Immigration law firms routinely work with clients whose supporting documents are written in languages other than English. Birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, academic records, court documents, financial records and other evidence may need to be translated as part of an immigration filing.
For attorneys and paralegals, translation is one more important detail to manage alongside deadlines, document collection and case preparation. Working with a reliable translation provider can help make this process more efficient. In today’s article, we will discuss USCIS translation requirements and tips to help law firms make the translation process smoother.
When is a Certified Translation Required?
Any foreign-language documents submitted as part of an immigration filing must be translated to English and certified, pursuant to the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations on Aliens and Nationality 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3),
Any document containing foreign language submitted to USCIS shall be accompanied by a full English language translation which the translator has certified as complete and accurate, and by the translator's certification that he or she is competent to translate from the foreign language into English.
Thus, it is important that the translations submitted as part of an immigration filing are certified translations, and not simple translations.
Deadlines
Law firms are often on tight deadlines for their filings. Having a translation partner that is readily available can lighten the load on attorneys and paralegals when preparing complex filings. It is important to keep in mind translations can take time to complete, so letting the translation partner know with advance notice is always best to ensure enough time to complete the translations thoroughly and accurately.
Accuracy of Translation
Foreign documents used for immigration filings are often complex in nature. It is important to work with a translation firm that is experienced in translating documents for USCIS filings. There should be no omissions or additions, and all text should be translated in accordance to the original document.
Immigration filings often include documents spanning many years that repeat names, places and institutions. It is important that they are translated consistently, especially in the case of names in non-Latin letters, such as Russian names or Chinese names.
Human Translation
Immigration filings are critical to a person’s life and it is important to work with a translation firm that reflects that in their work. Using AI-generated translations for such an important process can yield disastrous results that can affect the person’s ability to stay in the country. Human translation performed by skilled translators ensures that the document will be correctly and thoroughly translated, in compliance with USCIS requirements for certified translations. CSH Translation provides 100% human, certified translation services for immigration attorneys, law firms and their clients.
Experience
Hiring a translation firm that is experienced in dealing with certified translations for immigration filings is key. This will ensure that the translations are completed pursuant to all USCIS requirements and avoid any delays in the process. An experienced translation company is skilled in translating documents for the USCIS, has experience handling confidential documents and can provide an accurate, certified translation.
If your immigration practice regularly handles foreign-language documents, establishing a relationship with a reliable translation provider can simplify your workflow and help you manage translation deadlines more efficiently. CSH Translation specializes in certified translations for immigration filings and would be happy to assist. For any questions, please contact us at: info@cshtranslation.com