Do I need to translate my birth certificate for the L-1?

Yes. If your birth certificate is not in English, the L-1 process generally requires that it be submitted with a complete and certified translation. The purpose is to allow the immigration officer to clearly understand all the information in the document.

The translation typically comes with a statement confirming that the translator is competent in the language and that the text is a faithful rendering of the original. Simply translating the document on your own is not sufficient: the certification standard exists precisely to ensure the document is reliable.

• Documents in a foreign language normally need to be translated into English.
• The translation must be certified, with an attestation of accuracy.
• The accepted format may vary depending on USCIS and the consulate or embassy.

Before submitting, confirm the current translation requirements with USCIS and the consulate where your interview will take place, to avoid delays caused by non-compliant documentation.

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.