Green Card GuideCheck checklist coverage
EnglishEspañol

Certified Translations

The certified translation set used when an immigration stage requires an accepted-language version of a record.

Applicants or sponsors need it whenever a required document is not already in a language accepted for that stage.

Editorially reviewed:

This date reflects the page copy review, not a live government update.

Category: Civil and family recordsUse case: Identity and civil recordsScope: Country or post sensitive

Also searched as

certified translation, translation certification

What this is

The certified translation set used when an immigration stage requires an accepted-language version of a record.

Country or post sensitive: Expect country-specific, post-specific, or timing-sensitive variation.

Who usually needs it

Applicants or sponsors need it whenever a required document is not already in a language accepted for that stage.

When it usually appears

Usually alongside civil records, court records, or other evidence being filed, uploaded, or brought to an interview.

What changes by process, path, or post

Translation rules can differ by process, by stage, and sometimes by the language the post will accept operationally.

Common format or evidence traps

  • Submitting the translation without the original-language record.
  • Assuming a post that accepts a language operationally also waives formal translation requirements everywhere else.
  • Using a translation that lacks the certification statement the stage expects.

Certified translation · Certified copy · Civil documents

Examples from current exact-support flows

Coverage posture: Current public exact-support flows do not attach a direct example to this document yet. Use this page to understand the record broadly, then verify the exact route-specific instructions that apply to your case.

This document is still important as a reference page even when the current public exact-support system attaches few or no direct rule examples to it.

This page explains when this document usually matters. Your checklist and the official instructions still control current requirements.

Recheck the live official source before filing, traveling, paying fees, or relying on post-specific instructions.

Sources used on this page

  • Step 5: Collect Financial Documents and Other Civil Documents (DOS)
    Official source

    U.S. Department of StateSource checked

    Why this source is here: DOS guidance on civil document collection, originals vs copies, and document preparation. Source IDs S03/S04 in research pack.

  • Step 6: Complete Online Application and Submit Documents (DOS)
    Official source

    U.S. Department of StateSource checked

    Why this source is here: DOS guidance on document submission to NVC and what to bring as originals to the interview. Source IDs S05/S06/S07/S08 in research pack.

  • Ciudad Juarez Consulate: Immigrant Visa Information (English)
    Official sourcePost-specific

    U.S. Embassy & Consulates in MexicoSource checked

    Why this source is here: Post-specific guidance for Ciudad Juarez immigrant visa interviews. Bilingual CDJ checklist (A01 in research pack). Source ID S17.

  • Maintained Source Policy
    Project policy

    GreenCardGuide repositorySource checked

    Why this source is here: Project governance reference for how canonical source-backed content should be maintained.