SoCal Immigration Services | Immigration Document Preparation in Southern California

Quick Answer

USCIS requires that all foreign language documents be accompanied by certified English translations. A certified translation includes the translator's statement certifying accuracy and competence to translate. While USCIS doesn't require notarization, many applicants choose notarized translations for added credibility. Professional translation services ensure accuracy and compliance with all USCIS requirements.

Reviewed for accuracy by

Maria Santos

DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience

Stanton and the surrounding Central Orange County area are home to diverse immigrant communities, many requiring professional document translation for immigration applications. Whether you need Arabic, Farsi, Vietnamese, Spanish, or other language translation, understanding USCIS requirements ensures your translated documents will be accepted. Professional certified translation services help avoid delays and rejections caused by improperly translated documents.

USCIS Translation Requirements

USCIS has specific requirements for translations of foreign language documents. Understanding these requirements ensures your translations will be accepted and won't cause delays in your immigration case.

•All foreign language documents must include complete English translations
•Translation must include all text, stamps, seals, and handwritten notes
•Translator must certify translation is complete and accurate
•Translator must certify competence to translate
•Translation certificate must be signed and dated
•Translation should maintain original document format when possible
•Partial translations are not accepted
•Machine translations alone (like Google Translate) are not accepted

What Is a Certified Translation?

A certified translation is not the same as a notarized translation. USCIS certification simply requires a signed statement from the translator. Many people confuse these terms, leading to unnecessary expenses or inadequate translations.

Type	What It Means	USCIS Requirement
Certified Translation	Translator signs certification of accuracy and competence	Required for all foreign documents
Notarized Translation	Notary verifies translator's signature (not translation quality)	Not required, but often recommended
ATA Certified Translator	Translator passed American Translators Association exam	Not required, but provides added credibility
Court Certified	Translator certified for court proceedings	Not required for USCIS

The Certification Statement

Every USCIS translation must include a certification statement signed by the translator. This statement must contain specific language attesting to accuracy and competence. Without this statement, USCIS will reject the translation.

•Statement must be on separate page or attached to translation
•Must state that translation is complete and accurate
•Must state translator is competent to translate from [language] to English
•Must include translator's signature
•Must include date of certification
•Should include translator's printed name
•May include translator's contact information
•Family members can translate if they certify competence (not recommended)

Common Documents Requiring Translation

Immigration applications typically require various civil documents in translation. Ensuring all foreign language documents are properly translated prevents delays and Requests for Evidence (RFEs).

•Birth certificates - required for most immigration applications
•Marriage certificates - for spouse petitions and naturalization
•Divorce decrees - to show termination of prior marriages
•Death certificates - for widow/widower petitions
•Police clearances - for background check requirements
•Court records - for criminal history disclosure
•Military records - for certain applications
•Academic transcripts - for employment and student visas
•Medical records - for disability waivers and health-related claims
•Financial documents - for affidavit of support

Arabic Document Translation

Arabic documents present unique translation challenges due to the script, regional variations, and formatting differences. Professional Arabic translators understand these nuances and produce accurate, USCIS-compliant translations.

•Arabic-to-English translation requires understanding of regional dialects
•Different Arabic-speaking countries use different document formats
•Islamic dates must be converted to Gregorian calendar with notation
•Name transliteration must be consistent across all documents
•Arabic stamps and seals must be translated
•Handwritten Arabic portions require special expertise
•Religious certificates (marriage, etc.) have specific terminology
•Egyptian, Syrian, Iraqi, and other documents each have unique elements

Translation Quality Standards

High-quality translations prevent immigration delays. Poor translations can result in RFEs or even denials if the translated content doesn't match the original or is incomplete.

•Word-for-word accuracy is essential - no paraphrasing
•All stamps, seals, and official markings must be translated
•Translator notes should clarify unclear text or illegible portions
•Formatting should mirror original document structure
•Names should be transliterated consistently
•Dates should include both original format and U.S. format (month/day/year)
•Currency amounts should include U.S. dollar equivalents when relevant
•Abbreviations should be expanded and explained

When to Use Professional Translation Services

While USCIS allows anyone competent to translate documents, professional services offer significant advantages, especially for complex or critical applications.

•High-stakes applications (citizenship, green card, asylum)
•Complex documents with legal or technical terminology
•Documents with handwritten portions
•Older or damaged documents with unclear text
•Multiple documents requiring consistent terminology
•Documents from countries with non-standard formats
•When timeline is critical and errors cannot be afforded
•When notarization may be required for other purposes

Our Translation Process

Professional translation services follow a systematic process to ensure accuracy and USCIS compliance. Understanding this process helps you know what to expect when ordering translations.

