Find answers to common questions about certified translations for immigration, USCIS, universities, credential evaluations, diplomas, transcripts, and other official documents.
Quick answers about certified translations, USCIS requirements, notarization, and official documents.
A certified translation is a translated document accompanied by a signed certification confirming that the translation is complete and accurate.
We provide certified translations for immigration, universities, licensing boards, credential evaluations, and other official purposes.
It means the translator or translation company provides a signed statement confirming the accuracy and completeness of the translation.
In the United States, certified translations may be prepared by qualified translators or professional translation companies capable of certifying the translation's accuracy.
No. Certification confirms the translation's accuracy. Notarization verifies the identity of the person signing the certification; the notary does not verify the translation itself.
We can also arrange notarization when it is required and requested in advance.
Certified translations are commonly requested for immigration, university admissions, credential evaluations, licensing, and legal or government documentation.
They are commonly submitted to government agencies, universities, credential evaluation agencies, licensing boards, legal institutions, and employers.
USCIS requires a full English translation when a submitted document is in a foreign language, together with the required translator certification.
Certified translations generally do not expire. However, an institution may require a recently issued source document depending on its own rules.
We provide certified translations for individuals, businesses, universities, immigration matters, and official institutions throughout the United States.
Our Sacramento office is located at 1750 Howe Avenue, Suite 300, Sacramento, CA 95825, with nationwide online service also available.
Yes. U.S. immigration authorities require that all documents submitted in a foreign language include a full English translation.
According to the official USCIS translation guidance, the translation must include a certification confirming that the translator is competent in both languages.
Source: USCIS Translation Requirements
American Translations and Interpreting Services regularly prepares certified translations for immigration applications and USCIS submissions.
Yes. USCIS accepts certified translations when they include a certification confirming that the translation is accurate and complete.
American Translations and Interpreting Services provides certified translations that meet USCIS requirements.
Learn more about our immigration translations here: USCIS Translation Services
No. USCIS requires certified translations but does not require notarization.
However, if another institution requests notarization, please inform American Translations and Interpreting Services in advance so we can arrange it.
Source: USCIS Official Guidance
Common immigration documents include:
American Translations and Interpreting Services frequently translates these documents for immigration applications.
USCIS requires that the translation include a certification confirming that the translator is fluent in both languages and that the translation is accurate.
Many applicants choose professional services like American Translations and Interpreting Services to ensure the translation meets immigration requirements.
While USCIS does not specifically forbid family members from translating documents, the translation must include a certification confirming that the translator is competent in both languages.
Using a professional translation service such as American Translations and Interpreting Services helps ensure accuracy and compliance.
A USCIS translation certification usually confirms that:
American Translations and Interpreting Services includes this certification with each translation.
No. USCIS forms are already available in English. However, supporting documents issued in other languages must be translated.
Yes. Immigration applications often include scanned copies of certified translations.
American Translations and Interpreting Services typically delivers translations as digital PDF documents for easy submission.
Yes. The translation should accurately reflect the content of the original document.
Professional translators working with American Translations and Interpreting Services translate documents carefully to ensure accuracy.
Yes. Handwritten documents can be translated if the handwriting is clear and readable.
If any part of the document is unclear, American Translations and Interpreting Services may request clarification.
Turnaround time depends on the number of pages and complexity of the document.
Most immigration documents such as birth certificates or marriage certificates can be translated within one to two business days.
Yes. Many immigration documents can be translated quickly depending on translator availability.
If you have an urgent deadline, please inform American Translations and Interpreting Services when submitting your document.
Yes. Birth certificates are one of the most common documents translated for immigration purposes.
American Translations and Interpreting Services regularly translates birth certificates for USCIS applications.
Yes. Marriage certificates are frequently required for immigration petitions and must be translated if they are not in English.
Yes. Divorce decrees and other court documents may be required when submitting immigration applications.
American Translations and Interpreting Services can translate these documents.
Some immigration applications require translation of passport pages containing personal information.
These pages can be translated by American Translations and Interpreting Services.
Yes. Clear photos or scans are usually acceptable for translation.
Make sure the document is fully visible and readable before submitting it.
Yes. Official stamps and seals appearing on the original document should be reflected in the translation.
