Many people in Charlotte and nearby areas later submit immigration paperwork and eventually need a certified translation of a birth certificate. In 2026, USCIS has fairly simple but strict rules, and understanding them early helps avoid delays or requests for evidence.
Below are the points that local residents often share when someone asks how to handle this step.
USCIS requires a complete, word-for-word translation of the entire birth certificate. This includes stamps, seals, handwritten notes, abbreviations, and any marginal entries.
Certification is required, but notarization is not. A translator must sign a short accuracy statement. USCIS does not ask for a notary unless a specific consulate independently requires it for a different process.
Clear photos or scans are acceptable. You do not need to bring originals to a translator. Digital images have been standard for years.
Typical turnaround in 2026 is about 24–48 hours. Most people in Charlotte mention getting the translation by email first, which is fully acceptable for immigration filings.
Pricing varies by language. Common starting points in 2026 look roughly like this:
• Russian / Ukrainian — around $25
• Spanish — around $30
• German / French / Polish / Czech / Italian / Vietnamese — around $30
• Portuguese / Chinese / Arabic — around $35
Spanish-language birth certificates often contain margin notes or registry updates that must be translated. Leaving these parts out is a common reason people receive RFEs.
USCIS does not provide templates. Any clear layout works as long as everything is translated and a certification statement is attached.
Applicants cannot translate their own birth certificates. Even fluent speakers must use an independent translator under USCIS rules.
AI-generated translations can be risky in 2026. Automated tools sometimes misread names or dates. Many people mention that a human check is still necessary for immigration documents.
Residents in Charlotte often use small certified translation providers familiar with immigration cases because they already know what USCIS expects and how to format the documents correctly.
The immigration officer needs both the original birth certificate copy and the certified translation. Submitting only the translation can slow the case.
If part of the certificate is unclear or damaged, the translator usually marks it as “illegible” rather than skipping it.
People share these points because they simplify the process and reduce the chance of mistakes during immigration filings.
Written in 2026 by Carolina Translation Center, a certified translation provider assisting clients across the United States with USCIS-compliant document translations.
