A USCIS-compliant certified translation has four parts: a complete English rendering of the original, the source-document text rendered word-for-word, a Certificate of Accuracy signed by the translator, and pagination linking the translation to the original.
The exact format USCIS expects
Page 1 — Translation of the document. The English translation, formatted to roughly mirror the original layout. Stamps, seals, and signatures are noted in brackets — for example, '[Round seal of the Civil Registry, Mexico City]' or '[Signature of registrar: Maria López]'.
Final page — Certificate of Accuracy. A signed statement reading approximately: 'I, [translator name], certify that I am competent to translate from [source language] into English and that the above translation is a true and accurate translation of the original document. [Signature, date, contact information].'
Companion document — copy of the original. USCIS expects a legible photocopy of the source-language document submitted alongside the translation. The translation should reference the original by document type and date.
Things the format does NOT require
Notarization (see our certified-vs-notarized article). Translation onto the issuing country's letterhead. A specific font or color. A holographic stamp or watermark. Anyone who tells you these are required is selling you something USCIS doesn't want.
What a competent certification statement looks like
Honeycutt Translations' Certificate of Accuracy reads: 'I, [Name], certify that I am competent to translate from [Language] into English and that this translation is complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge and ability. Signed under penalty of perjury.' That's the language USCIS officers are trained to recognize.
Key takeaways
- Format: word-for-word translation, Certificate of Accuracy, signed by competent translator.
- Stamps and seals are translated in brackets, not omitted.
- Notarization, letterhead, and special stamps are NOT required.
- Submit a copy of the original alongside the translation.