Translation Needed?? K-1 Interview at US Consulate in Montreal

[mriver 1]

My financée has her K-1 interview at the US consulate in Montreal this week. She's French Canadian and we're seeing a note in the paperwork about her documentation needing to be translated by an official translator. Only her police report and birth certificate are in french. Do these documents need to be translated into English? Will they not approve her if these documents are not translated?

Edited July 21, 2014 by mriver

[Sweetmelissa 82]

The K1 Fiance Visa Interview Checklist for Montreal does specifically state "Birth Certificate,English translation and a photocopy", so I would assume the birth certif should be. It does not ask for a translated police report though.

[JIJourney 96]

I would think all Official Documents

[mriver 1]

Next question is: it seems that an "official translation" is required? Who would qualify as an official translator and how would they prove they're "officlal"?

[JIJourney 96]

Next question is: it seems that an "official translation" is required? Who would qualify as an official translator and how would they prove they're "officlal"?

Check out the format

http://www.uscis.gov/forms/forms-and-fees/general-tips-assembling-applications-mailing

[KayDeeCee 4,893]

Going to move this post to the Canadian regional forum so you can get answers directly from those that know the process there.

~ Moved from K-1 Process to Canada regional ~

[JIJourney 96]

Also anyone can be the translator. But you must be bilingual in english and said language

[mriver 1]

Actually I think they have to be a "certified translator" as listed on this website: http://ottiaq.org/en/directory/results/

[mriver 1]

Ok now I'm seeing that anyone can translate for you. It just can't be the petitioner or the beneficiary. http://blog.rev.com/articles/translation/can-i-translate-my-birth-certificate-for-immigration/

[KayDeeCee 4,893]

Also anyone can be the translator. But you must be bilingual in english and said language

That is for the USCIS, not DoS. The consulate may have their own instructions.

The checklist posted above is for immigrant visas. This is the K-1 checklist > http://photos.state.gov/libraries/canada/303578/montreal/Packet3-K1-MTL.pdf

I do not see anything listed in it about translations. I hope someone from Canada that has already been through Montreal will come along and let you know for sure.

[Sweetmelissa 82]

That is for the USCIS, not DoS. The consulate may have their own instructions.

The checklist posted above is for immigrant visas. This is the K-1 checklist > http://photos.state.gov/libraries/canada/303578/montreal/Packet3-K1-MTL.pdf

I do not see anything listed in it about translations. I hope someone from Canada that has already been through Montreal will come along and let you know for sure.

The k1 interview checklist I was referring to is on page 6 - i saw that pdf too but assumed the later version was more accurate. Hopefully another canuck can clear this up, I can see why the OP is just as confused.

Edited July 21, 2014 by Sweetmelissa

[JIJourney 96]

When we got an RFE we had to send more proof that we met in person the last 2 years.

So my fiance had to translate some documentation that was in Korean. We got a korean friend to translate it.

But like sweetmelissa said, let's wait for more input

We are all determined to figure this out with you! lol

[LiliBurd 85]

My birth certificate is also in French, and unfortunately the Canadian Government will not issue one in a different language than it was originally issued. I wouldn't risk it, and would get it translated by an official translator which you can find on http://ottiaq.org/en/ From what others have told me in these forums it is not expensive, around $30, and she will most likely need translated copies for further paperwork. Might as well get it done before.

At any rate let me know what she decides to do, and how it all unfolds.

Good luck!

[Udella&Wiz 325]

I would get additional copies if possible because you're going to need it again at further points as you move to the US.

Remember that the US is an english speaking country (yes...let's not get into that discussion) so you should expect to deal with the US government in english from here on in.