Did you know? USCIS requires that translations be a complete and accurate translation of the entire document. (Immintranslate)
Every year, many people immigrate to different states of the USA in search of better job opportunities and an incredible lifestyle.
Yet a major chunk of them are unable to submit or cross-check the accuracy of the language tonality of varied zones, hence they face multiple complaints from the USCIS department.
Although these problems can be eradicated if you look out for common mistakes and avoid them.
That’s why, in this blog post, I’m going to cover these concerns comprehensively and provide valuable insights to the readers.
Let’s begin!
Key Takeaways
- Understanding the high costs of inadequate translations
- Importance of choosing a qualified translator
- Evaluating high risks for translation issues
- Decoding the various guidelines of the
- Uncovering some problematic issues
Moving to another country comes with its own set of hurdles, and one such hurdle is translating the required documents adequately.
It has been reported that during the given fiscal year 2022, USCIS received over 8 million new applications, petitions, and requests.
However, seeing the increase in workload in recent years, the officers have become more strict with proper protocols and procedures, and ways to get through the caseload.
Why is accurate translation a need? To ensure that all your documents of application have been understood thoroughly and have been processed correctly.
It is not a very big deal for them to delay your submission process or, at times, outright rejection of the application.
Translation deadlines are very vital too, as missing one can eliminate chances for programs like DACA.
And that is what makes dependable online translation services all the more pivotal for such cases.
When dealing with immigration, one small translation error can result in significant backup or, worse, complete denial.
Considering the following things when searching for the ideal translator for your USCIS documents may help:
A hired expert must have copious amounts of education, as well as extensive formal training in translation, to execute all parts of the work from grammar to tone with perfection.
For a proficient translator, it is most vital to have a college degree in translation or have some form of training, such as legal or technical translation certification.
Even better is if they have experience living or working in the cultures associated with both languages.
Those who deal with immigration cases must have an understanding of the very particular phrasing the USCIS uses.
Because of that, they will not make common phrasing errors, and your documents will be accurate, thorough, and adherent to essential standards and policies.
Remember to find a certified translator who is sponsored by a prestigious association like the ATA.
Their certification proves the translator has been assessed and abides by industry norms.
A blunder with your translation can cause a rejection or a delay; thus, hiring a proficient translator saves your application from getting stuck at various points.
In short, don’t leave your future in the hands of just anyone, and work with a trained and certified translator who understands the implications involved.
Most of us think about translation as simply changing the language of a document to another without any critical thinking.
When dealing with USCIS, languages such as Chinese, Arabic, and Russian are particularly difficult from their perspective for several reasons.
These languages have complex grammar systems or multiple meanings that do not translate cleanly to English.
This is why it is imperative to work with certified translators who understand the prerequisites of the USCIS and have the required experience.
Correcting small errors in all critical languages can significantly improve chances in the application process.
When submitting translated documents for USCIS, it is not only about the content but also the layout design.
USCIS provides regulations on every detail, including:
For example, something as minor as not having numbers on pages, unclear or no seals put on the documents, or any other small detail, delays submission and processing time.
Consequently, maintaining neatness is extremely pivotal for organizing large applications.
Having translations done in an appropriate and professional manner enables one to enhance their image while also trusting that the case is dealt with quickly and efficiently at USCIS.
Always note that even the tiniest mistake when submitting documents to USCIS could result in rejection or delays.
Pay special attention to the most pertinent details and avoid errors in the translations.
Here are a few common problem areas that may limit credibility for immigration documents.
A particular family member’s or your name displaying differently across documents can pose an issue; “Jose” vs “José”.
Make sure that all names are consistent with the host’s name, accents, and spellings.
There is divergence concerning where dates are formatted as MM/DD/YYYY or DD/MM/YYYY.
Dates of births, marriages, and entry into the country under a visa should match USCIS standards.
Do not refer to people as “my cousin” or say “from Asia” because these descriptors lack accuracy, which is needed by USCIS.
In this case, you should unequivocally detail relationships (for example, second cousin or maternal aunt) and list specific cities and countries.
Unlike literary translations, immigration translations do not allow for metaphorical language or word-for-word interpretations that miss the point.
In these cases, a professional and precise approach is needed, and your creativity will leave room for misunderstandings and confusion, which are never desired.
Have you translated your documents for submission to USCIS?
Your application can either be denied or overturned with a single error, and that could shred the possibility of you getting your non-resident permit and even a prisoner permit.
We list the common rules that you may want to follow to ensure that your documents have the required attention to detail.
The first thing to check is that the immigration translator has the right qualifications and experience.
It is best to choose someone from your community whose cultural background makes them more familiar with the details in your documents.
The next thing to keep in mind is to avoid idioms or phraseology because they can be lost in translation.
Make sure the documents are written in plain language so that the translator can do their work on the document correctly.
You may not understand every word of it, but you can check the format, name, and dates, and can detect errors such as typos or spelling mistakes.
Your translated documents should be accompanied by a signed certification confirming that the documents meet all formatting requirements.
No, USCIS requires certified translations done by a distinct individual who is professionally trained.
Your application could get denied or delayed due to even minor mistakes, so always double-check or hire a pro.
All marks that come with stamps, seals, or any other inscriptions are required to be translated fully by the USCIS.
For one, you can check the ATA directory, alternatively, you could also work with an agency that specializes in immigration documents.
