Applicants submitting immigration documents in the United States often focus on forms and deadlines — but overlook translation compliance.
In cities like Chicago and Boston, immigration-related submissions follow the same federal standards. However, filing volume and document patterns can differ.
Understanding what immigration authorities actually require helps prevent delays, Requests for Evidence, and costly resubmissions.
Federal Immigration Standards Apply Nationwide
For immigration purposes, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services requires:
- A complete English translation of all foreign-language documents
- A signed certification confirming the translation is accurate
- A statement that the translator is competent to translate
These requirements apply equally in Illinois, Massachusetts, and every other state.
Immigration rules do not change by city.
Chicago: High Immigration Filing Volume
Chicago serves one of the largest immigrant communities in the Midwest, with a significant number of family-based and employment-based filings.
Common documents requiring certified translation include:
- Birth certificates
- Marriage certificates
- Divorce decrees
- Police and civil records
- Supporting affidavits
Because of the filing volume, formatting precision and proper certification statements are critical. Even minor omissions can trigger review delays.
More about certified translation services in Chicago can be found here:
https://translation.center/chicago/certified-translation
Boston: Academic-to-Immigration Pathway
In Boston, many immigration cases intersect with academic pathways.
Applicants frequently submit:
- Academic transcripts
- Degree certificates
- Enrollment letters
- Civil documents for family-based petitions
Although document types may differ slightly from Chicago’s patterns, federal translation standards remain identical.
You can review the certified translation requirements in Boston here:
https://translation.center/boston/certified-translation
What Immigration Authorities Do NOT Require
Applicants often misunderstand requirements and assume:
- The translator must be located in the same state
- Notarization is automatically required
- Machine translation with edits is sufficient
In most immigration cases, what matters is:
- Full translation of all visible text
- Proper signed certification of accuracy
- Clear identification of the translator
Location of the translation provider is not the determining factor.
Common Immigration Translation Errors
Requests for Evidence are frequently triggered by:
- Missing certification statements
- Partial translation of documents
- Omitted seals or handwritten notes
- Inconsistent spelling of names
Most immigration delays are caused by formatting or certification errors — not by city-specific rules.
Quick Answers for Immigration Applicants
Are translation requirements different in Chicago and Boston?
No. Federal immigration standards apply nationwide.
Does the translator need to be in Illinois or Massachusetts?
No. Proper certification format matters, not location.
Is notarization always required?
No. Only if explicitly requested by the receiving authority.
Whether filing immigration documents in Chicago or Boston, certified translation requirements are defined by federal standards — not by city location.
Applicants who ensure full translation and proper certification reduce the risk of delays and unnecessary resubmissions.
Working with a provider experienced in immigration documentation helps ensure compliance from the start.
