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40% de desconto na tradução prioritária rápida (12 horas) e 20% de desconto em todos os pedidos acima de $500,00
Oferta por tempo limitado
Receiving a Request for Evidence (RFE) from USCIS can feel overwhelming, especially when you've already submitted what you believed to be a complete application. You're not alone in this experience. According to recent immigration data, translation issues account for roughly eight percent of RFEs on family-based petitions, and RFE rates for marriage-based green cards can range from 22% to 29%, depending on the service center processing your case.
When USCIS issues an RFE, they're essentially telling you that your application lacks necessary documentation or evidence to make a decision on your immigration benefit. This doesn't mean your case is denied. In fact, it often means that USCIS is willing to approve your application if you can provide the missing information. The key to success is understanding exactly what they need and responding correctly and completely within the deadline.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about responding to a USCIS RFE related to document translation, from understanding the requirements to submitting your response with confidence.
A Request for Evidence is an official notice from USCIS indicating that your application or petition needs additional supporting documentation before they can make a final decision. When it comes to document translation, USCIS may request properly translated and certified versions of foreign-language documents you previously submitted without translation, or they may require additional documents that weren't included in your original filing.
Common reasons USCIS issues RFEs related to translation include missing translator certifications, incomplete translations that don't include stamps or seals, documents translated by family members or the applicant themselves, machine translations without human verification, or simply documents that were never translated at all. Understanding these common pitfalls helps you avoid making the same mistakes in your response.
It's important to remember that receiving an RFE is not a denial of your application. According to immigration statistics from 2022, about 14% of H-1B initial employment cases were approved after an RFE, demonstrating that many applicants successfully overcome this additional hurdle. Your response to the RFE is your opportunity to provide exactly what USCIS needs to approve your case.
The first and most critical thing to understand about your RFE is the response deadline. USCIS typically provides between 30 and 90 days to respond, with many notices allowing about 84 days. According to USCIS RFE response guidelines, the deadline date is printed in bold on page 1 of every RFE, and this is the date by which your response must be received by USCIS, not just mailed.
When USCIS serves an RFE by ordinary mail, your response is considered timely if USCIS receives it no more than 3 days after the prescribed period, providing a total of 87 days after USCIS mails the RFE. However, relying on this grace period is risky. Best practice is to mail your response with tracking at least 10 to 14 days before the deadline using USPS Priority Mail or a courier service like UPS or FedEx.
USCIS rarely grants extensions for RFE responses, so it's essential to start working on your response immediately upon receiving the notice. If you need document translations, professional services like certified translation for immigration can often provide expedited service to help you meet tight deadlines.
Before you can respond to your RFE, you need to understand exactly what USCIS requires for document translation. According to official USCIS translation requirements for 2025, any foreign-language document submitted to USCIS must be accompanied by a full English translation, and the translator must certify that the translation is complete and accurate and that they are competent to translate from the source language into English.
Every word, stamp, seal, signature, and piece of text visible on the original document must be translated. This means you can't submit summaries or partial translations. If something on the document is illegible or cut off, the translation should note this with descriptive text like "[illegible]" or "[untranslated image cut off]" so the USCIS officer knows nothing was accidentally omitted.
The certification statement is a critical component that many applicants overlook. The translator must provide a signed statement that typically reads: "I certify that I am fluent in [source language] and English, and that the above/attached document is a complete and accurate translation of the original." This certification must include the translator's signature, date, full name, address, phone number, and email address.
One of the most important rules to understand is that you cannot translate your own documents for USCIS, even if you are perfectly fluent in both languages. USCIS requires a third party to translate and certify your documents to ensure objectivity and accuracy. Family members who translate documents for you may also be questioned, so it's best to use a professional translation service that specializes in USCIS-compliant translations.
The moment you receive your RFE, read it thoroughly from beginning to end. Don't skim it. USCIS RFEs are detailed documents that specify exactly what evidence they need, why they need it, and how you should submit it. Take notes as you read, highlighting or underlining every specific request.
Create a detailed checklist or table listing every document USCIS requests in your RFE. This organizational step is crucial because it ensures you don't accidentally miss anything in your response. For each item on your checklist, note whether you already have the document, need to obtain it, or need to have it translated.
Pay special attention to any specific instructions about translation. Sometimes USCIS will specify particular documents that need translation or clarify what information must be included in the translator's certification. Missing these details could result in another RFE or even a denial.
Go through your RFE and identify every foreign-language document mentioned. This might include birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, police certificates, academic diplomas, employment letters, financial documents, or any other supporting evidence written in a language other than English.
Even if you previously submitted some documents with translations, USCIS may be requesting new translations because the previous ones didn't meet their requirements. Common issues include missing translator certifications, incomplete translations that didn't translate stamps or handwritten notes, or translations that appeared to be done by unqualified individuals.
