Immigration Terminology

Sample Immigration Documents

Any document which is not in English must be translated to English for the purpose of applying for a visa to enter the US or applying for any immigration benefit, once inside the US. An English translation does not need to be a professional translation. Anyone who is fluent in English and the language of the document can do the translation, as long as the translator certifies that he or she is competent to make the translation and that the translation is accurate. Documents that should be translated include diplomas, birth certificates, financial statements, marriage certificates and fellowship awards. 

The English translation should include a certification statement that includes the certifier's name, signature, address, and date of certification. A suggested format is below:

I, __________________ [typed name], hereby certify that I am fluent in the English and ________ languages. I attest that the above/attached document is an accurate translation of the original document attached entitled ______________________________ [i.e. Birth Certificate, Marriage Certificate, PHD degree, etc.]

Signature: _______________________
Name of translator: ________________
Occupation: _____________________
Address: ________________________