How to get a certified translation for a TPS application - Syria

Recently, USCIS added Syria to the list of countries that the US will accept immigrants from on a temporary basis under the application process known as TPS. TPS stands for temporary protected status, and for the next 18 months, people who are Syrian nationals, or refugees who were living in Syria last, can come legally to the US and also apply for a work permit. This period may be extended in 2013, but there are no guarantees of this at this time.

Outside links:

• Full instructions for the TPS process are here
• Read the USCIS announcement about TPS for Syrians

Documents Required for TPS Application

Your TPS application requires several documents to be included in the package. Aside from the I-821 and I-765 form, you will need to present documentary evidence about your Syrian nationality. Documents that qualify as primary evidence are:

• A copy of your Syrian Passport
• A copy of your birth certificate + photo ID
• A national identity document bearing your photo/fingerprint, such as a document given to you by the Syrian embassy or consulate in the US. This could be a national ID card or naturalization certificate

IF none of these can be provided, USCIS may accept "secondary" evidence. These could be:

• baptismal certificate
• school or medical records (from Syria)
• other immigration documents establishing Syrian nationality
• affidavits from friends or family testifying to your identity
  

Any secondary evidence will need to be accompanied by proof that the primary evidence was not able to be obtained, and also an explanation about why the Syrian consulate was not able to provide the documents. (USCIS will interview you regarding this evidence then.)

How to Prepare Certified Translations of Arabic documents from Syria

Any documents submitted to USCIS for the TPS application must be accompanied by a certified translation in English. There are no exceptions to this rule and the Syrian consulate does not provide these translations.

A certified translation must:

• Be produced and certified in the US.
  
• Include the name and full contact address and phone number of the translator
• Include a statement from the translator stating, under penalty of law, that the translation is accurate and correct

Please note that even if you have an English language translation from Syria, even an official translation of your birth certificate, USCIS will not accept this. USCIS will only accept certifications from translators in the US. Your application will be rejected and delayed if you attempt to submit it without the proper type of certified translation.

Two options to obtain a correctly certified translation:

1 - A friend can translate the documents and sign them.

Note that the friend must sign the USCIS statement which appears here:

I typed name , certify that I am fluent (conversant) in the English and
languages, and that the above/attached document is an accurate translation of the
document attached entitled .

Signature
Date Typed Name
Address

Be sure that:

• The translator uses their full legal name, as well as their full legal address.
• The translation is complete (includes every word)
• The spelling of names and places match the way they are spelled on your other English-language documents and passport.
• While not required, it is better to also have the translator sign the document before a notary public. The translator will need to show proper identification.

2. A certified translation can be purchase from a professional translation service.

Experienced professional translation services are all over the US and on the internet. Usual fees around $40-70 per document, and the company will know how to prepare the documents for USCIS. Certification will appear on corporate letterhead and often be notarized.

Delivery from professional translation company can be:

• by US Postal mail (preferred)
  
• by email only (OK)

Please note that most agencies in the US aside from USCIS will require a professional notarized translation. If you wish to open a bank account or apply for a drivers license, you will likely be required to obtain a professional certified translation with notarization of all documents.

Recommended Certified Translation Companies:

MyCertifiedTranslations.com http://www.mycertifiedtranslations.com 800-281-5084
1-2 day service, affordable Arabic translation. Includes notary service at no extra charge. Shipping of all documents at no extra charge.

The Translation Department, Inc http://www.translationdepartment.com 800-921-3645
Professional company offering translations since 1979. More expensive service but highly accurate for large documents. If you are submitting a lot of evidence as part of the "secondary" evidence package, this company may be better suited.