Certified translations are translations that have been formally verified and authenticated for official use by a government agency, educational institution, or other authority that requires a high level of accuracy and reliability in translation.

These translations are typically required for legal, administrative, academic, or immigration purposes and must be provided by a professional translator or translation agency certified by a recognized body or organization.

The certification process usually involves the translator or agency signing a statement attesting to the accuracy and completeness of the translation, along with any necessary stamps, seals, or notarizations. The resulting document is then considered a legally binding official record and is recognized as such by the relevant authorities.

Who needs certified translations?

Official translations may be required by individuals, businesses, or organizations that need to present official documents in a foreign language to government agencies, educational institutions, or other authorities. Here are some examples of situations where certified translations may be necessary:

• Immigration: People who are applying for visas, permanent residency, or citizenship in a foreign country may need to provide certified translations of documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, police clearance certificates, or academic transcripts.
• Education: Students who are applying to study at a foreign university or college may need to provide certified translations of academic transcripts, diplomas, or certificates.
• Legal proceedings: Lawyers or individuals involved in legal proceedings in a foreign country may need to provide certified translations of legal documents such as contracts, court orders, or affidavits.
• Business transactions: Companies that are conducting business with foreign partners may need to provide certified translations of contracts, agreements, or financial statements.
• Government agencies: Government agencies may require certified translations of documents such as tax returns, business registration certificates, or health certificates for foreign residents.

In general, anyone who needs to provide official documents in a foreign language to a government agency, educational institution, or other authority may need to obtain certified translations.

Do I need a sworn translation for USCIS?

USCIS requires that all foreign language documents submitted with an application or petition be accompanied by a complete and accurate English translation. The translation must be certified as accurate by a competent translator, who must certify under penalty of perjury that they are fluent in both English and the foreign language and that the translation is accurate and complete to the best of their knowledge and ability.

While the term “sworn translation” is not used specifically by USCIS, the certification process essentially involves the translator swearing or attesting to the accuracy of the translation under penalty of perjury. Therefore, the translator is essentially providing a sworn translation.

What are USCIS requirements for translations?

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires that any document submitted in a language other than English must be accompanied by a certified translation. Here are some requirements for translations:

• The translation must be accurate: The translation must accurately reflect the original document’s content. The translator should translate all text, including headings, seals, signatures, and any other relevant information.
• The translator must certify the translation: The translator must provide a signed statement certifying that the translation is accurate and complete to the best of their knowledge and ability. The certification statement should include the translator’s name, signature, address, and date of certification.
• The translation must be in English: The translation must be in English. USCIS does not accept translations in any other language.
• The translator must be competent: The translator must have a good command of both English and the language of the original document. USCIS may request additional information or documentation to verify the translator’s qualifications.
• The translation must be typed: The translation must be typed and formatted in a way that is consistent with the original document. Handwritten translations will not be accepted.

It is important to note that USCIS may reject translations that do not meet their requirements. Therefore, it is advisable to seek the services of a professional translation agency, like Trebinaldi, or a certified translator to ensure that your translations meet USCIS standards.

If you need to translate Birth certificates, Death certificates, and Marriage certificates, among others, Trebinaldi offers affordable prices and fast turnaround. Try us!

What is ATA?

The American Translators Association (ATA) is a professional association that offers certification programs for translators. To verify whether or not a translator or translation company is ATA certified, you can visit the ATA website and use the “Find a Translator” search function. This search tool allows you to search for certified translators by language pair, location, and certification status.

Additionally, you can contact the translator or translation company directly and ask if they are ATA certified. If they are certified, they should be able to provide you with their certification number and other relevant information. If you are still unsure, you can also ask for references or samples of their work to verify their qualifications and expertise.

How much does a certified translation cost?

The cost of a professional translation with an accuracy certification can vary depending on various factors, such as the length and complexity of the document, the language pair involved, the certification requirements, and the turnaround time required. In Trebinaldi, the price is U$D 20 per page, a consirable low price compared to other services.

Some translators or translation companies may charge additional fees for certification, notarization, or other services, so it is important to clarify all fees and charges upfront. It is also advisable to obtain quotes from multiple translators or translation companies to compare prices and services.

Overall, the cost of a certified translation is an investment in the accuracy and reliability of your translated documents and can be a worthwhile expense to ensure that your documents are accepted by official organizations and authorities.

Differences between certified translations and non-certified translations

Certified translations and non-certified translations differ primarily in terms of their legal and official recognition. Here’s a breakdown of their differences:

• Legal recognition: Certified translations are legally recognized as official translations, whereas non-certified translations are not.
• Requirements: Certified translations are required for legal or official documents that need to be submitted to government agencies, courts, universities, and other similar institutions. Non-certified translations, on the other hand, can be used for personal purposes like reading a book or an article.
• Quality: Certified translations are held to a higher standard of quality than non-certified translations. Certified translations are usually completed by professional translators who are certified or accredited, while non-certified translations can be done by anyone.
• Certification process: A certified translation typically involves a translator signing a statement verifying that the translation is accurate and complete, and then the translation is usually stamped or sealed. This certification process gives the translation legal and official recognition. Non-certified translations do not go through this process.
• Cost: Certified translations are usually more expensive than non-certified translations due to the additional time and effort required to certify them.

In summary, legal translations are official, legally recognized translations that are required for legal or official documents, while non-certified translations are more casual translations used for personal purposes.

Which countries require certified translations?

Many countries require certified translations for various documents, including legal, academic, medical, or financial documents, among others. Some countries may have specific requirements regarding the certification process and the credentials of the translator.

Here are some examples of documents that may require certified translation:

• Birth, marriage, and death certificates
• Divorce decrees and agreements
• Academic transcripts and diplomas
• Legal contracts and agreements
• Medical records and reports
• Financial statements and bank records
• Immigration and visa documents
• Corporate documents, such as bylaws and articles of incorporation

It’s important to note that the requirements for official translations may vary depending on the purpose, the intended recipient, and the country of origin and destination. It’s always best to check with the relevant authorities or organizations to confirm the specific requirements. Do you have any questions? Contact us today or order your certified translation and receive it in less than 24 hours!