Does translation cost need to be market-rate for the EB-2 NIW?

Let us set the record straight: in the EB-2 NIW, USCIS does not evaluate whether the price you paid for the translation is in line with the market. The cost is your own decision and plays no part in the merits of your case. What truly matters is that the translation is accurate and properly certified by someone qualified to do so.

In other words, instead of trying to prove that the amount you paid was market-compatible, focus on demonstrating the quality and origin of the service:

• Credentials of the translator or agency, such as professional registrations or membership in recognized associations.
• A formal signed translation declaration attesting to the accuracy and completeness of the work.
• Receipts or invoices that help identify who provided the service, useful for tracing authorship.

Keeping quotes and payment records is a good organizational practice, but they serve as a trail of documentation rather than a justification of price. The focus should always be on the accuracy and certification of the translation. If you are unsure about what is accepted, confirm the current requirements with USCIS or a qualified professional.

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Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

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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.