Do documents in Portuguese need to be translated?

Yes. In United States immigration proceedings, such as the EB-2 NIW, documents written in another language, including Portuguese, must be accompanied by a complete English translation. The purpose is to allow the reviewing officer to assess the content clearly and efficiently.

More important than format is the quality and reliability of the translation. It must be prepared by a qualified translator and include a certification in which the translator attests to being competent to perform the translation and that the English version faithfully reflects the original document.

• Translate the document in full, without summarizing or omitting any part.
• Prefer qualified translators with experience in official documents.
• Attach the certification statement together with the translated document.

Because requirements may vary depending on the type of document and are subject to updates, it is worth checking the current USCIS guidelines and, when in doubt, seeking support from specialized professionals to avoid delays in the process.

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.