Can I translate basic documens myself?

[JD&JD 0]

I've been looking into what I'd have to do to get things translated into english and someplaces say I can and others say I can't do it myself. USCIS website says that the translator that does it has to certify their 

The things I'm gonna have to translate are Flight itineraries, Bank statements and confirmation emails from different places.

 

USCIS website says:

Quote

If you submit any documents (copies or original documents, if requested) in a foreign language, you must include a full English translation along with a certification from the translator verifying that the translation is complete and accurate, and that they are competent to translate from the foreign language to English.

Which sounds to me like anyone could potentionally do it.

 

So can I do this myself? Can I have my Mom do it? Do I really need to hire someone to do this?

[TBoneTX 45,258]

Sure.  Include the certification with each one.  You can find a template here.

[OldUser 6,608]

17 minutes ago, JD&JD said:

So can I do this myself? Can I have my Mom do it? Do I really need to hire someone to do this?

You can do it yourself, ain't nothing wrong with that. I think having somebody else do it adds a bit more credibility though (an opinion only). Mom OK, a colleague or friend - better. Best is an third party with no conflict of interest whatsoever. There's hundreds of online services which do translations for cheap. I paid like $40 for translating my docs, and it was a pricey option, there are way cheaper services.

 

If money matters, just go ahead, translate yourself and have a language proficient friend / mom / significant other certify it after double checking everything.

Edited January 8, 2023 by OldUser

[TBoneTX 45,258]

The documents that you seek to translate are mundane, and no one will give a second thought to who has translated them.  Save the time and expense -- do it yourself.

Edited January 8, 2023 by TBoneTX

[MMDG 106]

From boundless:

 

What Does “Certified” Mean? 

Don’t panic! Although the government requires a translated document to be “certified,” it does not require the person performing the translation to be officially credentialed in translation services. In other words, the translator doesn’t need to be a professional, just competent in English and the foreign language in which your document was originally written.

For a document to be considered “certified,” the person who translated it into English must write a formal letter stating that they:

1. Are qualified to translate the document because they are competent in both English and the document’s original language.
2. Translated the document accurately and completely to the best of their abilities.

In addition, the letter must include the following information about the translator:

1. Full name
2. Address
3. Signature
4. Date they wrote the letter

You must submit this certification letter with the translations and photocopies of the untranslated documents.

---

Sample certification letter

Certification by Translator

I, [full name], certify that I am [fluent or conversant] in English and [foreign language], and that the above/attached document is an accurate translation of the enclosed document titled [name of document].