When submitting documents to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that are not in English, a corresponding certified English rendition is required. This certified rendition must be a complete and accurate conversion of the original document, accompanied by a statement from the translator attesting to their competence and the accuracy of the translation. For instance, if a birth certificate in Spanish is presented, an equivalent document in English with the appropriate attestation must also be included.
The inclusion of this certified rendition is critical for USCIS to process applications efficiently and fairly. It ensures that USCIS officers can understand the content of foreign-language documents without delay, preventing misinterpretations that could affect the outcome of a case. Historically, the requirement has evolved to standardize the process, safeguard against fraudulent submissions, and uphold the integrity of the immigration system. The benefits include streamlined processing, reduced delays, and enhanced accuracy in adjudicating cases.