1
Document intake
Submit clear copies of all documents needing translation
2
Review and quote
Translator reviews documents and provides price and timeline
3
Translation
Professional translator completes accurate translation
4
Quality review
Second reviewer checks translation for accuracy and completeness
5
Certification
Translator prepares and signs certification statement
6
Notarization (if requested)
Notary public verifies translator's signature
7
Delivery
Receive completed translation with original documents returned

Pricing and Turnaround

Translation pricing typically depends on document length, complexity, and turnaround time needed. Understanding typical costs helps you budget for your immigration application.

Document Type	Standard Turnaround	Typical Price Range
Birth certificate (1 page)	2-3 business days	$25-40
Marriage certificate (1 page)	2-3 business days	$25-40
Divorce decree (multi-page)	3-5 business days	$35-75
Academic transcript	3-5 business days	$40-80
Police clearance	2-3 business days	$30-50
Rush service	Same or next day	+50-100% premium

Common Translation Mistakes to Avoid

Certain mistakes frequently lead to USCIS rejections or RFEs. Being aware of these issues helps ensure your translations will be accepted the first time.

•Missing certification statement - always required
•Incomplete translation - all text must be translated
•Missing stamps/seals - must be described even if illegible
•Inconsistent name spelling - use same transliteration throughout
•Missing date conversion - Islamic/other calendars need Gregorian
•Using relatives as translators - allowed but not recommended
•Machine-only translation - AI can assist but human must certify
•Outdated formatting - translation should match current document

FAQFrequently Asked Questions

Q:Does USCIS require notarized translations?

A: No, USCIS does not require notarized translations. USCIS requires certified translations, which simply means the translator signs a statement certifying the translation is accurate and complete, and that they are competent to translate. Notarization (where a notary verifies the translator's signature) is optional but some applicants prefer it for added credibility or because other agencies may require it.

Q:Can a family member translate my documents?

A: Technically yes, but it's not recommended. USCIS allows anyone who is competent in both languages to translate documents and certify the translation. However, using a family member may raise questions about objectivity and accuracy. For important applications like green cards or citizenship, professional translation is advisable. If a family member does translate, they must still provide the required certification statement.

Q:What if my document is partially illegible?

A: Professional translators include notes about illegible portions, such as '[illegible]' or '[text unclear]'. If critical information is illegible, you may need to obtain a new copy of the document from the issuing authority. Attempting to guess at illegible text can result in inaccurate translations. The translator should note the condition of the original document.

Q:How long does translation take?

A: Standard translation typically takes 2-5 business days depending on document length and complexity. Simple documents like birth certificates can often be completed in 2-3 days. Rush or same-day service is usually available for an additional fee. Complex multi-page documents or documents with handwritten text may take longer.

Q:Do I need to send original documents?

A: For translation purposes, clear copies (scans or photos) are usually sufficient. You should keep your original documents safe. However, when submitting to USCIS, you'll typically need to include copies of both the original foreign language document and the certified translation. For some applications, USCIS may request original documents, which will be returned to you.

Q:What languages do you translate?

A: SoCal Immigration Services specializes in Arabic-to-English translation, serving the large Arab community in Orange County. We also work with a network of professional translators covering Spanish, Vietnamese, Farsi, Chinese, Korean, Tagalog, and many other languages. All translations meet USCIS certification requirements regardless of language.

Q:Can you translate documents not in Arabic?

A: Yes. While we specialize in Arabic translation for our community, we provide professional certified translation services for documents in virtually any language. Our network of qualified translators can handle common languages like Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, and Farsi, as well as less common languages. All translations include the USCIS-required certification.

Q:What if USCIS rejects my translation?

A: If USCIS rejects a translation (usually due to missing certification or incomplete translation), you'll need to obtain a corrected translation. Professional services typically guarantee their translations meet USCIS requirements and will correct any issues at no additional charge. If you used a non-professional translator, you may need to have the document professionally retranslated.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about immigration services in Stanton and does not constitute legal advice. SoCal Immigration Services is a document preparation company, not a law firm. For legal advice specific to your situation, please consult with a licensed immigration attorney.

Published: January 22, 2026Last Updated: January 22, 2026

Need Certified Translation Services?

Our professional translation team provides USCIS-compliant certified translations for Arabic and other languages. Fast turnaround, competitive pricing, and guaranteed acceptance for your immigration documents.

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Get a Translation Quote (714) 421-8872

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USCIS Certified Translation Services in Stanton: Document Translation for Immigration