How do you document that translation costs are justified in the petition?

In the EB-2 NIW, translating documents is a natural part of the petition, because the reviewing authority needs to read the content in English to assess the case. Justifying these costs means, in practice, demonstrating two things: that the translation was necessary and that it was carried out to the expected standard of quality.

What best supports this justification is a documentary trail that links the service to the payment:

• Receipts, itemized invoices, and contracts with the translator or translation company.
• A preference for certified or sworn translators, which reinforces the reliability of the English version.
• A signed statement by the translator certifying that the translation is complete and faithful to the original.

This declaration, often integrated into the translation certificate itself, adds an extra layer of credibility that authorities value. The goal is not simply to show how much was spent, but to demonstrate that each translation has a clear origin and accurately reflects the source document.

Keep your documentation organized and, since each case is evaluated individually, follow USCIS guidance and consider working with qualified professionals to build a solid petition.

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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.