English ↔ Spanish — For US Immigration Filings
Certified English–Spanish translation prepared to meet USCIS's requirement for a complete English translation accompanied by a signed certification of accuracy and completeness. Acceptance of any filing is at USCIS's discretion.
USCIS Translation Requirements
When you submit a foreign-language document to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, you must also provide a complete English translation together with a signed certification from the translator.
USCIS requires that any document not written in English be accompanied by a complete English translation. Along with the translation, the translator must provide a signed certification stating that the translation is complete and accurate to the best of their knowledge and ability. This certification requirement applies to personal documents, civil records, and official documents submitted in support of immigration petitions and applications.
The certification is a formal statement — not a government licence or third-party accreditation — affirming that the translator is competent in both languages and that the translation faithfully represents the original document. USCIS does not require translators to hold a specific professional certification body membership; the signed statement from the translator is the requirement.
At Meridian Translations, every certified translation is completed by Santiago Pedraza, a professional translator with a University of Malta translation qualification working exclusively between English and Spanish. The signed certification statement is included with every translation we deliver.
Our translations are prepared to meet USCIS's certification requirement. Acceptance decisions on immigration filings — including determinations about whether submitted documents satisfy USCIS's standards — are made by USCIS and are at USCIS's discretion. We cannot guarantee the outcome of any immigration application or petition.
Common Documents
Most immigration petitions and applications require at least one foreign-language document to be translated. The documents below are among the most frequently requested for USCIS filings.
Birth certificates are required for a wide range of USCIS filings, including family-based petitions, naturalization applications, and applications for derivative citizenship. If your birth certificate is in Spanish, it must be accompanied by a complete English translation and certification.
Birth certificate translation →Marriage certificates are a standard supporting document for spousal visa petitions and adjustment of status applications. A certified English translation is required when the original certificate is issued in Spanish or another foreign language.
Marriage certificate translation →Diplomas and transcripts may be required to demonstrate educational qualifications in employment-based immigration petitions or to support professional licence applications. Certified English translations are needed when these documents are issued in Spanish or another foreign language.
Diploma translation →Need a document type not listed here? Contact us to discuss your requirements. We translate English and Spanish only.
What You Receive
We deliver a complete typed translation plus a signed certification statement — the two components USCIS requires for foreign-language documents.
Every USCIS certified translation from Meridian Translations includes:
Translations are delivered as a PDF by email as standard. If you need a printed copy — for example, to submit physically with a paper filing — please request this when you submit your quote request and we will advise on arrangements.
Turnaround time depends on the length and complexity of your document. After you submit your document, we provide a clear turnaround estimate with your quote — usually within one business day. If you have a filing deadline, let us know in your request and we will advise on availability.
Simple Process
Three straightforward steps from document submission to certified delivery.
Upload or email a clear scan or photograph of your document. We accept PDFs, JPEGs, and other common formats. All materials are handled with strict confidentiality.
We review your document and provide a clear quote — including cost and estimated turnaround — usually within one business day. No obligation to proceed.
Once you approve the quote, Santiago Pedraza completes the translation and attaches the signed certification statement. Your completed translation is delivered as a PDF by email; printed copies can be arranged on request.
Transparent Pricing
Certified translation is priced per page. Request a quote for an exact figure based on your document.
Includes typed English translation plus signed certification of accuracy and completeness, prepared to meet USCIS's certification requirement.
Final pricing depends on document length, complexity, and turnaround requirements. Visit our pricing page for full details.
Translator Credentials
Every translation at Meridian is completed by one qualified professional — not outsourced, not machine-generated.
Santiago Pedraza is our certified translator at Meridian Translations. Santiago holds a translation qualification from the University of Malta and works exclusively between English and Spanish. All translations are completed directly by Santiago and accompanied by his signed certification statement.
USCIS does not require translators to hold membership in a specific professional body. The certification requirement is satisfied by a signed statement from a person competent in the relevant languages affirming that the translation is complete and accurate. Santiago's signed certification statement meets this requirement.
Meridian Translations does not subcontract work to other translators or use machine translation as a substitute for human translation. Documents you send are reviewed, translated, and certified by Santiago personally.
If you have questions about the translator's qualifications or the certification process before placing an order, please get in touch.
Related Services
USCIS filings often involve more than one foreign-language document. We provide certified English–Spanish translation for the documents most commonly submitted with US immigration applications.
Our core certified translation service — for immigration, courts, universities, and government agencies worldwide.
Certified translation →Certified English translation of Spanish-language birth certificates for USCIS and other immigration filings.
Birth certificate →Certified English translation of Spanish-language marriage certificates for spousal visa and family-based petitions.
Marriage certificate →Certified English translation of diplomas and academic transcripts for employment-based immigration petitions.
Diploma translation →Common Questions
USCIS requires that any foreign-language document submitted with an immigration application or petition be accompanied by a complete English translation. The translator must also provide a signed certification stating that the translation is complete and accurate to the best of their knowledge and ability. Acceptance of documents and decisions on filings are at USCIS's discretion.
The most commonly translated documents for USCIS filings include birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, death certificates, diplomas, academic transcripts, and police clearance certificates. Any foreign-language document submitted in support of a USCIS petition or application will generally require a certified English translation.
You receive a typed English translation of your document plus a signed certification statement from the translator. The certification includes the translator's name and qualifications, a declaration that the translation is complete and accurate, and the date of certification. Delivery is by PDF as standard; printed copies can be arranged on request.
No. Acceptance decisions on immigration filings are made by USCIS and are at USCIS's discretion. Meridian Translations prepares translations to meet USCIS's published certification requirement, but we cannot guarantee the outcome of any immigration application or petition. If you have questions about what USCIS requires for your specific filing, we recommend consulting an immigration attorney.
Tell us about your document and we'll send you a precise quote — usually within one business day.
