Certified translation
Certified translation services, accepted by USCIS, guaranteed
Certified translations of birth certificates, diplomas, court records, and immigration evidence in 250+ languages. Each one is translated by a professional linguist, revised by a second, formatted to match the original, and delivered with a signed certificate of accuracy. Short documents in 24 to 48 hours.
- USCIS acceptance guaranteedIf a translation is rejected because of our work, we correct it free
- 24 to 48 hoursStandard turnaround for 1 to 3 pages
- Two linguists on every documentTranslation plus independent revision, per ISO 17100
- Notarization and apostilleArranged for you when the receiving office requires it
Why translations get rejected
A translation is only useful if it’s accepted
USCIS, courts, and universities return translations for small, avoidable reasons, and each rejection can cost weeks. Here is what a reviewer catches, and what we get right before they ever see it.
Birth Certificate 5
NameMaria Ruiz 1
Date of birthApril 3, 1991 3
Registry no.0412
PlaceGuadalajara
REGISTRO CIVIL 2No certification statement attached 4
Returned: translation incomplete- Names that don’t matchMaría Elena Ruiz Ortega becomes Maria Ruiz on one page and M. E. Ortega on the next, so the reviewer can’t tell it’s one person.Names, dates, and numbers checked against the original, every time.
- Stamps and seals left untranslatedOfficial stamps, handwritten notes, and margin text are skipped.Everything on the page is translated or clearly noted, including seals and signatures.
- Dates read the wrong way04/03 becomes April 3 when the original meant March 4.Dates and numbers rendered unambiguously in the target format.
- No certification statementThe reviewer cannot tell who translated it or whether it is complete.A signed certificate of accuracy with every certified translation.
- Layout lostTables, headings, and page order no longer match the original.Formatted to mirror the original, page for page.
Our guarantee
Accepted by USCIS, or we fix it free
USCIS requires every foreign-language document to come with a full English translation and the translator’s certification that it is complete and accurate and that the translator is competent to translate (8 CFR 103.2(b)(3)). Every certified translation we deliver meets that standard.
- Complete, word for word. Every stamp, seal, and handwritten note is translated or noted. USCIS does not accept summaries.
- Certified, not notarized. USCIS does not require notarization, so you don’t pay for it unless another office asks.
- Our guarantee. If USCIS rejects a translation because of an error in our work, we correct and re-certify it at no charge.
Who we work with
Built for teams that file every week
Most of our certified work comes from organizations that submit translations on someone else’s behalf. We set up the process once, then every file moves the same way.
Immigration law firms
Family-based and employment petitions, asylum files, and evidence packets.
The same spelling of every name across every document in the file, and volume pricing for ongoing casework.
Employers and HR teams
Degrees, transcripts, experience letters, and civil records for sponsored employees.
Fast, predictable turnaround so filing deadlines hold, and one point of contact for every hire.
Universities and admissions
Transcripts, diplomas, and course descriptions from applicants abroad.
Grades, credits, and course titles rendered exactly, so evaluators can compare like with like.
Courts and agencies
Vital records, court records, police clearances, and evidence.
Complete translations with a certificate of accuracy that holds up when the record is examined.
Certification levels
Certified, notarized, or apostilled: which do you need?
Requirements depend on who will receive the document. Most U.S. agencies, including USCIS, ask for a certified translation. Check the receiving office’s instructions, and we will confirm the right level with you.
Certified translation
A complete translation with a signed statement that it is accurate and that the translator is competent to translate the language.
- Usually required by
- USCIS and immigration, universities, courts, and most government agencies
- You receive
- Translation, certificate of accuracy, and a copy of the source
Notarized translation
A certified translation whose certificate is signed before a notary public, who verifies the signer’s identity, not the translation itself.
- Usually required by
- Some courts, foreign consulates, schools, and financial institutions
- You receive
- Everything in a certified translation, plus a notary’s seal
Apostille coordination
An apostille authenticates a public document, such as a notary’s signature, for use in countries that are party to the Hague Convention.
- Usually required by
- Documents used abroad, such as for foreign residency, marriage, or business registration
- You receive
- The right order of translation, notarization, and apostille, arranged for you
The certificate of accuracy
What makes a translation certified
In the United States, the translator or the translation company signs the certificate. It is what turns a translation into a document an agency will accept.
- Document identificationNames the original document and the languages, so the translation can be matched to it.
- Statement of accuracyConfirms the translation is complete and accurate to the best of the translator’s knowledge.
- Statement of competenceConfirms the translator is competent to translate from the source language into English.
- Signature, name, and dateSigned by the translator or an authorized company representative, with contact details.
Certificate of Translation Accuracy 1
Document: Birth Certificate of María Elena Ruiz Ortega. Translated from Spanish into English.
