCIS views self-translation as biased—even if your English is perfect.

2. You risk delays or denials
   Submitting non-compliant documents can trigger a Request for Evidence (RFE) or flat-out denial.

3. You miss subtle formatting requirements
   USCIS wants line-by-line, complete translation. You might miss seals, stamps, or handwritten notes.

4. No translator certification = automatic rejection
   You’ll need a signed statement confirming the translator’s fluency and the accuracy of the translation.

🧾 Greek to English Translator USCIS — Don’t Just Use Any Bilingual Friend

Greek documents—especially marriage certificates or baptism records—are full of official terms, seals, and unique phrasing. A certified Greek to English translator for USCIS knows:

• How to preserve proper name formats

• How to translate religious/civil distinctions

• What USCIS examiners are specifically looking for

Our Greek translation partners meet every single USCIS formatting requirement—and we’ve never had a single one rejected.

💻 Czech Document Translation Online — What to Look For

When you’re browsing for Czech document translation online, avoid cheap, automatic translations or generic overseas freelancers. Here’s what you really need:

• A certified translator fluent in Czech and English

• Document formatting that mirrors the original

• A translator statement that includes: full name, signature, language fluency, and certification of accuracy

Virtual Same Day Marriage works with vetted translators who handle Czech birth, marriage, and legal documents daily.

🌍 Bengali Certified Translation — What USCIS Expects

For Bengali-speaking applicants, many documents such as birth certificates, national IDs, and marriage documents must be translated and certified. With Bengali, it’s especially important to:

• Translate handwritten documents legibly and clearly

• Provide phonetic English spelling of names

• Include government stamps or seals in translated form

We offer fast, affordable, and 100% USCIS-compliant Bengali certified translation services to help you move forward smoothly.

✅ What Happens If You Submit a Self-Translated Document?

If you translate your own documents—or skip the certification—you’re likely to get:

• A Request for Evidence (RFE)

• Delays in your case by 2–6 months

• Potential denial and re-submission of your entire petition

Don’t take that risk, especially when certified translations are fast and inexpensive.

🔗 Internal Posts Worth Reading

• Top 5 Translation Mistakes That Delay Immigration Cases

• How to Translate Divorce Decrees for USCIS

• Do Virtual Marriage Certificates Need Translation?

🌐 External Authoritative Sources

• USCIS Official Translation Policy

• American Translators Association – Find a Certified Translator

• Travel.State.gov – USCIS Submission Guidelines

❓ FAQ – USCIS Translation Rules

Q1: Can I translate my spouse’s documents instead of hiring someone?
A: No. USCIS does not allow relatives or petitioners to serve as translators.

Q2: Does the translation need to be notarized?
A: No. For USCIS, a translator certification is enough. Notarization is not required.

Q3: What languages do you offer certified translations for?
A: We offer Greek, Czech, Bengali, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, and more.

Q4: What’s the turnaround time for Bengali certified translation?
A: Typically 1–2 business days per document. Expedited options are available.

Q5: Can I submit scans of my documents for translation?
A: Yes! Just send us clear scans or high-res images—we’ll take it from there.

👋 Final Thoughts & What to Do Next

It’s tempting to try translating your own immigration documents—but it’s not worth the risk. Whether you need a Greek to English translator for USCIS, Czech document translation online, or a fast and accurate Bengali certified translation, we’ve got the professionals ready to help.

👉 Click here to contact Virtual Same Day Marriage and get your translations started the right way—no stress, no delays, no surprises.