🧾 How to Translate a Spouse’s Birth Certificate for Family Petitions
If you’re petitioning for your spouse to receive a green card, the birth certificate is one of the most important documents you’ll submit to USCIS. But if it’s in another language—Spanish, Arabic, French, Tagalog, or otherwise—you must submit a certified English translation along with the original.
This guide walks you through exactly how to translate a spouse’s birth certificate for USCIS, explains the differences between translation and interpretation, answers whether embassies accept Google Translate, and helps you understand how much a proper translation should cost.
✅ Why USCIS Requires a Birth Certificate Translation
When filing a Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) or I-485 (Adjustment of Status), you must prove your spouse’s:
- Identity
- Place of birth
- Parental relationship
- Eligibility to immigrate
A birth certificate in a foreign language must be translated to ensure the USCIS officer can properly evaluate the petition.
According to USCIS:
“Any document containing foreign language submitted to USCIS shall be accompanied by a full English translation which the translator has certified as complete and accurate.”
📜 What Should Be Included in the Translation?
Your spouse’s translated birth certificate must contain:
- Full translation of names, dates, places, and notes
- Any stamps, handwritten notations, or seals
- A certification letter from the translator stating:
- Their name
- Their fluency in both languages
- A statement that the translation is complete and accurate
- Their signature and date
💡 Virtual Same Day Marriage guarantees certified translations accepted by USCIS, consulates, and embassies worldwide.
🤔 Differences Between Translation and Interpretation
This is a common misunderstanding—so let’s clear it up:
- Translation is written — converting documents from one language to another
- Interpretation is spoken — converting speech in real-time
If you’re submitting a family-based immigration petition, what you need is a certified written translation, not a verbal interpretation.
✅ Avoid confusion by choosing a provider that specializes in certified translations for immigration purposes—like we do.
❌ Do Embassies Accept Google Translate?
No, they absolutely do not.
Even though tools like Google Translate may provide quick results, they are not acceptable for legal or immigration documents.
Embassies and USCIS require:
- Professional human translation
- A signed certificate of accuracy
- Formatting that preserves the integrity of the original
❌ Using Google Translate could lead to rejection, delays, or denial of your petition.
💸 How Much Should Translation Cost?
A fair USCIS-certified translation typically costs:
- $25–$75 per page (depending on complexity and language pair)
- Same-day or next-day rush fees may apply
- Pricing includes certification, formatting, and delivery
We believe in transparent, affordable pricing with:
- ✅ Flat rates for birth certificates
- ✅ No hidden fees
- ✅ Fast turnaround in 1–2 business days
🧾 Other Documents You May Need to Translate for a Family Petition
If you’re submitting a full immigration packet, you may also need to translate:
- Marriage certificates
- Divorce decrees
- Police clearance letters
- Affidavits or personal statements
- Passport ID pages or civil IDs
We can bundle your translation services to ensure every document is formatted and certified correctly.
📚 Related Blog Posts on VirtualSameDayMarriage.com
- How to Translate Wedding Documents for Legal Name Change
- Certified vs. Notarized Translations – What USCIS Actually Requires
- How to Translate Civil Marriage Records for Green Card Filing
🌐 External Authoritative Resources
- USCIS – Guide on Translating Foreign Language Documents
- U.S. Department of State – Document Requirements for Visa Applications
- National Visa Center (NVC) – Supporting Document Guidance
❓ FAQ – Translating a Spouse’s Birth Certificate for USCIS
Q1: Can I translate my spouse’s birth certificate myself?
A: No. USCIS requires a neutral third-party translator to certify the translation’s accuracy.
Q2: Is notarization required?
A: Not for USCIS. A signed certification of accuracy is all you need—notarization is optional unless requested by a specific embassy or court.
Q3: How long does the translation take?
A: Standard turnaround is 1–2 business days. Rush service available.
Q4: Will USCIS reject Google Translate versions?
A: Yes. USCIS and most embassies will not accept machine or AI-generated translations.
Q5: Can I use the same translation for both USCIS and passport applications?
A: Yes! Our certified translations are formatted for dual use—USCIS, State Department, and SSA.
💬 Final Thoughts – Don’t Let a Poor Translation Delay Your Case
Translating your spouse’s birth certificate might feel like a small detail—but it plays a big role in your family petition being approved smoothly and on time.
At Virtual Same Day Marriage, we offer:
- ✅ Flat-rate certified translations for USCIS
- ✅ Quick, human translations with guaranteed acceptance
- ✅ Bundle discounts for marriage-based or K-1 visa packages
👉 Contact Us Now to get your certified translation completed professionally—fast, affordable, and stress-free.
