If you were married outside the U.S., USCIS requires a certified English translation of your marriage certificate for any filing that relies on the marriage — I-130 spouse petitions, I-485 adjustment of status, K-3 visas, and N-400 naturalization based on three years of marriage to a U.S. citizen. The translation must be complete, include every stamp and registry mark, and ship with a signed Certificate of Accuracy from an independent translator.
When you need it
I-130 for a spouse. Required as the primary evidence of a bona fide marriage.
I-485 Adjustment of Status. Required when filed concurrently with or after an I-130 spousal petition.
K-3 spouse visa. Required as part of the supporting documentation.
N-400 naturalization (3-year rule). Required when applying for citizenship based on three years of marriage to a U.S. citizen.
Removing conditions (I-751). Required as part of evidence demonstrating an ongoing marriage.
What USCIS officers check first
Names match across documents. The spouses' names on the translated marriage certificate should match the names used on every other document in the filing — passports, birth certificates, I-130 form. If a name appears differently because of transliteration, the translator should add a translator's note.
Date and place are clearly translated. Foreign dates often use day-month-year format. The translator should render the date in a form that's unambiguous in English (for example, '15 January 2022' rather than '15/01/2022').
Civil registry information is preserved. Registration number, registry office, civil registrar's name and signature — all need to appear in the translation.
Religious vs civil marriage. USCIS recognizes the legally registered marriage. If your certificate is from a religious ceremony, you may also need the civil registration document and a translation of it.
Common reasons translations get rejected
Skipped registry stamps. Marriage certificates often have multiple stamps from the civil registry and sometimes from the issuing courthouse — all must be translated.
Self-translation by a spouse. Either spouse translating the marriage certificate is grounds for an RFE. The translator must be independent of both parties.
Missing certification language. A translation labeled 'certified' but lacking the actual signed statement of completeness and competency is treated as uncertified.
Translated names that don't match the I-130. If the I-130 lists the spouse as 'Maria Cristina Lopez Garcia' but the translation reads 'María C. López G.', flag this with the translator before delivery.
How to order
Most marriage certificates are one page and translated for a flat $24.80 with a 24-hour turnaround. Upload a clear scan of both sides of the original, pay securely with Stripe, and receive a signed PDF ready to upload to your USCIS online account the next business day. Every translation includes a Certificate of Accuracy formatted to 8 CFR §103.2(b)(3) and free minor revisions if USCIS requests a change.
Key takeaways
- Required for I-130, I-485, K-3, I-751, and N-400 based on marriage to a U.S. citizen.
- Neither spouse can translate the marriage certificate — the translator must be independent.
- Every civil registry stamp, registration number, and signature line must be translated.
- Religious certificates may need to be paired with the civil registration document and translation.