Translating Vietnamese documents

[CraigCam 0]

So, I was recently reading the instructions that came with my fiancee's packet 4. The second bullet item of the first section states: All documents not in English or Vietnamese must be accompanied by certified translations... In some special cases, you may be requested to submit translations for Vietnamese documents.

I emailed the Consulate in HCMC and asked them very specifically:

"Are there any Vietnamese documents, such as Justice Record Check, Birth Certificate, ID card, etc., that must be translated? According to the instructions for K1 Visa provided in packet 4 as I understand, my fiancee will not be required to provide translations for Vietnamese documents since no request has been made. Am I correct?"

This is the reply that I recived:

"Yes, you are correct. Vietnamese documents are not required to translate into English.

Sincerely,

Information Unit Staff

Consular Section

U.S. Consulate General HCMC "

So, why do I keep reading posts by VJers who have had their Vietnamese documents translated? Did they receive a special request to do so or are they just being overly cautious?

[Melrose Plant 1]

Well, the Vietnamese documents (such as her birth certificate) must be translated into English for the USCIS portion of the petition. Perhaps that's what your thinking of?

Edited November 6, 2008 by Melrose Plant

[CraigCam 0]

I know it's been a long time since I sent in the petition, but I don't recall sending her birth certificate, just a copy of mine. I think the only thing from her I submitted was her G-325a. I know I never had anything translated.

[LilLoveBug 0]

Well, the Vietnamese documents (such as her birth certificate) must be translated into English for the USCIS portion of the petition. Perhaps that's what your thinking of?

But this isn't right either because the USCIS never asks for the Vietnamese' birth certificate. Only the U.S. citizens/and or passport. Where did you get this information? I know at the interview in Vietnam, the consulate requires birth certificate from the Vietnamese, but whether it not must be translated, I have only heard it DOES need to be, along with the police report. Anyone else know?

Bug

[Anh map 2,098]

There isn't a lot new being submitted. So the docs you translated before, just submit the docs needed along with the translated copies as well. You already have them, right? Throughout the whole process the best tactic is to include anything that could be asked for. If the officer doesn't have it, they can't use it to make the determination. Why not give it to them in their native language?

You are going to see these files. forms, etc. again. These things/files are part of the Adjustment of Status process once you get married and your then wife gets her provisional green card. Those files are being reviewed by someone here in the US who may or may not read VN.

Don't get lazy or cheap at this stage of the game. The goal is the pink slip. And all the work is WELL worth it.

[PeterFB 0]

Craigcam

You have to have English Translations for anything submitted to the USCIS that is written in Vietnamese (or any foreign language). If you submitted any proof of having meet or ongoing relationship that were Vietnamese documents like receipts that were written in Vietnamese only, you have to submit translations. Since I stayed with Thi's family, I had the Temporary Residency Book cover, and pages with the dates listing my stay translated because I submitted that (and more) with my I-129f.

The Consulate doesn't require any translations but you might as well get everything translated because you'll need them for AOS. The Instructions for AOS forms states translations are necessary. Besides it's easy and cheap to have that done in Vietnam compared to the US. Most US translation companies will charge $25 a page, in Vietnam you have a book translated for that.

Good Luck at your interview

Peter and Thi

I-129F Sent : 2007-05-26

I-129F NOA1 : 2007-06-11

I-129F RFE(s) :

RFE Reply(s) :

I-129F NOA2 : 2007-10-26

Touched: 2007-11-02

NVC Recieved: 2007-11-16

Consulate recieved ??????

Packet 3 sent 2007-12-11

Packet 3 received 2007-12-24

Packet 3 returned 2007-12-28

Packet 4 sent 2008-1-14

Email Reply with Interview Date 2008-1-23

Interview Date 2008-2-27

Passed Interview 2008-02-27

Visa Pick Up Date 2008-3-05

Received Visa 2008-2-29 (called to pick up earlier)

POE 2008-3-05 Los Angeles

Wedding 2008-4-26

[CraigCam 0]

Thanks, guys. The AOS part makes good sense. Is there a concise list of the forms we'll need translated for AOS?

[Anh map 2,098]

For the AOS forms check the guides on here.

The big thing for AOS is showing that you got married and are living together as a married couple. Anything in both of your names (marriage license, lease/mortgage, utility bills, mail, bank statements, etc.). Anything in her name showing the same address. Photos of the wedding in the US, etc. Mail in her name at the same address (SS card, Credit Card, etc) . Think of it as a continuation of of proving/validating your relationship.

[Melrose Plant 1]

Craigcam

You have to have English Translations for anything submitted to the USCIS that is written in Vietnamese (or any foreign language). If you submitted any proof of having meet or ongoing relationship that were Vietnamese documents like receipts that were written in Vietnamese only, you have to submit translations. Since I stayed with Thi's family, I had the Temporary Residency Book cover, and pages with the dates listing my stay translated because I submitted that (and more) with my I-129f.

Thanks Peter for saving me there. Sorry guys, I've been working a lot and haven't had a chance to re-comment. Yeah, what he said. I too submitted a number of things with my I-129f that were not required. I did not remember what was actually required vs. what I sent in. One of these things was a translation of her birth certificate.

The Consulate doesn't require any translations but you might as well get everything translated because you'll need them for AOS. The Instructions for AOS forms states translations are necessary. Besides it's easy and cheap to have that done in Vietnam compared to the US. Most US translation companies will charge $25 a page, in Vietnam you have a book translated for that.

Quite true. Plus, at least in the North, you get real official-looking seals stamped on your official translations. Them Communists just LOVE stamps. Some of the stuff is translated a little "funny," though.

Good Luck at your interview

Peter and Thi

I-129F Sent : 2007-05-26

I-129F NOA1 : 2007-06-11

I-129F RFE(s) :

RFE Reply(s) :

I-129F NOA2 : 2007-10-26

Touched: 2007-11-02

NVC Recieved: 2007-11-16

Consulate recieved ??????

Packet 3 sent 2007-12-11

Packet 3 received 2007-12-24

Packet 3 returned 2007-12-28

Packet 4 sent 2008-1-14

Email Reply with Interview Date 2008-1-23

Interview Date 2008-2-27

Passed Interview 2008-02-27

Visa Pick Up Date 2008-3-05

Received Visa 2008-2-29 (called to pick up earlier)

POE 2008-3-05 Los Angeles

Wedding 2008-4-26