Professional translators working with American Translations and Interpreting Services include notes describing these elements.
Yes. Translations may be rejected if they are incomplete or missing the certification statement.
Using American Translations and Interpreting Services helps reduce the risk of rejection.
Immigration officers may review translations to ensure they are complete and certified.
Accurate translations prepared by American Translations and Interpreting Services help ensure documents meet immigration requirements.
Yes. Immigration documents often contain sensitive personal information.
American Translations and Interpreting Services treats all documents as confidential.
Yes. Translations are usually delivered as digital PDF files by email.
Printed copies can also be mailed when requested.
Yes. Certified translations are commonly required for green card applications when documents are written in another language.
You can upload your document through our website for review.
American Translations and Interpreting Services will confirm the price and turnaround time before starting the translation.
Request a quote here: Get a Translation Quote
American Translations and Interpreting Services provides certified translations for academic records, diplomas, transcripts, and other education documents required for university admissions, credential evaluation, and professional licensing.
Yes. Universities and credential evaluation agencies usually require academic documents to be translated into English if the original documents are issued in another language.
American Translations and Interpreting Services provides certified translations for academic documents used in university admissions and credential evaluations.
Common academic documents include:
American Translations and Interpreting Services frequently translates these documents for students applying to universities and licensing boards.
Yes. Many universities require certified translations of diplomas when the original documents are issued in another language.
American Translations and Interpreting Services provides diploma translations for students applying to universities in the United States and abroad.
Yes. Academic transcripts are commonly translated for university admission, professional licensing, and credential evaluation.
Many universities require certified translations to ensure that academic documents are accurately translated.
Certified translations from American Translations and Interpreting Services include a certification confirming the accuracy of the translation.
Yes. Credential evaluation agencies often require certified translations of academic documents before evaluating them.
Common credential evaluation organizations include:
World Education Services (WES)
Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE)
International Education Research Foundation (IERF)
A credential evaluation is a process used to determine how foreign academic qualifications compare to education standards in another country.
Certified translations are often required before the evaluation can be completed.
Yes. World Education Services requires English translations of documents that are not originally issued in English.
Source: WES Official Website
Yes. Educational Credential Evaluators may require certified translations of academic documents if they are not in English.
Source: ECE Official Website
Yes. The International Education Research Foundation requires English translations when academic documents are issued in other languages.
Source: IERF Official Website
Yes. Certificates issued by schools or universities can be translated when required for academic or professional purposes.
Yes. School records such as report cards, enrollment letters, and academic certificates can be translated by American Translations and Interpreting Services.
Yes. Many universities accept digital copies of certified translations submitted through online application systems.
Yes. Academic transcripts submitted to universities or credential evaluation agencies often require certified translations.
Yes. Clear photos or scans are usually acceptable for translation as long as the document is readable.
Most diploma translations can be completed within one to two business days depending on the document length.
Yes. Short academic documents such as diplomas can often be translated quickly depending on translator availability.
If you have a deadline, please inform American Translations and Interpreting Services when submitting your documents.
Yes. Certified translations include a certification statement confirming that the translation is accurate and complete.
Yes. Many professional licensing boards require certified translations of academic records.
Examples include licensing boards for engineering, medicine, construction, and education.
You can submit your academic documents through our website for review.
American Translations and Interpreting Services will review the documents and confirm the price and turnaround time before starting the translation.
Request a quote here:
Get a Translation Quote
Yes. U.S. immigration authorities require that all documents submitted in a foreign language include a full English translation.
According to the official USCIS translation guidance, the translation must include a certification confirming that the translator is competent in both languages.
Source: USCIS Translation Requirements
American Translations and Interpreting Services regularly prepares certified translations for immigration applications and USCIS submissions.
Yes. USCIS accepts certified translations when they include a certification confirming that the translation is accurate and complete.
American Translations and Interpreting Services provides certified translations that meet USCIS requirements.
Learn more about our immigration translations here: USCIS Translation Services
No. USCIS requires certified translations but does not require notarization.
However, if another institution requests notarization, please inform American Translations and Interpreting Services in advance so we can arrange it.
Source: USCIS Official Guidance
Common immigration documents include:
American Translations and Interpreting Services frequently translates these documents for immigration applications.
