Frequently Asked Questions about translation

What is a Certified Translation?

A certified translation is a meticulously verified document that ensures accuracy and authenticity, often bearing the seal and signature of a professional translator or translation agency. Without a certified translation, your crucial documents—such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, academic transcripts, and more—may be deemed invalid or incomplete when submitting to any authority. Investing in certified translation always pays off greatly.

Who should perform a certified translation?

A certified translation should be performed by a professional, qualified translator who is fluent in both the source and target languages and possesses the necessary expertise in the subject matter of the document. This individual is typically a certified or accredited translator recognized by a professional linguistic association or government body, ensuring adherence to specific standards of accuracy and fidelity. The translator must be impartial and not related to the document's owner or beneficiaries, and they will usually provide a signed statement or affidavit attesting to the translation's accuracy and completeness.

hat is a USCIS-certified Translation?

A USCIS-certified translation is a complete and accurate translation of a document from a foreign language into English, along with a certification statement signed by the translator or an authorized representative of the translation company. This certification attests that the translation is true and accurate to the best of the translator's ability and includes their name, signature, address, and the date of certification.

When is a USCIS Certified Translation Needed?

USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) requires certified translations for any document submitted that is not in English. This includes, but is not limited to, the following types of documents:

  • Birth certificates

  • Marriage certificates

  • Divorce decrees

  • Academic transcripts

  • Police records

  • Passports

  • Affidavits

These documents are crucial for various immigration processes, such as applying for a visa, green card, or naturalization.

What is a legal translation?

Legal translation refers to the specialized field of translating legal documents from one language to another while preserving their original legal meaning, intent, and accuracy. This type of translation requires not only fluency in both the source and target languages but also a deep understanding of legal terminology, concepts, and the nuances of different legal systems. Due to the high stakes involved, errors in legal translation can have significant consequences, making accuracy and precision paramount.

What Academic Certified Translation?

An academic certified translation is a precise and accurate conversion of academic documents, such as diplomas, transcripts, and academic records, from one language to another. This type of translation is performed by a professional translator who is certified by a recognized authority, ensuring the translation's accuracy and fidelity to the original document. The certification guarantees that the translated document is a true and complete representation of the original, making it acceptable for official use by educational institutions, credential evaluation services, and other organizations that require authenticated academic records.

What is a Medical Translation?

Medical translation is the process of translating medical and pharmaceutical documents, such as clinical trial protocols, informed consent forms, medical device manuals, and regulatory submissions, from one language to another while maintaining accuracy, clarity, and adherence to specific medical terminology and regulatory requirements. This specialized field requires a deep understanding of both linguistic nuances and complex medical concepts to ensure that critical information is precisely conveyed, minimizing the risk of errors that could have serious implications for patient safety, clinical research, and global healthcare.

What are personal translation and commercial transactions?

Translation services are broadly categorized into personal and commercial, each serving distinct purposes and requiring specific approaches. Understanding the differences between these two types of translation is crucial for individuals and businesses seeking accurate and effective linguistic solutions.

Personal Translation

Personal translation involves the conversion of documents for individual use. These documents often pertain to an individual's identity, legal status, or personal affairs. Accuracy and certification are paramount in personal translation, as these documents frequently need to be presented to government agencies, educational institutions, or legal bodies.

Common Personal Documents Requiring Translation

  • Birth Certificates: Used for immigration, visa applications, and establishing legal identity in a new country.

  • Marriage Certificates: Required for spousal visas, family reunification, and demonstrating marital status abroad.

  • Academic Transcripts and Diplomas: Necessary for continuing education in a foreign country or for professional licensing.

  • Driver's Licenses: Often needed for obtaining a local driver's license or for identification purposes while traveling.

  • Medical Records: Important for receiving healthcare abroad or for insurance claims.

  • Legal Documents: Such as wills, adoption papers, or divorce decrees, which may be required for legal proceedings in another jurisdiction.

