How to handle document translation costs in the EB-2 NIW process?

It is worth clarifying the premise: in the EB-2 NIW, the USCIS does not judge whether the amount you paid for your translations was reasonable or necessary. The cost is a matter between you and the service provider, and it is not an item evaluated in your petition.

What truly matters for the process is the quality and validity of the translation. Documents in a foreign language must be submitted with a complete English translation, accompanied by a certification stating that it is accurate and that the translator is competent to perform it.

In practice, to keep your file solid, focus on:

• Translating each foreign-language document in full, without summarizing.
• Including the translator’s competency statement and certification.
• Keeping receipts and invoices for your own records, even though they are not the focus of the review.

If your concern is about budget, compare providers on your own. For what USCIS expects from the translations themselves, it is worth checking the updated guidelines and, if in doubt, speaking with a specialist.

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.