Document Preparation and Translation for Immigration to the USA
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The costliest mistake in American filings is paid in time, not money: people pay for notarization and an apostille nobody asked for — and skip the one thing USCIS genuinely requires. So this page starts with the rule rather than with a list of services.
MovaPro translation agency has prepared documents for filing in the United States since 2012 — to USCIS, to the National Visa Center and for consular interviews. We give no immigration legal advice; our part of the job is making sure no document is rejected over its translation. Consultation is free.
What USCIS actually requires
The federal rule (8 CFR 103.2(b)(3)) is short: any document in a foreign language submitted to USCIS must be accompanied by a full English translation, and the translator must certify two things — that the translation is complete and accurate, and that they are competent to translate from that language into English.
Three consequences follow, and all three contradict widespread belief:
- Notarization is not required for USCIS. A notary’s signature adds no legal weight to the translation in this procedure and does not substitute for the translator’s statement of competence. It is not forbidden — it is simply money spent for nothing.
- An apostille is not required for USCIS filings either. An apostille authenticates a Ukrainian document for a foreign state; USCIS does not ask for one on its forms.
- What is mandatory is the certification statement — the translator’s certification in English, attached to the translation. We produce it in the form an American adjudicator expects; agency-stamp certification for the USA and Canada costs UAH 200 per document.
Check the current wording on the USCIS website before filing — procedures are refined over time.
Where an apostille genuinely is needed
“USCIS does not require it” does not mean nobody will. Apostilles on Ukrainian documents are genuinely asked for here:
| Situation | Apostille |
|---|---|
| USCIS forms (I-130, I-485, N-400 and so on) | As a rule, no |
| Consular stage: immigrant visa, DS-260, interview | Often yes — check the embassy’s instructions |
| Marriage registration in the US, state agencies, courts | Usually yes |
| Credential recognition by some state licensing boards | Depends on the state |
So the right question is not “do I need an apostille” but “which body is this document for”. Tell us where you are filing and we will tell you which route applies. The procedures are described on our apostille and legalization page.
Credential evaluation: NACES, not the Canadian ECA
For work visas and some professional procedures, the American side wants not the diploma but a report on its equivalent. In the US this is done by members of NACES, among them WES and ECE. The route differs from the Canadian ECA: the evaluating organisation sets its own requirements for submission and translation, and its instructions are the ones to read first.
What is needed from us at this stage is a full translation of the diploma and the supplement, with every grade, contact hour and seal.
The police certificate — for the consular stage
A Ukrainian police certificate usually does not feature on USCIS forms, but it is needed at the consular stage of an immigrant visa, and it has a limited shelf life. That is why it is ordered close to the interview rather than a year in advance with everything else. We handle the certificate and its apostille end to end, including for clients who have already left Ukraine — details on our certificate of no criminal record page.
Civil registry documents: what exactly gets translated
Birth, marriage and divorce certificates are the backbone of family petitions. Three things worth knowing in advance:
- The whole document is translated, seals, stamps and handwritten notes on the reverse included. Selective “front side only” translations do not satisfy the completeness requirement.
- Old-format certificates remain valid but cannot be apostilled — where an apostille is needed for the consular stage, a re-issued certificate is obtained first.
- Original out of reach? We obtain re-issued certificates and civil registry extracts by power of attorney, with no travel to Ukraine on your part.
If the marriage was dissolved by a court after 2011, no divorce certificate exists: the court decision is filed instead — we have written about translating it separately.
Names: as in the passport, and identical everywhere
An American file runs for years and passes through several agencies. If the birth certificate says Iryna and the diploma says Irina, the petition is not automatically denied — but you will get a request for evidence, and that means months of waiting. We transliterate strictly per the foreign passport and cross-check against translations you have already filed, so send those along with the scans. You can also verify the official transliteration of a name with our free online tool.
Pricing
Translation into English costs from UAH 300 per standard document (1,800 characters with spaces). Agency-stamp certification for the USA and Canada is UAH 200 per document — that is the option which satisfies the USCIS requirement. Notarization (UAH 400) is added only where a specific body demands it: a state court, a bank, a licensing board. Support with an apostille is quoted separately from state fees, which we do not publish because they change. A discount applies from 5 pages; the full price list is on the prices page.
Send us your checklist — within 15 minutes we will tell you what to translate, what to certify, and what you can safely skip paying for. Order a translation.
Looking at Canada too? The requirements there are different: IRCC needs a certified translator or an affidavit — see documents for immigration to Canada. An overview by country is on the immigration documents page.
Frequently asked questions
What are the legal ways to immigrate to the USA?
There are several proven paths to move to the United States legally and live there permanently: winning a green card through the lottery; working for a US employer who offers you a job; starting your own business or investing in the US economy; studying at a US university or college; sponsorship by relatives in the USA; political asylum; the Uniting for Ukraine (U4U) program; and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ukrainians.
How can Ukrainians stay in the USA?
Currently, apart from a tourist visa, the U4U program allows Ukrainians to enter and live in the USA legally. It provides opportunities similar to the temporary protection available in Europe and is valid for up to two years.
What are the main rules for entering and staying in the USA under Uniting for Ukraine?
