Translating documents

[Barry and Ami 0]

So I think the only document we're going to need to translate is her birth certificate. With that translation do we need just just sign it and say that we're competent to translate it? We're both bilingual so it shouldn't be a problem, but WE can do it ourselves right?

And another off topic question, she doesn't need the DS157 since she's a girl right?

Thanks

[Audy_Rob 26]

And another off topic question, she doesn't need the DS157 since she's a girl right?

Thanks

1) Yes, you can do the translation yourself if one of you can attest to the fact that your are fluent and competent to translate in both languages.

2) Why does your fiancee's sex have any bearing on Form DS-157? If the Consulate reuires it in the email or Packet 3 sent out, she needs to fill out DS-157.

[Agingwolf 0]

I am not sure on the translating but I would believe they would want to have it notarized at least. The DS157 she will need to have unless the Embassy there does not require it. The fact of male or female does not make a differance.

[Barry and Ami 0]

Because the Tokyou embassy website says this:

Step 5: Complete fiancé(e) visa forms

* Form DS-156, Non-Immigrant Visa Application (two copies)

* Form DS-156(K), Non-Immigrant Fiancé(e) Visa Application

* Form DS-157, Supplemental Non-Immigrant Visa Application

K1 visa applicants must complete two copies of DS-156, and a copy of DS-156(K). Do not sign DS-156(K), we will ask to sign it at the interview. Each K2 via applicant must also submit two copies of DS-156. Form DS-156 must be filled out online. Handwritten or typed forms will not be accepted.

A copy of DS-157 is required for all male applicants aged 16 to 45 and for all applicants over age 16, male or female, who are citizens of or born in Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Sudan, or Syria.

So....she doesn't need one or does she?

Thanks...

[TheBears 9]

About the translation:

I, So And So Smith, hereby certify that I am fluent in the <Original Document Language> and <Target Language, probably English> languages and that the above is a true and accurate translation of the attached <Name of Document>.

<Signature>

So and So Smith <Address>

Translator

With you filling in the < > appropriately.

[Audy_Rob 26]

Because the Tokyou embassy website says this:

Step 5: Complete fiancé(e) visa forms

* Form DS-156, Non-Immigrant Visa Application (two copies)

* Form DS-156(K), Non-Immigrant Fiancé(e) Visa Application

* Form DS-157, Supplemental Non-Immigrant Visa Application

K1 visa applicants must complete two copies of DS-156, and a copy of DS-156(K). Do not sign DS-156(K), we will ask to sign it at the interview. Each K2 via applicant must also submit two copies of DS-156. Form DS-156 must be filled out online. Handwritten or typed forms will not be accepted.

A copy of DS-157 is required for all male applicants aged 16 to 45 and for all applicants over age 16, male or female, who are citizens of or born in Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Sudan, or Syria.

So....she doesn't need one or does she?

Thanks...

You are right, it seems if that is what the Tokyo Embassy web site states re: DS-157. In a situation like that it is usually better to err on the side of caution and submit the DS-157. I think it is very strange.

The signature of the translator does not need to be notarized. Anyone can translate it if they are fluent in the two languages.

[Rosie + Yu 0]

A copy of DS-157 is required for all male applicants aged 16 to 45 and for all applicants over age 16, male or female, who are citizens of or born in Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Sudan, or Syria.

Like you read on the Embassy website there is no need to submit DS-157 unless she is from the above countries which obviously she is not

[Jia you LuckyStar 0]

This is unrelated to the topic, but I thought once you got to the consulate stage, you didn't have to have anything translated? Or was I wrong in this assumption?

[lucyrich 20]

The USCIS rules are like the ones already stated. Anything not in english needs a translation, anybody can do the translation, but whoever does the translation needs to certify that it's correct, preferably using the language as posted on the USCIS "general tips" page.

But at the consulate, the rules can be different. Each consulate gets to set its own rules, and they vary quite a bit from one consulate to another. So when comparing experiences regarding translation requirements at the consulate, be sure you're talking to someone who is using the same consulate as you will use.

Most consulates will accept any document in English or in the official language of the country where the consulate is located without a translation. The consulates normally have plenty of staff members fluent in the local language.

If a translation is required (say, you have a birth certificate from a country where the official language is neither English nor the language of the country where the consulate is located), some consulates have particular rules. Some require specific kinds of certifications or notarizations.

Having explained all that, when I look at the Tokyo consulate website, it looks like the rules are pretty much exactly what the USCIS rules are. It seems that even a document in Japanese requires a translation (though you might want to dig a bit deeper and confirm that).

http://tokyo.usembassy.gov/e/visa/tvisa-ivfaq.html#eleven

Can the translations be written by hand? Does the translation format need to be the same as the original?

Hand-written translations are acceptable. The translation does not need to match the original format. However, the translation format must be easy to compare with the original. All foreign language documents must be translated and signed by the translator as complete and correct. However, they do not have to be notarized.

http://tokyo.usembassy.gov/e/visa/tvisa-ivi130check.html

Translations of non-English documents: All foreign language documents must be accompanied by full English translations. Translations need not be made by a professional translator; they can be completed by any competent person. The translator must certify that the translation is complete and correct and that he or she is competent to translate the foreign language into English. For example, the statement written on the translation may read: “I, [insert name], am competent at translating [insert name of foreign language] to English, and I certify that the above translation is true, complete and correct,” followed by the signature of the translator. It is not necessary to have the translation notarized.