Legal documents can often be confusing. You might have come across these translation terms already through a friend or a family member who has either immigrated or married overseas. However, not everyone is actually familiar with their differences.

Keep reading to learn more about apostille, certified, and notarized translations.

The Importance of Apostille, Certified and Notarized Translations

Apostille, certified, and notarized translations are usually required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) when applying for a temporary visa, immigration, or citizenship in the United States. This demands that all the necessary documents written in a different language must be translated into English.

Take note that as the applicant, you are not allowed to translate the documents yourself. Hence, it is best to hire professional USCIS certified translation services that adhere to the USCIS guidelines to prevent your application from getting delayed or rejected.

Moreover, these translation documents are also necessary for students who plan to study overseas, whether for scholarships in a university or post-graduate education. Most universities worldwide require international students to submit a certified document translation of their official academic transcripts, diplomas, etc.

Certified translations are mandatory when applying for a working visa in a foreign country as well. The human resources team will require you to submit legal documents such as criminal records translated into English. This is also the same for entrepreneurs who want to register their patents to protect their Intellectual Property Rights.

What Is An Apostille?

It is essential to know that the apostille certification is only valid for and accepted by the countries that are signatories of the Hauge Convention. Moreover, the legitimacy of this document equals that of a notarized document in domestic law. Thus, any document with an apostille stamp will be considered legal in any country that agreed to and signed the Apostille Treaty.

What is a Certified Translation?

One way for an individual translator or translation agency to attest that the issued translation is an accurate and complete copy of the original text is known as certified translation. Translators release a signed statement certifying that the translation is a true representation of the source document.

In addition, each page should have a stamp accompanied by the certificate that proves the translator’s credentials, as well as the date, unique registration number, and signature of the sworn translator.

This is normally demanded when an individual submits legal documents and personal details. These documents include marriage certificates, court transcripts, supporting documents for immigration, and business contracts.

What is Notarized Translation?

A notarized translation attests to the legitimacy of a translator. This is because the translator swore an oath before the Notary Public that the government authorized to authenticate specific legal procedures.

Thus, notarized translations only refer to the so-called “identity” of the translation. This oversees the translator’s credibility and states that they will be held responsible in the event of errors in the text produced.

Need help applying to universities oversea? Read ”What is an Official Academic Transcript (Academic Record)?” to learn more.