Sworn vs. Certified Translations: What the U.S. Really Accepts

A U.S.-certified translation of your documents is necessary for the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Starting the immigration process is the beginning of your exciting journey to a new life. This process can evoke a range of emotions. Do not let fear that your documents are not translated properly interfere with this new beginning.

When you use certified translators, such as those at CA Translation Services, you can be assured of accurate and reliable translations for your immigration application. CA Translation Services offers a wide range of translation services, and USCIS will accept the documents they translate.

What’s the Difference Between Sworn and Certified Translations?

“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

The USCIS requires all your documents to be accurate and translated into full English. They need to be able to understand the content of these documents to decide on your application. This understanding can only come by having your documents translated by a professional with a linguistic background. The translators at CA Translation Services are professionals with this understanding, capable of ensuring your translated documents convey the same message as the originals. 

Immigrating to the United States begins with your immigration application. This application must be submitted to the USCIS and will contain various documents. Your status and reasons for immigrating to the United States will determine which documents you will need to submit. 

Some documents you may need during the process are:

  • Financial papers such as:
    • income and cash flow
    • documents for purchasing a new home
    • tax reports
    • economic reports
    • bank statements
    • investment statements
  • Legal documents:
    • marriage certificate
    • birth certificate
    • and others
  • Academic documents
    • letters of reference
    • diplomas
    • credentials 
    • transcripts 
    • research papers
    • Dissertation or Thesis
    • PowerPoint presentations
    • and others
  • Driver’s license application and DMV ID

To ensure these documents are accepted and accurate for USCIS requirements, you will want to choose a translation service that is reputable and has experience in handling certified translations.

CA Translation Services has the experience and understands all regulations set by USCIS. They also have professionals with linguistic backgrounds who understand the culture of various countries and can translate documents to convey the same message in the translation that’s in 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 has professional translators with a deep knowledge of multiple cultures. We use our cultural expertise as well as our linguistic prowess to translate your documents with a natural flow and easy readability. The content of the translations will convey the same message as your originals.

All translations are reviewed and handled by humans – no robots or AI. You can have peace of mind knowing your documents will all be handled under USCIS guidelines to make your immigration process as smooth as possible. Contact us today to request a quote.