English ↔ Spanish — Certified Translation
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about certified translation, notarized translation, USCIS requirements, turnaround, pricing, and ordering.
All Questions
What is a certified translation?
A certified translation is a translation accompanied by a signed statement from the translator attesting that the translation is complete and accurate to the best of the translator's knowledge. The statement typically includes the translator's name, qualification, language pair, date, and signature. It is not a notarisation, and it does not involve a notary public unless notarisation is separately requested.
What is the difference between a certified translation and a notarized translation?
A certified translation is prepared and signed by the translator, who attests to its accuracy. A notarized translation adds a further step: a notary public witnesses and authenticates the translator's signature. Notarisation confirms the identity of the signatory but does not independently verify the translation's accuracy. Some institutions require notarisation in addition to certification; others require only certification. We offer both. If you are unsure which is required, check with the receiving institution before ordering.
What is a sworn translation?
A sworn translation is a translation certified by a translator who has taken an official oath before a court or public authority in their jurisdiction, giving their certification legal standing in that jurisdiction. Requirements vary by country. In many countries, including the United States, there is no official state registration for translators, and the term "sworn translation" is not widely used. What US institutions typically require is a certified translation prepared by a competent translator — that is what we provide.
What does USCIS require for translated documents?
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires that any document not in English be accompanied by a full English translation. The translation must be certified: the translator must certify, in writing, that they are competent to translate and that the translation is accurate and complete. Meridian Translations prepares translations in this format — a full translation accompanied by a signed certification statement. Acceptance of any specific translation is at the discretion of USCIS; we do not guarantee acceptance.
How long does a certified translation take?
Standard turnaround for most documents is two to three business days from confirmation of the quote and receipt of the source document. Complex or lengthy documents may require longer. If you have a deadline, mention it when requesting a quote and we will confirm whether it can be met before you commit to an order.
How is pricing calculated?
Certified translations are priced per page of the source document. Standard (non-certified) translations are priced per word. The final price is confirmed in a written quote before work begins; you are not charged for anything not agreed in advance.
What file formats do you accept?
We accept PDF, DOCX, and image files (JPG, PNG, TIFF). If your document is in a different format, contact us before submitting and we will advise whether we can work with it. For certified translations, the source document should be the complete original — not a cropped or partial image — so that the translation covers the entire document.
What languages do you translate between?
We translate between English and Spanish only — in both directions. We do not offer translation into or from any other language. If your document requires a different language pair, we are not the right service for you.
How do you handle confidential documents?
Documents submitted to Meridian Translations are used solely to produce your translation. They are not shared with third parties, not used for training or any other purpose, and not retained longer than necessary to complete and deliver your order. All work is carried out by Santiago Pedraza; your document is not passed to subcontractors. For documents with heightened sensitivity — for example, in a legal or commercial matter — mention your requirements when requesting a quote. Our full privacy practices are described in the Privacy Policy.
How do I order or request a quote?
Use the quote request form on this page or visit the Get a Quote page. Provide your contact details, the document type, the language direction (English to Spanish or Spanish to English), and any relevant details such as page count or required turnaround. We will review your request and send a written quote within one business day. Translation begins only after you confirm the quote.
What if I need a correction after delivery?
If there is an error in the translation that is attributable to us — a mistranslation, an omission, or a typographic error in the translated text — we will correct it at no additional charge. If you need changes because the requirements of the receiving institution have changed, or because you want content altered beyond what the source document says, that may be treated as a new request. Contact us as soon as possible if you identify an issue.
What format is the translation delivered in?
Certified translations are delivered by email as a signed PDF. The document includes the translated text and the translator's signed certification statement on a separate page. Standard translations are delivered as a DOCX file unless another format is agreed. We do not post physical copies unless this is specifically requested and agreed as part of the quote.
Ready to get your document translated?
Tell us about your project and we'll send you a precise quote — usually within one business day.