Make sure you have high-quality scans or clear photocopies of all original documents. Professional translation services need legible copies to produce accurate translations. If your documents have stamps, seals, or handwritten annotations, make sure these are clearly visible in the scans you provide to your translator.
Selecting the right translation service is one of the most important decisions you'll make in responding to your RFE. Not all translation services understand USCIS requirements, and using the wrong provider could result in translations that are rejected, leading to further delays or even denial of your application.
When evaluating translation services, ask specific questions to verify their expertise with immigration cases. Find out how many immigration translation projects they completed in the last quarter and what their RFE rate is. A reputable service like ASAP Translate will have extensive experience with USCIS requirements and a track record of accepted translations.
Confirm that the service assigns work to qualified human translators with review processes in place. Never use machine translation tools like Google Translate for USCIS documents, even if you plan to have someone verify the output afterward. USCIS can often identify machine-generated translations, and these are not acceptable for immigration purposes. Additionally, ask about turnaround times. Professional services can often deliver certified translations in 24 to 48 hours, and some offer emergency rush services that can complete translations in as little as 4 to 6 hours when you're facing a tight deadline.
Look for services that provide proper certification documents with every translation. The certification should be on company letterhead or official stationery, include all required translator information, and clearly state that the translation is complete and accurate. Services that specialize in immigration translation will automatically include these elements without you having to request them.
Once you've selected a translation service, the next step is to submit your documents for translation. Most professional services offer convenient online submission processes where you can upload scanned copies of your documents, specify the source and target languages, and indicate any deadline requirements.
When submitting your documents, provide any context that might be helpful to the translator. For example, if your document contains specialized terminology related to education, medical fields, or legal matters, mention this so the translator can ensure accuracy in these technical areas. If there are specific portions of the document you're concerned about such as handwritten notes or faded stamps let the translation service know.
Be clear about your deadline and build in extra time for review. Even with rush services, you'll want to receive your translations at least a few days before your RFE response is due. This gives you time to review the translations, compile your complete response packet, and arrange for secure mailing with tracking.
When you receive your translations back from the service, don't just accept them without review. Take time to carefully examine each translated document to ensure it meets USCIS requirements and accurately represents the original.
Check that every translation includes the required certification statement with the translator's signature, full name, contact information, and date. Verify that the certification explicitly states the translation is complete and accurate and that the translator is competent in both the source language and English.
Compare the translated document to your original to confirm that everything visible on the original appears in the translation. This includes official stamps, seals, signatures, handwritten notes, and any other markings. If your original document has writing on both sides, make sure both sides are translated. According to USCIS translation best practices, common mistakes include failing to translate text on the backs of documents or missing translator signatures on certification pages.
If you notice any issues with your translations, contact the translation service immediately. Reputable providers will quickly correct any errors or oversights at no additional charge. It's much better to address these issues before you submit your RFE response than to have USCIS reject your translations and require you to resubmit.
With your certified translations in hand, it's time to compile your complete RFE response package. Organization is key to making it easy for the USCIS officer to review your submission and approve your case.
Start with a cover letter that references your receipt number, the RFE notice date, and a brief statement that you are submitting the requested evidence. Then, organize all requested documents in the exact order listed in your RFE. Use the checklist you created in Step 1 to ensure nothing is missed.
For each foreign-language document, attach the certified English translation directly to the original document. The standard practice is to place the translation on top of the original, with both secured together with a paperclip or staple. Make sure the translator's certification statement is clearly visible as the first page of each translated document set.
Consider creating a tabbed index for your response package, especially if you're submitting numerous documents. Label each tab with the document type for example, "Tab 1: Birth Certificate and Translation," "Tab 2: Marriage Certificate and Translation," and so on. This level of organization demonstrates professionalism and makes it easier for USCIS to process your response quickly.
Make complete copies of everything you're submitting. Keep one full copy for your personal records and consider making a second copy in case you need to reference your submission later or if USCIS requests additional information. Store these copies in a safe place along with your RFE notice and any correspondence related to your case.
With your response package complete and organized, the final step is submission. How you submit depends on the instructions in your RFE. Some cases allow online submission through the USCIS online portal, while others require mailing physical documents to a specific address.
If submitting online, scan all documents in clear, high-resolution PDF format. Combine each original document with its translation and certification into a single PDF file, and use descriptive file names like "Birth_Certificate_Translation_Certified.pdf" so USCIS officers can easily identify what they're reviewing. Ensure all pages are properly oriented and legible before uploading.
If mailing your response, use a secure and trackable shipping method. USPS Priority Mail with tracking, UPS, or FedEx are all good options. Never send your RFE response via regular mail without tracking, as you won't have proof of delivery if something goes wrong. Address your package exactly as specified in the RFE notice, and include any reference numbers or case identifiers that USCIS provided.
