Translation

[va.ma 16]

Hello!

It is me one more time, I am working in getting my I 130 ready to mail it this week, can I translate my marriage certificate, birth certificate, can I sign them? or should I have someone else signing the translations for me?

thank you

[Andreea E. 1]

Hello!

It is me one more time, I am working in getting my I 130 ready to mail it this week, can I translate my marriage certificate, birth certificate, can I sign them? or should I have someone else signing the translations for me?

thank you

Hi,

A certified translator should translate all documents. If you are not a certified translator you cannot do it.

Please submit certified translations for all foreign language documents. The translator must certify that s/he is competent to translate and that the translation is accurate. The certification format should include the certifier's name, signature, address, and date of certification. A suggested format is :

Certification by Translator

I [typed name], certify that I am fluent (conversant) in the English and ________ languages, and that the above/attached document is an accurate translation of the document attached entitled ______________________________.

Signature_________________________________Date _________________

Typed name_____________________________Address________________________

Edited April 17, 2013 by Andreea E.

[speedwell 224]

Hi,

A certified translator should translate all documents. If you are not a certified translator you cannot do it.

From what I've read here in other threads, the certification is that letter, and any translator can certify the translation. In other words, the translator does not have to be a "certified translator", the document has to be a "certified translation".

If that's not correct, someone please let me know.

[oohpartiv 484]

From what I've read here in other threads, the certification is that letter, and any translator can certify the translation. In other words, the translator does not have to be a "certified translator", the document has to be a "certified translation".

If that's not correct, someone please let me know.

That's correct.

OP, you can translate the documents yourself as long as you attach that signed certification that was posted earlier.

[Andreea E. 1]

From what I've read here in other threads, the certification is that letter, and any translator can certify the translation. In other words, the translator does not have to be a "certified translator", the document has to be a "certified translation".

If that's not correct, someone please let me know.

Hi Speedwell,

In order for the document to be a certified translation, it should be translated by a certified translator.

Usually the certified translators have a stamp and they stamp everything is translated.

Of course a non-certified translator (like myself) can translate a document and ask for a certified translator to certify the translation.

But why would you pay a certified translator a full price just for a signature, when he can translate and certify the translation for the same full price???

My advice is no matter who is right, it is better to have the documents translated and certified by a Certified Translator, just to be sure

PS. When I sent the I-130 documents, I have sent 2 Affidavit of Bona fide Marriage. The documents have been translated and certified by a Certified Translator and I also sent the Certificate that proves the right to translate documents, with the stamp of course.

[speedwell 224]

Hi Speedwell,

In order for the document to be a certified translation, it should be translated by a certified translator.

Usually the certified translators have a stamp and they stamp everything is translated.

Of course a non-certified translator (like myself) can translate a document and ask for a certified translator to certify the translation.

But why would you pay a certified translator a full price just for a signature, when he can translate and certify the translation for the same full price???

My advice is no matter who is right, it is better to have the documents translated and certified by a Certified Translator, just to be sure

PS. When I sent the I-130 documents, I have sent 2 Affidavit of Bona fide Marriage. The documents have been translated and certified by a Certified Translator and I also sent the Certificate that proves the right to translate documents, with the stamp of course.

Hi, Andreea. It is better to advise people to do what works and is legally required, not what costs them unnecessary money and delay and is optional. OK? My point and oopartiv's point is that you do not need to pay a "certified translator" at all. All that is required is for the person doing the translating to certify the translation with the certification letter.

Edited April 17, 2013 by speedwell

[Andreea E. 1]

Hi, Andreea. It is better to advise people to do what works and is legally required, not what costs them unnecessary money and delay and is optional. OK? My point and oopartiv's point is that you do not need to pay a "certified translator" at all. All that is required is for the person doing the translating to certify the translation with the certification letter.

Hi Speedwell,

I understand your point. Maybe I am wrong. I am not trying to argue or anything.

My opinion is that a translation should be made by a competent translator and as USCIS site mentions:

The translation must include a statement signed by the translator stating that the:

• Translation is accurate, and
• Translator is competent to translate.

Can you tell me what makes a translator competent to translate, other than the certificate that gives him the right to translate?

If a person speaks English, that means he/she is competent to translate?

Thanks.

[speedwell 224]

Hi Speedwell,

I understand your point. Maybe I am wrong. I am not trying to argue or anything.

My opinion is that a translation should be made by a competent translator and as USCIS site mentions:

The translation must include a statement signed by the translator stating that the:

• Translation is accurate, and
• Translator is competent to translate.

Can you tell me what makes a translator competent to translate, other than the certificate that gives him the right to translate?

If a person speaks English, that means he/she is competent to translate?

Thanks.

A competent translator is one who understands the original language on the document and English well enough to translate the one accurately into the other. There is no legal requirement that the translator be independently certified.

But you go ahead and do what makes you feel more comfortable. I try to hew to the letter of the law because I've run into trouble doing what I think they want instead of what they really do want.

Edited April 17, 2013 by speedwell

[Andreea E. 1]

A competent translator is one who understands the original language on the document and English well enough to translate the one accurately into the other. There is no legal requirement that the translator be independently certified.

But you go ahead and do what makes you feel more comfortable. I try to hew to the letter of the law because I've run into trouble doing what I think they want instead of what they really do want.

Ok Speedwell.

Thanks.

[oohpartiv 484]

A competent translator is one who understands the original language on the document and English well enough to translate the one accurately into the other. There is no legal requirement that the translator be independently certified.

No need to pay tons of money for translations if you can do them yourself! That's just my take on it, though.

[Boggy1974 124]

No need to pay tons of money for translations if you can do them yourself! That's just my take on it, though.

I agree!