Do I Need an Apostille for USCIS Translation?
Uğur Arı — sworn translator, Istanbul · Updated August 22, 2026
No. USCIS does not require an apostille on translations or on the original document. Under 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3), USCIS requires only a complete English translation with the translator's signed declaration of accuracy and competency. No notarization. No apostille. No government stamp.
What the regulation says
8 CFR 103.2(b)(3) is the controlling regulation:
"Any document containing foreign language submitted to USCIS shall be accompanied by a full English language translation which the translator has certified as complete and accurate, and by the translator's certification that he or she is competent to translate from the foreign language into English."
The regulation says certified — not apostilled, not notarized, not sealed by a government body. The translator's signed declaration on the translation document is the only requirement.
Apostille vs. certified translation — the difference
An apostille is an official certification attached to a document by a government authority, authenticating the signature or seal on the original document. It is required when submitting official documents to foreign governments under the Hague Apostille Convention — for example, when a Turkish birth certificate is submitted to a French court.
A certified translation is a translation accompanied by the translator's signed statement confirming that the translation is complete, accurate, and that the translator is competent in both languages. This is what USCIS requires.
They are separate things. USCIS requires the certified translation. It does not require the apostille.
When apostille is required
You may still need an apostille on the original Turkish document in these situations:
- Submitting the original document to a foreign court, university, or institution
- Some U.S. consular posts have specific document requirements for immigrant visa processing
- State-level transactions (e.g., driver's license conversion, professional license recognition) may have different rules from USCIS
For USCIS petitions specifically (I-130, I-485, N-400, DS-260, I-751), apostille on either the original or the translation is not required.
Do translated documents need to be apostilled for USCIS?
No. USCIS requires only a certified English translation with the translator's signed declaration — no apostille required on the translation or on the original document.
Do translated documents need to be notarized for USCIS?
No. Notarization is not required. The regulation (8 CFR 103.2(b)(3)) requires only the translator's signed statement of accuracy and competency. A notary seal adds cost but is not legally required for USCIS submissions.
Can I certify my own translation for USCIS?
The regulation does not explicitly prohibit it, but USCIS can reject a self-certified translation as unreliable. Using an independent, competent translator is standard practice and what immigration attorneys recommend.
Who can certify a translation for USCIS?
Any person competent in both languages — USCIS does not require a licensed or government-certified translator. The translator must sign a declaration of accuracy and competency. A sworn translator registered with a Turkish notary office meets and exceeds this standard.
Does the original Turkish document need an apostille for USCIS?
Generally no. USCIS does not require an apostille on original foreign documents submitted with immigration petitions. Apostilles are required when submitting documents to foreign governments — not to U.S. federal agencies. Confirm with your attorney for consular processing cases.
USCIS requirements can change. This page reflects regulations as of August 2026. Always confirm with your immigration attorney or the official USCIS website before submitting documents. This is general information, not legal advice.