A U.S. certified translation of your documents is necessary for the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Starting the immigration process marks the beginning of an exciting journey toward a new life. Naturally, this process can bring a wide range of emotions. However, do not let concerns about translation accuracy interfere with this important step.
When you work with certified translators, such as the team at CA Translation Services, you gain accurate and reliable translations for your immigration application. In addition, CA Translation Services offers a wide range of language solutions, and USCIS accepts the documents our team translates.
Sworn Translation vs Certified Translation: What’s the Difference?
“Sworn” is a popular type of translation in countries like Brazil. However, it’s different from what’s accepted in the U.S. when applying for citizenship and more. A “certified” translation of important documents is accepted in the U.S., which is why making the right choice when having your documents translated is key to a smooth immigration application process.
Sworn Translations
A sworn translation is completed by a “sworn” or “public” translator who has been officially authorized by the government. Typically, sworn translations are recognized by government institutions and the court systems in countries with civil law. A sworn translation must be completed by an authentic sworn translator, signed and stamped by the translator, and paired with a declaration.
Certified Translations
One of the most significant differences between certified and sworn translations is how closely certified translations are to the original document in formatting and layout. ‘Sworn’ translations are completed in text formatting regardless of how the original document is laid out. ‘Certified’ translations are completed to duplicate the original document’s layout.
When submitting an application for immigration to the United States, you should know that USCIS will only accept certified translations. This agency also has specific requirements regarding format and wording for all translations. CA Translations understands and follows all USCIS guidelines, and our translators are truly artists when it comes to maintaining the format, original meaning, AND proper translation.
Certified vs Notarized Translation
A document translated by a professional who is classified as ‘certified’ indicates this individual can provide the statement necessary for USCIS to verify the accuracy of the translations. This statement confirms that the translator changed the document from its original language to full English (or the target language).
The USCIS does not require notarization of the translated documents submitted with immigration applications. However, some entities like the DMV, universities, etc., often do. If you are completing translations that require this step, CA Translation Services can help with our notary public and remote notary services.
Certified Translations for USCIS
USCIS requires applicants to submit accurate documents in full English. To review an application properly, officers must clearly understand the content of each document. Therefore, applicants should use professionals with a strong linguistic background. At CA Translation Services, our translators understand both the language and the context of immigration documents. Because of that, they produce translations that accurately reflect the original meaning.
Your immigration application starts your move to the United States. During that process, you may need to submit several types of documents. Moreover, your immigration status and the reason for your application will determine which records USCIS requests.
Some of the documents you may need include:
Financial papers
- Income and cash flow records
- Home purchase documents
- Tax reports
- Economic reports
- Bank statements
- Investment statements
Legal documents
- Marriage certificate
- Birth certificate
- Other civil records
Academic documents
- Letters of reference
- Diplomas
- Credentials
- Transcripts
- Research papers
- Dissertation or thesis
- PowerPoint presentations
Other records
- Driver’s license application
- DMV ID documents
To meet USCIS requirements, you should choose a reputable provider with real experience in certified translation services.
CA Translation Services has that experience and understands USCIS regulations. In addition, our translators bring linguistic training and cultural knowledge to every project. As a result, they produce translations that communicate the same message as the original documents.
How to Obtain Your USA-Certified Translation
Our process is simple. After you have submitted your documents, we’ll offer you payment options, and then get right to work once we’ve received your payment.
Translations are completed, followed by a professional review of your documents. Upon completion of the review, a certificate of accuracy is prepared. This certificate will confirm the completeness and accuracy of the documents and contain the translator’s signature and certification seals.
After the certificate is prepared and the documents are reviewed professionally, your translated documents will be delivered to you.
How to Choose a Certified Translation Service
The USCIS requires translations of immigration documents to be accurate and performed by reliable foreign-language translators who can convey the same message in translation as that of the original document. The requirements ensure the USCIS can properly evaluate each case, prevent fraud, and make sure all applicants are treated fairly. CA Translation Services is an ideal choice for translations that will be accepted by the USCIS during your application process. Here’s a look at why:
Accuracy
Our translations are accepted by USCIS, Universities, DMV, and other agencies thanks to the qualifications of our translators and the accuracy of the documents. All final translations are reviewed and edited before submission by human translators. At CA Translation Services, no AI is used.
Fairness
The USCIS requires foreign-language translators to reduce or eliminate any risk of misinterpretation. These translators create a level playing field and prevent language barriers. CA Translation Services uses professional translators who have linguistic backgrounds and diverse cultural understanding.
Protection Against Fraud
Translations completed by certified translators, such as those with CA Translation Services, prevent fraud as the documents submitted will be accurately represented.
Compliance
The USCIS has certain guidelines that must be followed by translators. It shows you are following these guidelines when you’ve chosen an accepted and reputable translation service, such as CA Translations.
CA Translation Services also holds these certificates and accreditations:
- Global Translators Institute Certification
- Charted Institute of Linguistics (CIOL) certification
- American Translators Association (ATA) membership
- ISO17100 Certification (certification acknowledging the translation quality and the professional background of the translators), and will also be getting the ISO 9001 this year
Who to Contact for Your Certified Translations
CA Translation Services works with professional translators who understand multiple cultures in depth. We combine that cultural knowledge with strong linguistic expertise to create translations that read naturally and clearly. Most importantly, every translation communicates the same meaning as the original document.
In addition, our human team reviews and handles every project. We do not rely on robots or AI for final delivery. As a result, you can move forward with confidence, knowing that your documents follow USCIS guidelines and support a smoother immigration process. Contact us today to request a quote.