Plan to have your response in USCIS's hands at least 10 to 14 days before the deadline. This buffer accounts for potential shipping delays and gives you peace of mind that your response will arrive on time. Save your tracking information and delivery confirmation as proof that you met the deadline.
After submitting your response, monitor your case status online through your USCIS account. Processing times after an RFE response can vary, but you should see your case status update within a few weeks to reflect that USCIS received your additional evidence and is reviewing it.
Even with the best intentions, applicants sometimes make avoidable errors when responding to RFEs about document translation. Being aware of these common pitfalls helps you steer clear of problems that could delay your case or result in denial.
One of the most frequent mistakes is attempting to translate your own documents or having a family member do the translation. As mentioned earlier, USCIS requires third-party translators to ensure objectivity. Even if you're a professional translator in your field, you cannot translate documents for your own immigration case. This rule applies equally to translations by relatives who might have a vested interest in the outcome of your case. Always use professional certified translation services that specialize in immigration documentation.
Another common error is submitting translations that don't include every element of the original document. Stamps, seals, handwritten annotations, signatures, and even text printed in margins must all be translated and included in your submission. If your original document has content on both the front and back, both sides must be translated. Incomplete translations are one of the primary reasons USCIS issues RFEs in the first place, so make sure your response addresses this completely. Professional services familiar with USCIS translation requirements know to translate every visible element without exception.
The translator's certification is not optional it's a mandatory component of every USCIS translation. Yet many applicants submit translations without proper certification, with unsigned certifications, or with certifications that don't include all required information. Make sure every translated document includes a signed certification statement with the translator's full name, signature, date, address, phone number, and email. The certification must explicitly state that the translation is complete and accurate and that the translator is competent to translate from the source language into English.
With the proliferation of online translation tools, some applicants are tempted to use Google Translate, DeepL, or similar services for their immigration documents. This is a critical mistake. While machine translation technology has improved, it still makes errors with context, nuance, and specialized terminology. USCIS can often identify machine-generated translations, and these will not be accepted. Furthermore, machine translation services cannot provide the required certification statement from a competent human translator. Always use qualified human translators for all USCIS submissions.
Many applicants underestimate how long it takes to obtain proper translations and compile a complete RFE response. Waiting until a few days before the deadline creates unnecessary stress and increases the risk of errors or missed submission deadlines. Start working on your response as soon as you receive the RFE. If you need translations, contact a professional service immediately. Many services offer expedited turnaround times, but it's always better to have extra time for review and proper submission rather than rushing at the last moment.
Some applicants submit parts of their RFE response in separate mailings as they obtain different documents. This is not recommended. USCIS prefers to receive all requested evidence at one time in a single, organized package. Submitting multiple partial responses can cause confusion, delays, and potential loss of documents. Wait until you have all requested evidence and translations, then submit everything together in one complete package.
Sometimes you receive an RFE with a tight deadline, or perhaps you delayed starting your response and now time is running short. In these situations, expedited translation services become essential to meeting your USCIS deadline.
Professional immigration translation services understand the time-sensitive nature of RFE responses and typically offer rush or emergency service options. According to industry standards, most reputable services can deliver certified translations in 24 to 48 hours for standard documents. For urgent situations, emergency services can sometimes complete translations in as little as 4 to 6 hours, though this may come with an additional fee.
When requesting expedited service, be upfront about your specific deadline. Provide the exact date by which you need to mail or submit your RFE response, and work backward from there to determine when you need your translations completed. This allows the translation service to prioritize your project appropriately and allocate resources to meet your timeline.
It's important to note that expedited service should not mean compromised quality. Reputable translation services maintain the same quality standards for rush projects as they do for standard timelines. The translations should still be accurate, complete, and properly certified, regardless of turnaround time. Services like ASAP Translate specialize in fast turnaround without sacrificing the accuracy and compliance that USCIS requires.
While expedited services typically cost more than standard turnaround options, the investment is worthwhile when your immigration case hangs in the balance. The cost of rush translation services is minimal compared to the potential consequences of missing an RFE deadline, which could result in denial of your application and the need to start the entire process over.
Once you've submitted your RFE response with all required translations, the waiting period begins. Understanding what to expect during this time can help manage your anxiety and keep you informed about your case progress.
After USCIS receives your RFE response, they will update your online case status to indicate that the evidence was received. This typically happens within a few days to a week after delivery. You can check your status by logging into your USCIS online account or using the case status tool on the USCIS website with your receipt number.
Processing time after an RFE response varies depending on the type of application, the service center handling your case, and current workload volumes. According to recent USCIS data, processing times for many forms increased significantly in 2025 due to new vetting requirements and staffing changes. Some applicants see a decision within a few weeks, while others may wait several months.
