Is a sworn translation of documents required?

When starting an immigration process to the United States, it is common to have questions about how documents in languages other than English should be presented. Among these questions, one of the most frequent is whether it is necessary to have a sworn translation of the documents, especially when dealing with specific visas such as the R visa for religious workers.

In the United States context, there is no legal requirement for document translations to be performed by a sworn translator (known in some countries as a public translator) when submitting a visa application or other immigration process. The general rule is that any document not in English must be accompanied by a complete and accurate translation, and this translation must include a written statement from the translator proving their competence in both languages, ensuring the truthfulness and integrity of the content.

This means that although in some countries sworn translation is the standard procedure to guarantee the authenticity of documents, in the United States it is accepted that documents be translated by qualified professionals as long as the translation is accompanied by the translator”s appropriate certification. It is important, however, to check the specific guidelines at the time of document submission, as requirements may vary depending on the type of visa or the jurisdiction of the consulate or embassy.

Finally, it is worth emphasizing the importance of following all rules and guidelines established by US immigration authorities. Seeking information from official sources and consulting professionals or specialized services can help avoid mistakes. Being alert to service offers that promise guaranteed results is also crucial to avoid scams and procedures that are not in accordance with current legislation.

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.