For immigration court, “certified” refers to the translator's signed certification accompanying the English translation. EOIR's Policy Manual explains what that certification must establish.
What the certification must address
EOIR says a foreign-language document must have an English translation and a certification signed by the translator. The certification must state that:
- the translator is competent to translate the language of the document; and
- the translation is true and accurate to the best of the translator's abilities.
EOIR provides a sample Certificate of Translation in Appendix F. Use the current official example when preparing a court filing rather than copying an old template from an unknown website.
Keep the complete set together
For each item, keep:
foreign-language original → English translation → signed certificate of translation.
Label all three with the same exhibit or evidence identifier. Check names, dates, numbers, stamps, handwritten notes, and page counts before filing.
A certification does not fix a poor or incomplete translation. If something appears missing or mistranslated, raise it before the filing deadline.
Special issue: declarations signed by non-English speakers
EOIR also addresses foreign-language affidavits and declarations. If the declarant does not understand English, the English version must include a certificate of interpretation stating that the interpreter read the affidavit to the person in a language they understand and that the person understood it before signing. Review the exact current rule with counsel.
Translation is different from courtroom interpretation
The rules for translating filed documents are separate from interpreter services during a hearing. EOIR provides interpreters in immigration court for respondents who need them and asks that interpreter needs be raised in advance under its current procedures.
Official sources
- EOIR Policy Manual 2.3 — Language and Certified Translations
- EOIR Appendix F — Certificate of Translation
This page is educational information, not legal advice.