Certified Translation for USCIS in Glendale, California: What You Need to Know

Certified Translation for USCIS in Glendale, California: What You Need to Know

Preparing immigration documents often involves paperwork issued in another country. Birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce records, and other official documents may be written in Armenian, Russian, or another language.

If you're submitting these documents to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), understanding certified translation requirements is an important step.

At APEX VAHANYAN Notary & Apostille Services, we assist individuals and families in Glendale, Burbank, Pasadena, and surrounding Los Angeles communities with certified document translations, including Armenian-to-English and Russian-to-English translations.

What Is a Certified Translation for USCIS?

A certified translation is an English translation accompanied by a signed statement from the translator confirming that the translation is complete and accurate and that the translator is competent to translate from the original language into English.

USCIS generally requires this certification when you submit a document containing foreign-language text.

The certification is different from notarization. USCIS generally does not require translations to be notarized solely to satisfy its translation requirements.

For assistance with certified document translations in Glendale, call or text 818-964-0111 or visit VahanyanNotary.com.

Which Documents May Need Certified Translation?

Depending on your immigration application, you may need translations of:

• Birth certificates
• Marriage certificates
• Divorce certificates
• Death certificates
• Name change documents
• Court records
• Diplomas and academic transcripts
• Other foreign-language supporting documents

The specific documents required depend on your application and USCIS instructions.

For example, someone preparing a family-based immigration application may need a certified English translation of a foreign birth or marriage certificate.

Armenian and Russian Document Translation in Glendale

Many families in Glendale have important documents issued in Armenia, Russia, and other countries.

These documents may contain names written in different alphabets, official stamps, handwritten notes, or formatting that differs from U.S. documents.

When preparing an English translation, it's important to account for all relevant information, including official markings and annotations.

Name consistency also deserves special attention. Compare the English spelling of names with passports and other identification records. Differences may need to be explained or documented.

APEX VAHANYAN Notary & Apostille Services assists with Armenian-to-English and Russian-to-English certified translation requests for clients in Glendale and surrounding communities.

Does USCIS Require a Notarized Translation?

This is a common source of confusion.

USCIS generally requires translator certification, not notarization of the translation.

A translator certifies the completeness and accuracy of the translation and their competence to translate.

A notary performs a separate notarial act and does not independently verify the accuracy of the translated text.

Other agencies, institutions, or foreign authorities may have different requirements, so always confirm what the receiving organization requests.

Do USCIS Documents Need an Apostille?

An apostille is generally not required simply because a foreign-language document is being submitted to USCIS.

An apostille is used in certain international document authentication processes, while a certified translation addresses language requirements.

These are separate services, and some documents may require one, both, or neither depending on where and why they will be used.

If you are unsure which document service you need, APEX VAHANYAN Notary & Apostille Services can explain the differences between our available services.

Call 818-964-0111 to discuss your document requirements.

Common Mistakes to Avoid Before Submitting Translations

1. Incomplete translations

USCIS requires a complete English translation of foreign-language documents submitted as evidence, not just selected sections.

2. Missing translator certification

The translation must include the required statement confirming completeness, accuracy, and translator competence.

3. Inconsistent spelling of names

Armenian and Russian names may have more than one English transliteration. Review spelling carefully against existing identification and immigration records.

4. Overlooking stamps and handwritten information

Official seals, annotations, and other relevant text should be accounted for in the translation.

5. Assuming notarization replaces certification

A notarized document is not automatically a certified translation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does USCIS accept Armenian-to-English translations?

Yes. Armenian-language documents may be submitted with complete English translations and the required translator certification.

Does USCIS accept Russian-to-English translations?

Yes. Russian-language documents may also be submitted with properly certified English translations.

Can I submit only the English translation?

Generally, you should submit a copy of the foreign-language document along with its complete certified English translation, following the instructions for your specific application.

Does USCIS require a certified translation of a birth certificate?

If the birth certificate contains foreign-language text and is submitted as evidence, USCIS generally requires a complete English translation with translator certification.

Can I use the same translation for another organization?

Possibly, but requirements differ. A translation accepted by USCIS may not automatically meet the requirements of a university, foreign government, or other institution.

Certified Translation Services in Glendale, California

If you need certified translations of Armenian, Russian, or other foreign-language documents for USCIS or another organization, APEX VAHANYAN Notary & Apostille Services is here to help.

We serve clients in Glendale, Burbank, Pasadena, La Crescenta, Montrose, and surrounding Los Angeles communities.

For certified translation assistance and related document services:

Call or text: 818-964-0111

Website: VahanyanNotary.com

We provide document translation and notarial services, not immigration or legal advice. For legal questions about your immigration application, consult a qualified immigration attorney.