USCIS requires that the translation include a certification confirming that the translator is fluent in both languages and that the translation is accurate.
Many applicants choose professional services like American Translations and Interpreting Services to ensure the translation meets immigration requirements.
While USCIS does not specifically forbid family members from translating documents, the translation must include a certification confirming that the translator is competent in both languages.
Using a professional translation service such as American Translations and Interpreting Services helps ensure accuracy and compliance.
A USCIS translation certification usually confirms that:
American Translations and Interpreting Services includes this certification with each translation.
No. USCIS forms are already available in English. However, supporting documents issued in other languages must be translated.
Yes. Immigration applications often include scanned copies of certified translations.
American Translations and Interpreting Services typically delivers translations as digital PDF documents for easy submission.
Yes. The translation should accurately reflect the content of the original document.
Professional translators working with American Translations and Interpreting Services translate documents carefully to ensure accuracy.
Yes. Handwritten documents can be translated if the handwriting is clear and readable.
If any part of the document is unclear, American Translations and Interpreting Services may request clarification.
Turnaround time depends on the number of pages and complexity of the document.
Most immigration documents such as birth certificates or marriage certificates can be translated within one to two business days.
Yes. Many immigration documents can be translated quickly depending on translator availability.
If you have an urgent deadline, please inform American Translations and Interpreting Services when submitting your document.
Yes. Birth certificates are one of the most common documents translated for immigration purposes.
American Translations and Interpreting Services regularly translates birth certificates for USCIS applications.
Yes. Marriage certificates are frequently required for immigration petitions and must be translated if they are not in English.
Yes. Divorce decrees and other court documents may be required when submitting immigration applications.
American Translations and Interpreting Services can translate these documents.
Some immigration applications require translation of passport pages containing personal information.
These pages can be translated by American Translations and Interpreting Services.
Yes. Clear photos or scans are usually acceptable for translation.
Make sure the document is fully visible and readable before submitting it.
Yes. Official stamps and seals appearing on the original document should be reflected in the translation.
Professional translators working with American Translations and Interpreting Services include notes describing these elements.
Yes. Translations may be rejected if they are incomplete or missing the certification statement.
Using American Translations and Interpreting Services helps reduce the risk of rejection.
Immigration officers may review translations to ensure they are complete and certified.
Accurate translations prepared by American Translations and Interpreting Services help ensure documents meet immigration requirements.
Yes. Immigration documents often contain sensitive personal information.
American Translations and Interpreting Services treats all documents as confidential.
Yes. Translations are usually delivered as digital PDF files by email.
Printed copies can also be mailed when requested.
Yes. Certified translations are commonly required for green card applications when documents are written in another language.
You can upload your document through our website for review.
American Translations and Interpreting Services will confirm the price and turnaround time before starting the translation.
Request a quote here: Get a Translation Quote
American Translations and Interpreting Services makes it easy to submit documents for certified translation, immigration document translation, diploma translation, transcript translation, and other official document translation services. This section answers common questions about file formats, scans, photos, handwritten records, confidentiality, draft review, and how to start your order. You can submit your files through our Get a Quote page or learn more about our certified translation services.
You can send your documents by uploading them through our website or by sending a clear scan or photo.
American Translations and Interpreting Services will review the document and confirm the price and turnaround time before starting the translation.
Request a quote here:
Get a Translation Quote
Yes. Clear photos are usually acceptable for translation as long as all text is visible and readable.
If the image quality is not sufficient, American Translations and Interpreting Services may request a clearer photo so the translation can be completed accurately.
In most cases, the original document is not required.
A clear scan or photo of the document is usually enough for translation, which makes the process faster and easier for clients anywhere in the United States.
Documents can usually be submitted in common formats such as:
If you are not sure whether your file format will work, American Translations and Interpreting Services can review it before the project begins.
Yes. Handwritten documents can be translated if the handwriting is clear and readable.
If any part of the document is unclear, American Translations and Interpreting Services may ask for clarification or a better image before finalizing the translation.
Yes. Official stamps and seals appearing on the document are typically reflected in the translation.
These elements may be described within the translated document so the translation more accurately reflects the original record. This is common in certified translation work for immigration, academic, and legal submissions.
