Do I need a notarized translation or is a regular translation enough?

For the O visa, every document in a language other than English must be accompanied by a translation that meets the United States immigration standard. That standard is a certified translation: the translation includes a signed statement from the translator attesting to their competence and to the accuracy of the translation.

Contrary to what many people assume, a notarized translation in the format required by some countries (such as Brazil) is generally not required. What matters to U.S. authorities is the translator’s certification of accuracy, not a specific notary seal or official stamp.

At the same time, a plain translation without that accuracy statement is not sufficient. Missing certification is a common reason for Requests for Evidence and delays in case review.

Because accepted formats can vary by document type and may change over time, confirm the required format directly with the official sources (Department of State and USCIS) or with an immigration professional before submitting your documents.

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.