Should I translate German-language articles into English for the EB-1?

Yes, when putting together an EB-1 petition, articles and documents that are not in English, such as texts in German, generally need to be translated into English. U.S. immigration proceedings operate in English, and reviewers must be able to fully understand the content submitted.

In general, the translation must be complete and faithful to the original, accompanied by a certification in which the translator declares competency to translate and attests to the accuracy of the text. This applies to publications and news articles as well as diplomas, letters, and other supporting evidence.

To avoid problems, a few precautions help:

• Choose a qualified translator who can preserve the meaning and details of the original.
• Translate the document in full, not just the convenient excerpts.
• Keep the original and the translation together, organized and verifiable.

Avoid informal arrangements or uncertified translations, because an inadequate translation can delay or weaken the review. Since requirements may vary depending on the type of document, confirm the updated guidance from USCIS and, if needed, seek specialized support.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.