Yes. Many official documents are old, faded, or worn but can still be translated as long as the text is readable.
If the file is difficult to read, American Translations and Interpreting Services may ask for a better scan or photo to improve accuracy.
Yes. If a document contains information on both sides, both sides should be translated.
This is common with ID cards, driver’s licenses, residence permits, and similar official records. If your translation is for government use, it is always wise to include all visible information so the receiving institution can review the full document.
Yes. Partial documents can be translated if only certain sections are required.
However, some institutions require the entire document to be translated. If your translation is for USCIS, a university, or a credential evaluation agency, it is best to check that institution’s requirements first.
Yes. American Translations and Interpreting Services treats all documents as confidential.
Your documents are only shared with the translator assigned to your project when necessary for translation and review.
Documents may be stored temporarily for processing purposes.
If you have specific concerns about document storage, retention, or handling, please contact American Translations and Interpreting Services before submitting sensitive records so we can address your questions directly.
Yes. In many cases, a draft translation may be provided so you can review important details such as names, dates, and document numbers.
This is especially helpful for certified translations involving immigration documents, diplomas, transcripts, and identity documents.
Yes. If any corrections are needed, American Translations and Interpreting Services will update the translation before issuing the final certified version.
This helps make sure the final document reflects the original record as accurately as possible.
Documents containing multiple languages can still be translated.
The translator will identify the relevant sections and translate them accordingly. This is common with immigration, academic, and civil records issued by multilingual institutions or government offices.
You can start by submitting your document through our website.
American Translations and Interpreting Services will review the document and confirm the price and turnaround time before beginning the translation.
Request a quote here:
Get a Translation Quote
You may also review our pricing page or visit the American Translations and Interpreting Services homepage for more information.
American Translations and Interpreting Services offers flexible payment options, digital delivery, printed certified copies, and local pickup arrangements for customers in Sacramento and throughout the United States. This section answers common questions about how to pay, when payment is due, how translations are delivered, and how to place an order with American Translations and Interpreting Services. You can request service through our Get a Quote page, make payment on our payment page, or visit the American Translations and Interpreting Services homepage for more information.
Quick answers about payment, delivery, pickup, and ordering your translation.
We accept credit or debit cards online, Zelle, and cash for eligible in-person pickup orders.
Payment page:
Pay for Translation Services
Payment is usually required before the final certified translation is delivered.
In some cases, customers may pay online before the translation begins or when picking up their documents, depending on the arrangement.
Yes. Cash may be accepted for in-person pickup arrangements.
Please let us know in advance if you plan to pay in cash so the pickup can be arranged properly.
Yes. You can make a secure payment through our online payment page.
Yes. We accept Zelle payments for translation services.
Please mention Zelle when confirming your order so payment instructions can be provided.
Most completed translations are delivered electronically as digital PDF files.
Digital delivery makes it easy to submit translations to immigration offices, universities, licensing boards, and other institutions.
Yes. Printed certified copies can be provided when requested.
Please request printed copies when placing your order so we can arrange pickup or delivery.
Yes. Printed certified translations can be mailed when requested.
Many customers choose digital delivery because it is faster, but mailed hard copies are also available.
Our main office is located at 1750 Howe Ave, Suite 300, Office 314, Sacramento, CA 95825.
We also provide translation services nationwide through our online ordering and digital delivery process.
Yes. We provide certified translation services to customers throughout the United States.
Documents can be submitted online and completed translations can be delivered digitally.
No. Most customers submit documents online through our quote request form.
In-person service is available at 1750 Howe Ave, Suite 300, Office 314, Sacramento, CA 95825. Please call 916-559-3963 before visiting.
Yes. In-person pickup can be arranged when needed.
Please contact us in advance so the pickup time and location can be confirmed.
Yes. Curbside pickup can be arranged for local customers.
Please request curbside pickup when placing your order so we can coordinate the details.
Yes. Most translations are delivered electronically by email as PDF files.
Electronic delivery is commonly used for USCIS, academic, diploma, transcript, and other official document translations.
Upload your document through our Get a Quote page and we will confirm the price and turnaround time.
You may also review our pricing page or use our payment page.
