Does a foreign company’s articles of incorporation in another language need to be translated?

Yes. When a foreign-language document is part of a L-1 visa petition, such as the articles of incorporation of the company abroad, it must be submitted to U.S. authorities with an English translation. The translation allows the content, clauses, and corporate information to be reviewed without room for misinterpretation.

The established practice is to attach a complete and faithful translation of the original, accompanied by a statement from the translator certifying that they are competent to translate and that the version accurately reflects the source document. This certification adds reliability to the process and helps avoid requests for additional evidence.

• Translate the document in full, without summarizing or omitting any sections.
• Keep the translation faithful to the original, preserving names, values, and clauses.
• Include the translator’s statement certifying competence and accuracy.

Format requirements may vary depending on the agency and consular post, so it is worth confirming the current requirements with USCIS or a qualified professional before filing. This helps you avoid rework and keeps the process in compliance.

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.