How to Translate Portuguese Marriage Records for Immigration (Green Card Approved)

🇵🇹 How to Translate Portuguese Marriage Records for Immigration

If you or your spouse were married in Brazil, Portugal, Angola, or any Portuguese-speaking country, you’ll likely need to translate your marriage certificate into English to apply for a U.S. green card. But the process isn’t just about language—it’s about compliance.

In this guide, you’ll learn the answers to questions like “do I need translation for USCIS green card?”, “certified vs sworn translation—what’s the difference?”, and “who can translate for USCIS?” We’ll also walk you through how to make sure your Portuguese documents get accepted the first time.

🧾 Do I Need Translation for USCIS Green Card Applications?

Absolutely. If your marriage certificate (or any supporting document) is in Portuguese, USCIS requires a certified English translation.

Here’s what you must submit:

• A word-for-word English translation

• A copy of the original Portuguese document

• A signed translator certification stating the translation is accurate and the translator is fluent in both languages

✅ It doesn’t matter if parts of the document are in English—USCIS wants a full translation.

📝 Certified vs Sworn Translation – What’s the Difference?

This is a common point of confusion—especially for Brazilian and Portuguese couples.

• Certified Translation (USCIS): A translator provides a signed statement declaring their fluency and confirming the translation is accurate. This is what USCIS and U.S. embassies require.

• Sworn Translation (Brazil/Portugal): In some countries, translators must be court-approved and authorized to issue official translations (tradutor juramentado). This may be required for use within Brazil or Portugal, but not for USCIS.

So, when filing for U.S. immigration, you only need a certified translation, not a sworn one—unless otherwise requested by a foreign consulate or local government.

👩‍💼 Who Can Translate for USCIS?

If you’re wondering who can translate for USCIS, here’s what you need to know:

✅ Anyone fluent in both English and Portuguese can technically translate—as long as they’re not the petitioner, beneficiary, or a family member involved in the case.

However, USCIS prefers translations from:

• Professional translation agencies

• Certified freelance translators

• Immigration-experienced services (like us!)

And every translation must include:

• The translator’s full name

• A declaration of fluency in both languages

• A statement confirming the translation is complete and accurate

• Signature and date

💡 Our translations are always human-powered, USCIS-ready, and delivered fast.

📥 How to Submit Portuguese Marriage Records for Translation

Here’s how to get it done:

1. Scan or photograph your original Portuguese marriage certificate

2. Upload it through our secure portal or email

3. Receive your certified English translation as a PDF within 1–2 business days

4. Include both documents in your USCIS packet

We specialize in translating:

• Portuguese marriage certificates (certidão de casamento)

• Birth certificates (certidão de nascimento)

• Divorce decrees (sentença de divórcio)

• Notarial documents from Brazil or Portugal

📚 Related Posts on Our Blog

• Certified vs Notarized Translations – What USCIS Really Requires

• Do Virtual Marriage Certificates Need to Be Translated?

• Top Mistakes That Delay USCIS Applications

🌐 External Authoritative Resources

• USCIS – Preparing Your Documents

• U.S. Department of State – Immigrant Visa for a Spouse

• American Translators Association – Find a Certified Translator

❓ FAQ – Translating Portuguese Marriage Records for USCIS

Q1: Can I translate my own marriage certificate for USCIS?
A: No. USCIS prohibits self-translation. Use a neutral, fluent third party.

Q2: Do I need a sworn translator from Brazil?
A: No. USCIS only requires a certified translation—no need for a court-authorized “tradutor juramentado.”

Q3: How long does it take to translate Portuguese documents?
A: We typically deliver within 1–2 business days. Same-day rush service is available.

Q4: Can I use Google Translate and sign a certification?
A: No. USCIS may reject machine-generated translations—even if certified.

Q5: Do translations need to be notarized?
A: Not for USCIS. A signed translator certification is sufficient.

🤝 Final Thoughts – Translate the Right Way, Avoid USCIS Delays

When it comes to immigration, accuracy is everything. Don’t let a missing or improper translation slow down your green card process. Whether you’re translating marriage documents from Brazil, Portugal, or another Portuguese-speaking country, we make it easy.

✅ We offer certified translations that meet all USCIS and consular requirements.

👉 Click here to contact Virtual Same Day Marriage and get started with fast, reliable Portuguese-to-English document translations—delivered digitally, certified, and ready to file.