During this waiting period, avoid submitting additional unsolicited evidence unless USCIS specifically requests it. Sending extra documents can actually slow down processing as officers must review and file everything in your case. Trust that the evidence you submitted in response to the RFE is sufficient unless you hear otherwise from USCIS.
If your case is approved, you'll receive an approval notice in the mail, and your online status will update accordingly. If USCIS needs additional information, they may issue another RFE, though this is less common if you responded thoroughly to the first request. In the unfortunate event of a denial, you'll receive a notice explaining the reasons and your options for appeal or reapplication.
The importance of using qualified professional translation services for your immigration documents cannot be overstated. Your immigration case represents your future your ability to live, work, study, or reunite with family in the United States. The documents you submit, including translations, form the foundation of your case.
Professional translation services that specialize in immigration documents understand the specific requirements and standards that USCIS expects. They know that every word must be translated, that certifications must include specific language and information, and that accuracy is non-negotiable. This expertise helps ensure your translations are accepted the first time, avoiding additional RFEs or delays.
Beyond technical compliance, professional translators provide accuracy that preserves the meaning and intent of your original documents. Immigration documents often contain important dates, relationships, legal terms, and other critical information. Errors in translation can create discrepancies that raise questions about the authenticity of your documents or create confusion about your eligibility for immigration benefits.
Professional services also provide peace of mind. When you work with an established translation company with experience in immigration cases, you can trust that your documents are in capable hands. Many services offer guarantees that their translations will be accepted by USCIS, and they stand behind their work with revisions or corrections if needed.
The cost of professional translation services is a small investment compared to the value of your immigration case. According to USCIS statistics, tens of thousands of family-based and employment-based applications are denied each year, and while not all denials stem from translation issues, experts note that incomplete or inaccurate translations are a contributing factor in many cases. Choosing professional translation services helps protect your case from preventable problems.
Beyond the core steps of responding to your translation-related RFE, these additional tips can help maximize your chances of approval and minimize stress during the process.
Maintain copies of every document you submit to USCIS, including all translations, certifications, cover letters, and supporting evidence. Store both physical and digital copies in organized files labeled with your case number and submission dates. These records can be invaluable if you need to reference your submission later, if USCIS requests clarification, or if you need to apply for other immigration benefits in the future.
If your RFE is complex, involves multiple issues beyond translation, or if you're unsure about how to respond, consulting with an experienced immigration attorney can be worthwhile. Attorneys who specialize in immigration law understand USCIS procedures and can help you craft a comprehensive response that addresses all concerns. While this adds cost to your case, it can significantly increase your chances of approval, especially in complicated situations.
When responding to an RFE, provide exactly what USCIS requested nothing more, nothing less. Don't submit excessive additional documentation that wasn't asked for, as this can slow down processing. However, do make sure that what you submit is complete and directly addresses each point raised in the RFE. A well-organized, focused response is more effective than a massive pile of potentially irrelevant documents.
USCIS RFEs include specific instructions about how to submit your response, where to send it, what format to use, and what identifying information to include. Follow these instructions exactly. If the RFE says to submit online, don't mail physical documents. If it specifies a particular address, don't send your response to a different USCIS office. Attention to these details ensures your response is properly received and routed to the correct officer.
If you successfully navigate your RFE and your case is approved, take this as a learning experience for any future immigration applications. For subsequent filings, proactively include certified translations of all foreign-language documents with your initial submission. This prevents RFEs related to translation and helps your case move through processing more smoothly. Resources like our guide on translating documents for USCIS can help you understand what needs to be translated from the start.
Receiving a Request for Evidence from USCIS about document translation doesn't have to derail your immigration journey. While it adds an extra step to your process, an RFE is simply USCIS's way of ensuring they have all the information needed to make a decision on your case. By understanding exactly what they require and responding thoroughly and professionally, you can overcome this hurdle and move forward toward approval.
The key elements of a successful RFE response are understanding USCIS translation requirements, choosing a qualified professional translation service, obtaining complete and properly certified translations, organizing your response package carefully, and submitting everything before the deadline with proof of delivery. Each of these steps is manageable when you approach them methodically and give yourself adequate time.
Remember that you don't have to navigate this process alone. Professional translation services exist specifically to help applicants like you meet USCIS requirements and succeed in your immigration goals. Services like ASAP Translate combine expertise in immigration translation, fast turnaround times, and guaranteed USCIS acceptance to give you confidence that your documents will be accepted.
Take action on your RFE today. Read through your notice carefully, create your document checklist, and reach out to a professional translation service to get started. With the right preparation and support, you can submit a complete, compliant response that brings you one step closer to achieving your American dream.
Your immigration case is important, and the documents you submit deserve professional attention to detail. Don't let translation issues stand between you and your goals. By following the step-by-step guidance in this article and working with experienced translation professionals, you can respond to your RFE with confidence and position your case for success.
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