When applying for a green card after winning the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery, it’s essential to ensure that all required documents are properly translated into English if they are originally in another language. Here’s what you need to know about document translations:
1. Which Documents Need Translation?
- Birth Certificates: If your birth certificate or those of your family members are not in English, you must provide a certified English translation.
- Marriage Certificate: Any marriage certificates issued in a language other than English need a certified translation.
- Divorce Decrees or Death Certificates: If you are submitting a divorce decree or death certificate from a previous marriage, and it is not in English, it must be translated.
- Educational Documents: Diplomas, degrees, transcripts, and other educational certificates that are not in English must be translated.
- Police Certificates: Police clearance certificates from countries where you have lived must be translated if they are not in English.
- Military Records: If you are providing military service records and they are in another language, a translation is required.
- Court and Prison Records: Any records of legal proceedings or imprisonment that are not in English must be translated.
- Adoption Papers: Adoption documents that are not in English require translation.
- Any Other Required Documents: Any additional documents requested by the U.S. embassy or consulate that are in a foreign language must be translated into English.
2. Requirements for Translations
- Certified Translations: All translations must be certified. This means the translation must be accompanied by a certification from the translator stating that the translation is accurate and complete to the best of their knowledge and that they are competent to translate from the original language to English.
- Translator’s Certification: The certification should include the translator’s name, signature, contact information, and a statement regarding their qualifications. For example: “I, [Translator’s Full Name], certify that I am fluent in English and [original language], and that the above translation of [document name] is accurate and complete.”
- Accuracy and Completeness: The translation must include all text, seals, stamps, and signatures from the original document. It must be a word-for-word translation, not a summary.
3. Who Can Translate Documents?
- Professional Translators: It is recommended to use professional translation services or certified translators who specialize in legal or immigration documents.
- Non-Family Members: The translator should not be a family member. It’s preferable to use a neutral, qualified individual or service provider to ensure the translation’s credibility.
- Approved Translators: Some U.S. consulates or embassies may require that translations be done by specific, approved translators. Check with the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country to see if they have a list of approved translation services.
4. When to Submit Translations
- At the Visa Interview: Bring both the original documents and their certified translations to your visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate.
- Before Submission: In some cases, you may need to submit translations along with the DS-260 form or other application documents. Ensure that all translations are completed well before any deadlines.
5. Special Considerations
- Double-Check Requirements: Requirements for translations can vary slightly depending on the U.S. embassy or consulate. Always verify the specific requirements of the U.S. consulate handling your case.
- Keep Originals: Always keep the original documents along with the translations. The consulate will need to see both during your interview.