Key Considerations for Personal Translation

  • Certification: Many institutions require certified translations, which means the translation is accompanied by a signed statement from the translator or translation agency attesting to its accuracy and completeness.

  • Notarization: In some cases, a notarized translation may be required, where a public notary verifies the identity of the translator and witnesses their signature.

  • Apostille: For international use, some documents may need an apostille, which is a certification issued by a designated authority to verify the authenticity of a document's signature and seal.

Commercial Translation

Commercial translation, in contrast, focuses on documents related to business activities, trade, marketing, and corporate communication. The goal is to accurately convey a company's message, products, or services to a target audience in a different language, while also considering cultural nuances and industry-specific terminology.

Common Commercial Documents Requiring Translation

  • Marketing Materials: Websites, brochures, advertisements, and social media content designed to promote products or services to international markets.

  • Legal Contracts and Agreements: Essential for international business transactions, partnerships, and intellectual property protection.

  • Financial Reports: Annual reports, balance sheets, and financial statements for international investors or regulatory compliance.

  • Technical Manuals: User guides, product specifications, and operational instructions for products sold globally.

  • Business Correspondence: Emails, letters, and internal communications with international partners or subsidiaries.

  • Patents and Trademarks: Documents related to intellectual property rights for international protection.

Key Considerations for Commercial Translation

  • Localization: Beyond mere translation, localization adapts content to the cultural and linguistic preferences of the target market, including currencies, date formats, and humor.

  • Terminology Management: Consistent use of specific industry terms and company-approved jargon is crucial for maintaining brand voice and clarity.

  • Transcreation: For marketing and creative content, transcreation goes beyond literal translation to recreate the original message's intent, style, and emotional impact in the target language.

  • Confidentiality: Commercial translations often involve sensitive business information, making confidentiality agreements and secure data handling paramount.

  • Turnaround Time: Businesses often operate on tight deadlines, requiring efficient and timely delivery of translated materials.

Conclusion

Both personal and commercial translation play vital roles in facilitating global communication and interaction. While personal translation often prioritizes accuracy and certification for official purposes, commercial translation emphasizes cultural adaptation, specialized terminology, and effective marketing to achieve business objectives. Choosing the right type of translation service based on the document's purpose and target audience is essential for successful communication in an increasingly interconnected world.

What is the best translation agency or company? 

Majestic Translation stands out as the premier translation agency due to its unwavering commitment to accuracy, efficiency, and client satisfaction. Our team of highly skilled and certified linguists possesses expertise across a wide range of industries, ensuring precise and nuanced translations that maintain the original intent and tone of the source material. We leverage cutting-edge translation technology to streamline workflows and deliver projects promptly, without compromising on quality. Furthermore, Majestic Translation prides itself on its exceptional customer service, offering personalized support and flexible solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. This dedication to excellence in every aspect of our service makes Majestic Translation the undeniable choice for all your translation needs.

Why is Magestic Translation considered the best USCIS and all types of certified translation?

Magestic Translation stands out as the premier choice for USCIS and all types of certified translations due to its unwavering commitment to accuracy, adherence to stringent governmental requirements, and a deep understanding of the nuanced legal terminology necessary for immigration and official documents. Our team of certified linguists ensures that every translation is precise, culturally appropriate, and formatted to meet the specific standards set forth by USCIS, minimizing the risk of rejections or delays in your application process. Furthermore, we offer a streamlined and efficient service, providing timely delivery without compromising on the meticulous quality that is essential for such critical documents, making us the most reliable partner for all your certified translation needs.

Why does Majestic Translation stand out as the most affordable and reliable translation agency for USCIS and all other translation services?

Majestic Translation stands out as the most affordable and reliable translation agency due to its commitment to transparent pricing and a rigorous quality assurance process. By leveraging advanced translation memory and terminology management tools, Majestic Translation reduces costs without compromising accuracy, passing these savings directly to clients. Furthermore, their team of certified linguistic experts undergoes continuous professional development, ensuring all translations meet the highest industry standards for precision and cultural nuance, making them a dependable partner for all your translation needs.