The United States supports Ukrainians through the Uniting for Ukraine (U4U) program initiated by President Joe Biden: it is the main mechanism for Ukrainians to enter the USA, allows them to bypass the standard visa procedure, and grants up to two years of residence and work in the country. Those who have already received humanitarian parole have the option to extend it. Applicant requirements: having been a resident of Ukraine as of February 11, 2022 and emigrating because of the war; holding a valid Ukrainian passport; having a sponsor in the USA who guarantees financial and housing support; completing medical examinations and vaccinations; passing the required security checks. Social support includes help with employment, English language courses, immigration counseling, and financial assistance under the federal Matching Grant program (the list of services depends on your region of residence). Financial support: refugee cash assistance, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and assistance for the elderly and people with disabilities — applications are filed with local health and social services offices. Food assistance: the SNAP program issues special cards for buying groceries, on average 250 dollars per person per month. Medical services: U4U participants can enroll in Medicaid health insurance through local Medicaid offices. Housing: initially the sponsor must provide housing; later you may need to search on your own, which requires proof of financial means and may involve prepaying several months of rent (platforms such as Airbnb, Craigslist, and ForRent are suitable for the search). Work: a work permit is not issued automatically and requires separate processing — it can cost 410 dollars and take up to 10 months; you can start your job search through the Office of Refugee Resettlement or local employment centers. Families with children can use financial support programs that help cover childcare, such as Head Start. Education: children can attend free public schools or private schools.
When does the Uniting for Ukraine program end?
No official end date for the program has been announced.
How can Ukrainian citizens obtain Temporary Protected Status (TPS) in the USA?
Ukrainians who were in the USA as of February 24, 2022 became eligible to apply for TPS — it allows them to remain in the USA without returning to the zone of military conflict at home. On March 3, 2022, the US Department of State added Ukraine to the list of countries whose citizens can claim TPS. TPS, or Temporary Protected Status, is a special non-immigrant status granted to foreign nationals who cannot safely return to their country; it allows temporary residence in the USA but does not confer the right to permanent residency (a green card). Key features: the status is granted for up to 18 months, after which conditions in the country are reassessed; TPS holders can apply for work permits and receive social security benefits; a key condition is lawful presence in the USA at the time the status was introduced. Documents required for the application: proof of Ukrainian citizenship (passport or birth certificate); proof of entry into the USA before April 11, 2022 (visas, passport stamps, Form I-94); proof of continuous residence in the USA since April 11, 2022 (rent and utility receipts, bank statements, tax returns); employment records (pay stubs, W-2 tax forms); school records; medical records of treatment in the USA; letters from churches or community organizations. Obtaining TPS does not automatically grant the right to work — the work permit is processed separately; if you plan to leave the USA temporarily, you must obtain a special Advance Parole permit. If the war in Ukraine ends before your TPS expires, the program may be closed and you will return to your previous status; if not, there is a high likelihood that TPS will be extended.
What is the Green Card lottery and who can take part?
The Green Card lottery, officially known as the Diversity Immigrant Visa (DV) Program, is an annual draw held by the US government, with up to 50,000 immigrant visas at stake. It is open to people from countries with low rates of immigration to the USA who have no criminal record and have at least a secondary education or equivalent professional experience.
What are the main steps for taking part in the Green Card lottery?
To take part in the lottery, you must submit an application within the announced deadlines on the dedicated website. Applicants receive a unique number for tracking the status of their entry. If selected, the candidate must pass an interview at a US consulate or embassy.
What are the main requirements for a US student visa?
To obtain an F-1 or M-1 student visa, candidates must be enrolled in a full course of study at an institution approved under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). They must also speak English or be enrolled in English language courses, have sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses, and have no intention of leaving their home country permanently.
What types of work visas are available in the USA?
The USA offers several types of work visas, including H1B visas for highly qualified specialists such as engineers and IT professionals, and E visas for people whose activities are of interest to the United States. Employers can sponsor visas if they cannot find suitable candidates among US citizens. Most work visas require a sponsor in the form of a US employer, relevant qualifications, and work experience. Specialized skills and higher education are critically important for H1B visas.
What are the main conditions for the EB-5 program?
The EB-5 program requires an investment in the US economy — at least 1,050,000 dollars, or 800,000 dollars in targeted areas with high unemployment or in rural areas. The investor must create and maintain jobs for at least ten US citizens for two years. Investors can put their money directly into US businesses or invest through regional centers that manage projects and promote regional economic development.
How do I move to the USA? A step-by-step plan
The process looks like this: 1) determine your grounds for immigration and choose the appropriate type of immigrant visa; 2) prepare the necessary documents and have them translated and apostilled where required; 3) submit your visa application and receive an invitation to an interview with embassy officials; 4) pass the interview at the consulate or embassy and obtain permission to enter the United States; 5) complete the entry paperwork; 6) organize your trip: make sure your passport is valid, gather the necessary funds, and settle the question of housing in the USA; 7) after arriving in the USA, apply for permanent residence (a green card).
Who can use the family reunification program?
US citizens can sponsor the entry of members of their family, including spouses, children (in particular unmarried children under 21), as well as siblings and parents. Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) can sponsor their spouses and unmarried children.
How can I obtain refugee status in the USA?
To obtain refugee status in the USA, you must prove that you suffered persecution in your country on the grounds of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion. An asylum application can be filed while you are on US territory, regardless of how you entered the country or your current immigration status. People granted refugee status can apply for permanent residence (a green card) after one year of living in the USA. The process involves filing the relevant documents with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and completing all the procedures required for the change of status.
How do I get to America for a visa interview?
To apply for a non-immigrant US visa, Ukrainians need to travel outside Ukraine, as the US embassy in Ukraine does not process such applications. Interviews are held at US embassies and consulates in neighboring countries: Poland (Warsaw and Krakow), Romania, Hungary, Cyprus, the United Kingdom, and others.
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