Green Card Application: Which Documents Need Translation?

When applying for a green card, every document matters. Small mistakes can cause big delays. USCIS requires official records to support each form you file. These prove your identity, status, and eligibility. If any of your documents are in a foreign language, USCIS requires a certified English translation. Using a professional green card translation service helps avoid errors and keeps your application on track.

This guide outlines which documents you need for each stage of the process of obtaining a green card through the different means available at USCIS. Keep in mind that we’ll discuss the different requirements for each of these documents. However, we will link to the different dedicated articles we’ve created for each type, where you may find more useful information than in this article. This is just a checklist of sorts that can help you track the process. Without further ado, let’s get started!

Proof of Identity and Family Ties

USCIS requires specific civil documents to prove who you are and how you're related to family members. These documents support your eligibility and must be accurate and complete. If any of them are in another language, they must include a certified English translation that meets USCIS translation requirements for immigration documents.

• Birth Certificate
  Required for most family and employment-based green card applications. It confirms your full name, date and place of birth, and parentage. If it’s in another language, you’ll need a green card and a birth certificate translation.

• Marriage Certificate
  Used to prove a valid marital relationship, especially when applying as or for a spouse. It’s commonly submitted with Form I-130 and Form I-485.

• Divorce Decree or Death Certificate
  Needed to show that any prior marriage has legally ended. This clears the way for a valid current marriage in your application.

• Adoption Records
  Required if the green card application involves an adopted child or adoptive parent. These documents confirm the legal relationship under the relevant law.

USCIS will reject incomplete, unclear, or untranslated documents. A professional green card translation helps keep your case moving forward.

Education and Work Credentials

If you’re applying for a green card through employment, you’ll need to prove your education and work experience. These documents are mostly submitted with Form I-140.

• Diplomas and Transcripts
  These show your academic background. They’re essential for EB-2 and EB-3 green card categories and must match the job requirements. We also offer academic evaluation services that can support your applications.

• Academic Evaluation Reports
  If your degree is from outside the U.S., you may need an evaluation to show how it compares to a U.S. degree. This is often used alongside green card translation services.

• Letters from Employers
  These prove your previous work experience or confirm a current job offer. They usually include job titles, duties, and dates of employment.

Make sure the translations are accurate and professionally certified. USCIS won’t accept loosely translated or incomplete documents.

Criminal Records and Police Clearances

USCIS requires a clear record of your criminal history, if any. These documents help them determine if you’re eligible for a green card.

• Police Clearance Certificates
  These confirm whether you have a criminal record in countries where you’ve lived. They’re often required during consular processing.

• Court Records
  If you’ve ever been arrested or convicted, USCIS requires complete records of the incident, charges, and legal outcome.

Make sure translations are accurate and complete. A green card translation mistake in these documents could lead to delays or denial.

Showing Financial Support

To show that you or your sponsor can financially support the applicant, USCIS requires proof of income and financial stability. These are submitted with Form I-864.

• Bank Statements
  Show available funds and financial resources. These help prove you won’t become a public charge.

• Tax Returns
  Sponsors must submit recent tax returns to show stable income. These are key documents for Form I-864.

• Pay Stubs and Employment Letters
  Provide proof of current income. They confirm ongoing employment and help meet the minimum income requirement.

If any of these are in another language, use a certified green card translation to avoid issues with USCIS.

Health and Vaccination Records

USCIS uses these documents to confirm that you meet public health requirements. They’re submitted during the adjustment of status process.

• Medical Exam Report
  This report is completed by a USCIS-approved civil surgeon when filling Form I-693. It confirms you meet vaccination and health standards.

• Vaccination History
  Included as part of the medical exam. It shows which required vaccines you’ve already received and identifies any still needed.

These documents are sealed by the doctor and submitted unopened with your green card application.

Travel and Immigration History

These documents help USCIS verify how and when you entered the U.S. or other countries. They support eligibility for adjustment of status or consular processing.

• Passport Copies
  Show identity, nationality, and travel history. Include all pages with visas and entry/exit stamps.

• Visas and I-94 Records
  Prove lawful admission to the U.S. These are important for Form I-485 and other green card applications.

• Entry and Exit Records
  Help confirm continuous presence or legal reentry. These may be needed if your case involves waivers or special categories.

Government and Military Records

These documents are required in specific green card cases involving public service or military backgrounds. They help verify your past roles and legal status.

• Military Discharge Certificates
  Needed if you’ve served in any country’s armed forces. They confirm your service dates and discharge status.

• Government Employment Documents
  Required if you’ve worked for a foreign government. These may be relevant for certain eligibility categories or security reviews.

Include any official documentation that supports your history in these roles.

Translation Requirements for Immigration Documents

USCIS requires that all documents in a foreign language be submitted with a full English translation. Each translation must include a certification of accuracy. For a full breakdown of what this means and how to meet the requirements, read our guide on certified translations for USCIS. Whether you need a green card birth certificate translation, or a diploma translated, make sure it’s done by a professional familiar with USCIS standards. Using the right green card translation service helps you avoid delays and keeps your application process stress-free.

MotaWord Is the Best Translation Provider for All of These Documents

MotaWord specializes in certified translations for immigration. We cover every document you need for a green card application. From green card birth certificate translation to academic credentials, our translators deliver fast, accurate results. We meet all USCIS translation requirements for immigration documents. Each order includes a certification of accuracy and completeness. Our platform is simple to use, and most translations are delivered within 12 hours—no extra fees, no hidden costs. If you want peace of mind and a smoother green card process, MotaWord is the clear choice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What happens if I forget to include a certified translation with my green card application?

USCIS may issue a Request for Evidence (RFE), which delays processing. In some cases, your application could be denied.

2. Can I translate my documents for USCIS?

No. USCIS does not accept self-translations, even if you're fluent in both languages. You need a third-party certified translator.

3. Do I need to translate every page of a document, even blank ones?

You don’t need to translate blank pages, but you should mention them in the certification to confirm that nothing was skipped.

4. Are notarized translations the same as certified translations?

No. A notarized translation involves a notary public, but USCIS only requires certification, not notarization.

5. Is a green card birth certificate translation needed for U.S. citizens applying for a relative?

No. U.S. citizens submitting Form I-130 for a family member usually submit their birth certificate, which is already in English.

6. What if my country doesn’t issue the document USCIS is asking for?

You must provide an explanation and possibly alternative evidence. Check the U.S. State Department’s reciprocity schedule for country-specific guidance.

7. How recent do financial and police documents need to be?

Most financial documents should be from the last tax year or the past few months. Police certificates are usually valid for six months.

Keep Everything Organized and Accurate

Every green card case depends on clear, complete documentation. Double-check that each form has the right supporting records. Make sure your translations are certified and match the originals in format and content. Consistency matters. Keep originals and copies neatly organized. You may need to resubmit or show them during your interview. A high-quality green card translation can save time, prevent stress, and improve your chances of approval. When accuracy matters, MotaWord is here to help.