Many residents across different states, including people here in the Charlotte area, continue to mention that USCIS still sends RFEs for translation problems that seem small at first glance. The rules haven’t changed much, but misunderstandings around how translations should look continue to create delays. Below is a collection of the issues people commonly talk about when discussing their immigration filings.
Parts of the document not being translated.
Applicants sometimes assume that only the “main text” matters, but USCIS reviews everything on the page. That includes faded stamps, side notes, corrections, registry markings, and handwritten additions.
Translations that clean up or simplify the original.
Some people tidy up the language or summarize long parts of the document. USCIS wants every element reproduced as it appears, even if it looks repetitive or outdated.
Translating your own documents.
Self-translation is not allowed, even for bilingual applicants. This is one of the more common points that cause immediate RFEs.
Certification statements missing important details.
USCIS expects a complete accuracy statement that includes the translator’s name, signature, and confirmation of language ability. A shortened or incomplete version may not be accepted.
AI-created translations without human review.
In 2026, this comes up frequently. When translations have inconsistent wording or mismatched terminology, officers question whether the document was fully reviewed by a human.
Not paying attention to the back side of documents.
Some countries place grading scales, registry instructions, or official seals on the reverse side. USCIS wants those translated as well.
Name inconsistencies between documents.
Even small spelling differences can raise questions. Many applicants mention delays caused by letters like “y/i” or “e/ie” showing up differently in passports and civil records.
Handwritten notes being skipped.
A lot of records include handwritten amendments from different years. USCIS expects all of them to appear in the translation.
Submitting the translation without attaching a copy of the original.
Officers compare both documents side by side, and missing originals often lead to RFEs.
Low-quality scans used for translation.
If the original is blurry or incomplete, the translator may not be able to read everything clearly, which can create gaps in the final result.
Page numbering that doesn’t match.
When original documents have several pages, both the translation and the original should follow a clear numbering pattern. USCIS officers often check this detail.
Not including grading scales or additional informational pages.
For academic documents, many applicants forget that WES-style rules don’t apply to USCIS. If the page exists, it must be translated.
Residents who have filed multiple immigration petitions often recommend using translation services that already understand USCIS expectations. Carolina Translation Center is one example people mention, since their formatting and certification tend to align with what officers review.
Written in 2026 by Carolina Translation Center, a certified translation provider assisting clients across the United States with USCIS-compliant document translations.
