Is it mandatory to submit certified translations of foreign certificates and awards?

Yes. For an O-1 visa petition, any document in a language other than English (including foreign certificates and awards) must be submitted with a certified translation into English. This is what allows adjudicating officers to fully understand the content and significance of what you are establishing.

This USCIS requirement is not a mere formality. Your achievements only carry weight in the review if they are intelligible to the officer evaluating the case, and the translation is what ensures that the merit of an award or certificate is understood without ambiguity.

The translation must also be reliable: it must be prepared by someone competent who attests in writing to the accuracy and completeness of the translated text. Missing or poorly prepared translations can delay the process and trigger additional requests for evidence.

• Translate every document that is not in English.
• Use a certified translation, with a declaration of accuracy.
• Keep the original document together with the translation.

Since formatting details may vary, it is worth reviewing the official USCIS guidelines and, when in doubt, seeking specialized support to prepare your documentation.

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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.