When submitting foreign-language documents for immigration, legal proceedings, academic applications, or business purposes, you’ll often need either a certified translation or a notarized translation. While these terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they represent distinct verification processes with different requirements and use cases.
A certified translation is a translated document accompanied by a signed statement (called a Certificate of Translation or Certificate of Accuracy) from the translator or translation agency affirming that:
According to USCIS guidelines, any competent translator can provide a certified translation – formal credentials are not required. However, the translator must be fluent in both languages and cannot be the applicant or an interested party in the case. At Bilingva we work with ATA-certified and court-certified translators to ensure that the credibility of translation is not in question.
Important note: While you can translate your own documents, USCIS officers have discretion to question self-translated documents or consider them biased. Professional translation services like Bilingva’s certified translation services provide third-party objectivity and expertise that significantly reduces the risk of rejection or delays.
A proper Certificate of Translation must contain:
✓ Translator’s full name (typed and signed)
✓ Translator’s contact information (address, phone, email)
✓ Statement of competency in both source and target languages
✓ Statement affirming accuracy of the translation
✓ Translator’s original signature
✓ Date of certification
✓ Complete translation of the original document
For USCIS submissions, you must submit both the original foreign-language document (or a clear photocopy) and the certified English translation together.
A notarized translation takes the certification process one step further by involving a notary public. In this process:
The critical distinction is that notarization verifies the identity of the person signing the certificate, not the accuracy of the translation itself. The notary public confirms that the translator appeared before them and signed the document, but does not evaluate the quality or correctness of the translation.
Certified translations are most commonly required for:
USCIS specifically requires certified translations, not notarized translations, for all foreign-language documents submitted with immigration applications, including:
Pro tip: Many people mistakenly believe USCIS requires notarized translations, but this is incorrect. USCIS regulations (8 CFR 103.2(b)(3)) explicitly state that certified translations are required, not notarized ones. However, notarization adds an extra layer of verification and is never detrimental to your application.
Many courts and legal processes require certified translations for:
Requirements vary by jurisdiction, so always verify with the specific court or legal entity what type of translation they require.
Companies conducting international business often need certified translations for:
Healthcare providers and insurance companies frequently require certified translations of:
Notarized translations are typically requested by:
Many schools, colleges, and universities require notarized translations for:
Why schools prefer notarization: Educational institutions often request notarization to add an extra layer of authenticity verification, particularly for admission to competitive programs or scholarship applications.
Certain state and local government agencies may request notarized translations for:
Some international business contexts prefer notarized translations for:
Some countries have specific requirements for document authentication. For example, documents used abroad may need:
At Bilingva, we provide comprehensive translation services for individuals, businesses, and organizations needing certified or notarized translations.
Certified Translations: Complete certified translations with properly formatted Certificates of Translation meeting all USCIS and institutional requirements.
Notarized Translations: When notarization is required, we coordinate with licensed notaries public to provide fully notarized translations and affidavits.
USCIS-Compliant Immigration Translations: Specialized translations for birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, academic records, and all documents required for green card applications, citizenship applications, visa petitions, and other immigration processes.
Legal Document Translation: Professional translation of contracts, court documents, legal briefs, corporate documents, and other legal materials.
Medical Document Translation: Accurate translation of medical records, lab results, prescriptions, and healthcare documents.
Academic Transcript Translation: Translation of diplomas, transcripts, certificates, and educational records for university admissions and credential evaluation.
Business Document Translation: Translation of financial statements, business plans, contracts, marketing materials, and corporate documentation.