I certify that the attached English translation is complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge and ability. 2
I further certify that I am competent to translate from Spanish into English. 3
Excellence
Documents
Documents we certify every day
Send a clear scan or phone photo of every page, front and back. We translate everything that appears on it.
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Civil records
- Birth and death certificates
- Marriage and divorce certificates
- Adoption and name-change records
- Passports and national IDs
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Immigration evidence
- Police clearances and court records
- Military and employment records
- Bank statements and tax records
- Affidavits and letters of support
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Academic
- Diplomas and degree certificates
- Transcripts and grade reports
- Course descriptions and syllabi
- Professional licenses
Turnaround
How fast you get it back
Turnaround is confirmed in writing with your quote, so you can plan your filing date.
- 24–48 hoursStandard turnaroundFor 1 to 3 pages, such as birth, marriage, and divorce certificates, diplomas, and IDs.
- Scheduled with youLarger filesTranscripts, court records, and multi-document evidence packets get a confirmed delivery date in your quote.
- RushWhen the deadline is closeTell us your filing date when you request a quote, and we will plan delivery around it.
Client results
Trusted with records where accuracy is not optional
Universities, law firms, and insurers rely on our certified translations when the record has to be right.
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Education University of Denver
We provided specialized legal translation services to translate student consent forms into multiple languages, ensuring accuracy and compliance with international regulations. Read the case study -
Legal Kolko & Casey, P.C.
Kolko & Casey, P.C. has successfully addressed language barriers and improved client communication by leveraging TE's comprehensive language services. Read the case study -
Finance and insurance State Farm
We provided on-site and on-demand consecutive interpretation services in a variety of languages, including rare and less common languages. Read the case study
Related services
Often requested with certified translation
One team, one point of contact. Add any of these to your order.
FAQ
Certified translation questions, answered
Don’t see your question? A language specialist can answer it in one call.
Talk to a specialist
Get a straight answer
Tell us what you need translated or interpreted, and we’ll scope it with you.
Meet one-on-one with a language services expert, at a time that suits you.
What is a certified translation?
A certified translation is a complete translation accompanied by a signed statement that it is accurate and that the translator is competent to translate the language. In the United States, the translator or the translation company signs this certificate of accuracy. Every certified translation we deliver includes one.
What is the difference between a certified and a notarized translation?
A certified translation includes a signed statement of accuracy. A notarized translation adds a notary public, who confirms the identity of the person signing that statement. The notary does not review the translation itself. Notarize only when the receiving office asks for it.
Does USCIS require notarized translations?
No. USCIS requires a full English translation with the translator’s certification that it is complete and accurate and that the translator is competent to translate from the foreign language into English. Notarization is not required. Summaries are not accepted, so every word on the document must be translated.
What does your USCIS acceptance guarantee cover?
If USCIS rejects or questions a translation because of an error in our work, we correct it and issue a new certificate of accuracy at no charge. The guarantee covers the translation itself. It does not cover decisions USCIS makes about the application or petition.
How long does a certified translation take?
Standard turnaround for 1 to 3 pages, such as birth and marriage certificates, diplomas, and IDs, is 24 to 48 hours. Larger files are scheduled with you, and rush delivery is available on request. Your delivery date is confirmed in writing with your quote.
Can I translate my own documents for USCIS?
USCIS rules do not name who may translate, but they require a certification of accuracy and competence. If you are the applicant or a party to the case, an independent professional translation avoids questions about impartiality. Many applicants choose a professional service for that reason.
Do you work with immigration law firms and HR teams on an ongoing basis?
Yes. Law firms and HR teams send us certified work every week. We keep a glossary of names and terms for each client and family, so spellings match across every document in a file, and we set up volume pricing and a single point of contact.
Do I need to send my original documents?
No. A clear scan or phone photo of every page, front and back, is enough. We translate everything visible, including stamps, seals, handwritten notes, and signatures. Keep your originals; many offices ask to see them alongside the translation.
What is a sworn translation, and do I need an apostille?
A sworn translation is produced by a translator appointed by a court or government, which is common in countries such as Spain, France, and Italy. It is not a U.S. credential. An apostille authenticates a public document, often a notary’s signature, for use in Hague Convention countries. If your document is going abroad, ask the receiving office which they require, and we will coordinate the translation, notarization, and apostille in the right order.
How is certified translation priced?
Certificates and other short records are usually priced per page. Longer documents are priced by word count. The language pair, notarization, and turnaround also affect the price. Send a scan or photo and we will provide a fixed quote before any work begins.
Tell us what’s at stake. We’ll show you how we’d handle it.
Send your files or describe your event. A language specialist replies with a fixed quote and a delivery date, with no obligation.
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