With flexible curricula and a variety of institutions offering higher education and allowing students to specialize in a variety of academic disciplines, the U.S. is one of the most attractive options for students looking to study abroad.
Determining which documents you’ll need to apply for a U.S. study visa and understanding the process can seem like a daunting task. However, preparing your documents is the first and most crucial step to take if you want to study abroad since failure to do so could significantly delay your plans. To help you get a better idea of what you’ll need to have ready, we’ve prepared this handy guide!
What Documents Are Required to Study in the U.S?
Your application documents, proof of finances, and your visa application documents are the most important when it comes to studying in the U.S.
You’ll need to submit the following documents if you wish to study in the U.S.
- School / University application form
- Passport
- Academic records and transcripts
- Diploma
- Any academic certificates
- IELTS or TOEFL certificate indicating English proficiency
- Proof of financial resources
- Birth certificate
- Identification Card
In addition to preparing all the necessary documents, it’s important to keep in mind that all documents submitted as part of your application process must be fully certified and translated if they were not originally issued in English
What Are the Translation Requirements for U.S Study Visas?
USCIS (the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) requires everyone that plans to study or work in the U.S to provide various common documents to verify their eligibility. These documents must be translated and certified if they were not issued in English.
This means that, for example, if your birth certificate was issued in Chinese, you must submit a copy of the Chinese version along with a certified English birth certificate translation when you apply for your F1 visa.
According to the USCIS policy, these are the requirements for translations:
“Any foreign language document must be accompanied by a full English translation that the translator has certified as complete and correct, and by the translator’s certification that he or she is competent to translate the foreign language into English.”
Translated documents include certificates from the translator to verify the document’s authenticity and accuracy.
Can I Translate My Own Documents?
Although you can translate your own documents, they must still be stamped and signed by a certified translator. Your translations must also be accompanied by certification letters that include a statement that the translator is fluent in the source language as well as English. The certificate must also contain the translator’s signature, date, full name, and address.
It is not advisable to do your own translations as the USCIS has many requirements and standards that translations must meet. Therefore, it’s always best to work with a USCIS accredited language services provider to ensure your documents meet all the set requirements.
Did You Know?
Minor mistakes on USCIS forms can cause costly delays and even lead to application rejection! It’s essential to prepare your application thoroughly and ensure that you have all the necessary documents required for the process, along with their certified translations.
Can I Use Abbreviated Versions of Original Documents?
It’s always advisable to avoid using abbreviated (or short form) versions of original documents when applying to study in the U.S. Many government agencies issue these short versions of documents for use within the source country. Still, it’s not advisable to use these since they might not meet USCIS requirements.
Professional Certified Chinese-English Translation Services
When getting a certified translation done with Day Translations, you can rest assured that you’ll always pay the most competitive price on the market and receive the most accurate translations.
Document translation is a common challenge that applicants face when working their way through the immigration process. Although the process can seem complicated, working with a leading language services provider can make it easier.
Do not take the risk of having misspellings and mistranslations ruin your chances of getting over the first hurdle in the U.S. immigration process. Instead, invest in professional translation services that are experts on the U.S. immigration process to do your certified translations.
To learn more about our wide range of translation services and language solutions or just learn more about your options; get in touch with us right now! We also have an office based in Shanghai where you can find the language support you need, when, and where you need it most!