Translation Requirements for USCIS EB-2 NIW I-140 Petitions
Foreign nationals applying for an EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) often need to submit extensive supporting evidence with Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker. Many NIW applicants are scientists, researchers, engineers, physicians, entrepreneurs, inventors, or other professionals whose achievements are documented in foreign-language records.
If any document submitted to USCIS is in a language other than English, it must be accompanied by a complete English translation and a signed translator certification. This requirement applies not only to birth certificates and marriage certificates, but also to technical, academic, legal, and professional documents submitted as evidence in an NIW petition.
Certified Translations for NIW I-140 Supporting Evidence
GTS provides certified English translations for documents commonly submitted in USCIS EB-2 NIW and I-140 petitions, including:
- Patents and utility model registrations
- Patent applications and published patent specifications
- Scientific and technical publications
- Academic diplomas and transcripts
- Professional licenses and certificates
- Employment verification letters
- Recommendation letters and expert letters
- Awards, honors, and membership certificates
- Birth certificates, marriage certificates, and translation of official documents
Do Patents and Scientific Publications Need to Be Translated?
Yes. If a patent, utility model, scientific article, award certificate, or other supporting document is in a foreign language and will be submitted to USCIS, it should be translated into English. For NIW petitions, these documents may help demonstrate the applicant’s original contributions, technical expertise, publications, research impact, or professional accomplishments.
The translation does not need to recreate the graphic design of the original document. However, it should accurately translate the text, preserve headings and numbered sections where applicable, and clearly indicate seals, stamps, signatures, or handwritten elements when relevant.
What Does USCIS Require?
USCIS requires a full English translation of any foreign-language document submitted with an immigration petition. The translator must certify that the translation is complete and accurate and that they are competent to translate from the foreign language into English.
GTS certified translations include a signed Certificate of Accuracy suitable for USCIS submission.
Accuracy Matters in NIW Petition Translations
NIW petitions often include specialized technical, scientific, academic, and legal materials. These documents should be translated by professionals who understand both the language and the subject matter. Inaccurate translations of patent claims, academic credentials, job titles, publication titles, or technical terminology can weaken the evidentiary value of the petition.
GTS has experience translating technical, legal, medical, academic, and scientific documents from over 100 languages into English. Our translations are prepared for clarity, accuracy, and USCIS compliance.
Order a Certified Translation for Your NIW I-140 Petition
You can upload your documents through our secure online quote form and receive a fast price quote for certified translation. We accept patents, academic records, certificates, letters, publications, and other supporting documents for USCIS petitions. Cick here to Get Quote for USCIS Translation
FAQ: USCIS NIW I-140 Translation Requirements
What is an NIW I-140 petition?
An NIW I-140 petition is an employment-based immigration petition filed with USCIS under the EB-2 National Interest Waiver category. It is commonly used by researchers, scientists, entrepreneurs, physicians, engineers, and other professionals seeking permanent residence based on work considered to be in the national interest of the United States.
Does USCIS require certified translations for NIW petitions?
Yes. Any foreign-language document submitted to USCIS must be accompanied by a full English translation and a translator certification stating that the translation is complete and accurate and that the translator is competent to translate the document into English.
Do foreign patents need to be translated for an NIW petition?
If the patent or utility model is being submitted as evidence and is not in English, it should be translated. This helps USCIS understand the nature of the invention and the applicant’s role or ownership.
Do scientific articles need to be translated?
If the article, abstract, title page, citation record, or publication evidence is in a foreign language and is being submitted to USCIS, it should be translated into English.
Does the translation need to be notarized?
USCIS generally requires a certified translation, not a notarized translation. The translation should include a signed Certificate of Accuracy from the translator or translation company.
Can GTS translate technical and scientific documents for NIW petitions?
Yes. GTS provides certified English translations of patents, utility model registrations, scientific publications, academic documents, professional certificates, and other supporting evidence for USCIS NIW I-140 petitions.
How do I order?
Upload your documents through the GTS online quote form. We will review the files and provide a price quote for certified English translation.
