Immigrating to the USA: Do I Need to Translate my Legal Documents?
Immigrating to the USA can be a challenge.
There are seemingly endless hoops to jump through and documents to send. But there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and professionals who can help you through the process of translating your legal documents.
Because not only do you need to collect all your documents, but you also need to get them translated to English.
So, figuring out how to translate legal documents like your immigration paperwork for USCIS can be an intimidating and time consuming process.
Having someone who has been through that before and knows just what to do can help you stop worrying about all the paperwork and focus on more important things. Please note that all the content outlined here is not legal advice, I am sharing information from USCIS and explaining how a professional and experienced translator can make your immigration process easier if you need certified translations of all your legal documents.
What documents will the United States government ask for?
There’s a lot of info out there on how to immigrate, and I’ve been there myself. So, I’ll do what I wish someone had done for me: make it simple. So here are my recommendations but please note that I am not an expert in legal requirements for immigration.
To move to the USA permanently, you will need a green card. You can get these through
a family sponsorship, or get an employment-based green card.
For family green cards, you’ll need:
- Your family member in the U.S. to file the I-30 petition
- To file the I-485 yourself
- A passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended date of entry into the U.S.
- Affidavit of support
- Legal documents translated into English:
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate, if applicable
- Marriage termination documentation, if applicable
- Immigration medical examination form
- Two passport photographs.
Read more about the required documents for filing I-485 here
Employment-based green cards require a lot more documentation. You’ll need most of the documents outlined above, plus more. You can check out the
documentation requirements here, under “What to Submit (Principal Applicant).”
All this to say, there’s a lot of paperwork to fill out, translate, and submit. Luckily, translation services are always right there to help you out when it’s time to figure out how to translate legal documents.
Can I translate for free my legal documents?
Unless you search out some form of pro-bono legal help, no.
Legal documents have to be certified as 100% accurate word by word and in the right context – you can’t just run them through a machine translator you find on Google.
The USA government needs to be sure that everything on your forms and documents is accurate, and that you haven’t left anything out.
Getting certified translations keeps you from accidentally submitting incorrect info, and makes sure the process goes smoothly and quickly. It’s not just recommended, it’s required. So, you’ll need to budget for getting your documents translated into your costs of immigration.
Who can translate legal documents?
Any professional translator with the right credentials and experience can translate your legal documents.
Professional translators will provide what’s called a
certified translation.
Certified translations have a stamp right on the document itself that shows the translator’s credentials and affirms that everything there is accurate word by word.
You usually can’t translate your own documents, even if you speak English and Spanish fluently. Many agencies feel like that’s a conflict of interest – sometimes they don’t even let family members do the translating.
If you’ve never heard of a certified translation before, I made a resource just for you. See my article, “What Exactly is a Certified Translation?” I’ll explain everything you’ll need to know.
Where and how can I translate legal documents?
You have a few options.
You can go to a translation agency office, where they will certainly be able to provide a certified translation.
But you actually don’t have to – in-person translation agencies often have longer wait times.
You can get your certified translation 100% online! Just search for legal translation services, make sure the translators provide certified translations, and you’re good to go!
Many of the bigger translation agencies are working on many, many translations at once, and they don’t always have time to listen to you or to answer your questions.
Luckily, there are boutique translators who are there to help, and take on clients who they can guide through the process. You are not just another client, you will be always the most important one.
Moving to the USA is a big deal. Learning how to translate legal documents doesn't need to add stress to your process.
I’m a resident of the USA, but I haven’t always been. I immigrated from Mexico years ago, so I’ve been through the entire process myself.
I know just how intimidating it can seem to get all your paperwork in order and make sure it’s going to the right places.
That’s why I’m so ready to help you on your journey, because I know that it’s possible to make it through.
If you want a friendly face and professional, fast, and accurate legal translations, you can
upload your documents and request a quote.
I’m looking forward to meeting you and hearing your story. Let’s get in touch!
Welcome
I'm Araceli Patino. I was born and raised in Mexico City. As an immigrant myself, I know how it feels to be in a hurry to get your documents in order to finish any legal process you are going through. I'm passionate about building bridges that allow people to communicate.
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