Do I Need an Apostille for USCIS Translation?
Uğur Arı — sworn translator, Istanbul · Updated October 10, 2026
For the translation, no. Under 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3), USCIS asks for a complete English translation with the translator's written certification of accuracy and competency — the rule does not mention notarization, an apostille or a government stamp. For the original Turkish document, the USCIS rules I checked (8 CFR 103.2(b)(3)–(5) and the USCIS Policy Manual) do not list an apostille either; submit it as your form instructions say.
On this page4 sections
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 certification on the translation is what the rule requires.
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. The USCIS translation rule asks for the certified translation; it does not mention an 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 filings (for example I-130, I-485, N-400, I-751), the USCIS rules I checked do not list an apostille on the original or the translation. The DS-260 is a U.S. Department of State immigrant-visa form, not a USCIS form; consular processing follows State Department rules, so confirm those separately.
Do translated documents need to be apostilled for USCIS?
No, not on the translation: 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3) asks for a full English translation with the translator's certification of accuracy and competency and does not mention an apostille. For the original document, see the last question below.
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 Turkish sworn translator, whose oath is recorded by a Turkish notary, can provide this certification.
Does the original Turkish document need an apostille for USCIS?
The USCIS rules I checked — 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3)–(5) and the USCIS Policy Manual chapter on evidence — do not list an apostille. Supporting documents are submitted as originals or photocopies according to the form instructions, and USCIS may ask to see an original at any time. Consular processing (DS-260) follows Department of State rules — confirm those with your attorney or the U.S. Embassy.
- 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3) translations; (b)(4)–(5) supporting and original documents (eCFR) →
- USCIS Policy Manual, Vol. 1, Part E, Ch. 6 — Evidence (E. Translations) →
Checked 10 October 2026. The rule asks for a full English translation, certified by the translator as complete and accurate, and the translator’s certification of competence; the Policy Manual adds that a summary translation is not acceptable. USCIS decides whether evidence is accepted.
USCIS requirements can change. This page reflects regulations as of October 2026. Always confirm with your immigration attorney or the official USCIS website before submitting documents. This is general information, not legal advice.