USCIS Certified Translation RFEs: How to Avoid Document Delays

Foreign-language documents can trigger a USCIS request for evidence if the translation is incomplete, uncertified, or inconsistent with the original record. This often happens with birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, police records, adoption documents, and court dispositions.

A strong translation package includes a full English translation, a copy of the foreign-language document, and a signed certification from the translator stating that the translation is complete and accurate and that the translator is competent to translate from the original language into English. A summary, partial translation, or informal explanation by the applicant usually is not enough.

Small details matter. Names, dates, locations, seals, marginal notes, registry numbers, and handwritten annotations should be translated or clearly marked if illegible. If the original document uses a different calendar, spelling system, or naming order, the filing should explain the connection to the applicant's identity documents.

New Horizons Legal helps families and businesses review civil documents before filing so translation issues do not become avoidable RFEs, interview delays, or consular processing problems.