Under 8 CFR §103.2(b)(3), every foreign-language document submitted to USCIS must include a full English translation and a signed certification from a competent translator. The certification must state that the translation is complete and accurate and that the translator is competent to translate from the source language into English. No notarization, no apostille, no government 'approval' — but the translation must be complete, the certification must be signed, and the translator cannot be the applicant or beneficiary.
The federal regulation, in plain English
8 CFR §103.2(b)(3) states: 'Any document containing foreign language submitted to USCIS shall be accompanied by a full English language translation which the translator has certified as complete and accurate, and by the translator's certification that he or she is competent to translate from the foreign language into English.'
That single sentence sets four requirements: (1) a full English translation, (2) certified as complete and accurate, (3) signed by the translator, (4) with a statement of translator competency. Every formatting expectation USCIS officers apply downstream traces back to this regulation.
The complete checklist
Full translation, not a summary. Every word, stamp, seal, marginal note, registration number, and signature line on the original must be translated. Skipping a marginal stamp is the single most common reason a translation gets an RFE.
Mirror-image layout. Tables, columns, seal positions, and signature blocks should be in roughly the same place on the translation as on the original. Officers compare them side by side.
Signed Certificate of Accuracy. A statement on the final page with the translator's full name, signature, date, address or email, and the required certification language.
Independent translator. The translator cannot be the applicant, the beneficiary, or the petitioner. Self-translations are rejected even when accurate.
Competent translator. USCIS does not maintain an approved list, but the translator must certify they're competent in the source language. A professional translator who works in the language regularly meets this; a bilingual family member usually doesn't.
Original or legible copy submitted with the translation. The translation goes on top of (or paired with) a legible scan of the original — never alone.
English-only. The translation document itself must be in U.S. English. Bilingual side-by-side layouts where the source text is reproduced are fine; pure foreign-language passages are not.
What's NOT required
Notarization — not required by USCIS. The translator certifies, not a notary.
Apostille on the translation — not required. Apostilles authenticate foreign-issued originals for use abroad, not translations.
A specific translator credential — there's no USCIS license or registration. Competency is self-certified by the translator.
A specific format or template — USCIS doesn't publish a required form. The certification language matters; the visual template doesn't.
What happens if requirements aren't met
USCIS issues a Request for Evidence (RFE) when a translation is incomplete, missing certification, or done by a non-competent translator. An RFE pauses your case 30–87 days. Miss the response deadline and your filing is denied as abandoned. Final acceptance of any translation rests with the adjudicating officer reviewing the file.
Key takeaways
- The full standard is 8 CFR §103.2(b)(3) — full translation, signed certification, competent independent translator.
- Notarization and apostille are not required for USCIS submissions.
- Skipping a stamp or marginal note is the most common cause of an RFE.
- USCIS does not 'approve' translators — competency is certified by the translator in writing.