For immigration attorneys
Translation certificates for immigration court: what 8 CFR 1003.33 requires
USCIS and the immigration court do not ask for the same certificate. Here is what each one requires, side by side, with free templates you can download.
Rule text verified on October 5, 2026.
The rule
This is the full text of 8 CFR § 1003.33, "Translation of documents":
“Any foreign language document offered by a party in a proceeding shall be accompanied by an English language translation and a certification signed by the translator that must be printed legibly or typed. Such certification must include a statement that the translator is competent to translate the document, and that the translation is true and accurate to the best of the translator’s abilities.”What the Practice Manual adds
Chapter 2.3(a) of the Immigration Court Practice Manual sets requirements that the regulation does not spell out. A certificate of translation must:
- Be typed and signed by the translator.
- Be attached to the foreign-language document.
- State that the translator is competent to translate the language of the document.
- State that the translation is true and accurate to the best of the translator’s abilities.
- Specify each document when one certificate covers several.
- Include the translator’s address and telephone number.
USCIS vs. immigration court
A certificate written for USCIS can fall short in court. These are the differences that matter.
| USCIS | Immigration court (EOIR) | |
|---|---|---|
| Rule | 8 CFR § 103.2(b)(3) | 8 CFR § 1003.33 and Practice Manual 2.3(a) |
| What the translation must be | A full English translation | An English translation |
| What the translator certifies | The translation is complete and accurate, and they are competent to translate from the foreign language into English | They are competent to translate the language of the document, and the translation is true and accurate to the best of their abilities |
| Typed certificate | Not specified in the regulation | Required: printed legibly or typed (regulation), typed (Manual) |
| Translator address and phone | Not required by the regulation | Required by the Manual |
| Several documents, one certificate | Not addressed | Must list each document |
| English declaration by a non-English speaker | Not addressed | Needs a certificate of interpretation |
The certificate of interpretation
When a declaration or affidavit is written in English but the person signing it is not fluent in English, the court requires a certificate of interpretation.
It must state that the declaration was read to the person in a language they understand, and that they understood it before signing. It must also state that the interpreter is competent and that the interpretation was true and accurate to the best of their abilities.
Free templates
Word documents you can edit. They follow the rule text above.
Checklist before filing a court packet
- Each foreign-language document has its English translation attached.
- The certificate is typed, not handwritten, and signed by the translator.
- It names every document it covers.
- It includes the translator’s address and telephone number.
- Every English declaration from a non-English speaker has a certificate of interpretation.
- Certificates written for USCIS were not reused without checking these points.
How Fidelis prepares court packets
Each translation is translated and then reviewed by a second linguist. Both are identified by name.
A USCIS certificate for USCIS filings and a court certificate, with the document list, for EOIR.
Monthly invoice with your Matter ID or purchase order, so translation costs pass through cleanly.
Have a court packet?
Send us the list of documents and the hearing date. We confirm scope, price, and delivery before we start.
- 8 CFR § 1003.33 — eCFR
- Immigration Court Practice Manual, Chapter 2.3 — EOIR
- 8 CFR § 103.2(b)(3) — eCFR
This guide summarizes public rules for reference. It is not legal advice. Requirements can change; confirm them with the court before filing.