Do translation costs need to follow market rates for EB-2 NIW?

In the EB-2 NIW, the amount you spend on translations is not an evaluation criterion. What the authority requires is that documents submitted in another language include a complete and accurate translation, so they can be read and verified. The price paid does not factor into the decision.

In other words, the right concern is not proving that the cost follows market rates, but rather ensuring the quality and integrity of the translation:

• Use translators with recognized credentials and demonstrated experience.
• Ensure the translation covers the entire document, without omissions or summaries.
• Keep receipts and records for organization and traceability, not as proof of value.

If you choose to compare quotes, that helps with your planning, but it is not what supports the case. The core of the EB-2 NIW remains the merit and national importance of your work.

Since translation and documentation requirements may change, it is worth checking the latest guidance on the USCIS website and, when in doubt, seeking 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.