Frankfurt Consulate: Translating German documents into English

[hhN400 3]

I'm in the process of getting a K3 visa for my German wife. Does anybody have any experience whether the consulate in Frankfurt requires translations of German documents (for example, Polizeiliches Fuehrungszeugnis, etc.) to be done by professional translators, or can I simply translate the documents myself? In the past, in other dealings with US government agencies, I've always done all translations myself certifying that I am fluent in English and German (which I am) and there has never been a problem. I'm just wondering what the Frankfurt Consulate's procedure is in such matters.

Thanks.

--hh

[Otto 83]

I'm in the process of getting a K3 visa for my German wife. Does anybody have any experience whether the consulate in Frankfurt requires translations of German documents (for example, Polizeiliches Fuehrungszeugnis, etc.) to be done by professional translators, or can I simply translate the documents myself? In the past, in other dealings with US government agencies, I've always done all translations myself certifying that I am fluent in English and German (which I am) and there has never been a problem. I'm just wondering what the Frankfurt Consulate's procedure is in such matters.

Thanks.

--hh

• We did not translate the police certificate - the instructions ask for certified original.
  
• Birth Certificate; we ordered International ones (requires no translation) this is the best option for the long-term also - very easy to get from the Standesbeamte.
  
• No other documents were required (by Frankfurt) to be translated (including medical) for our K1.
  

Edited April 10, 2007 by Karin und Otto

[hhN400 3]

• We did not translate the police certificate - the instructions ask for certified original.
  
• Birth Certificate; we ordered International ones (requires no translation) this is the best option for the long-term also - very easy to get from the Standesbeamte.
  
• No other documents were required (by Frankfurt) to be translated (including medical) for our K1.
  

Thanks, K&O. I knew about the International Birth Certificate, but not needing translations of other documents certainly makes things much easier.

Good luck with your upcoming interview!

--hh

[Magnolia31 0]

I got two things translated. My divorce decree and my birth certificate. I had an international birth certificate but was told that when I apply for AOS in the US, the international one may not be accepted. So, I just called the Standesamt in the city i was born and requested a regular one and had it translated. So now I have both birth certificates.

As far as you translating it yourself, Im not sure.

I'm in the process of getting a K3 visa for my German wife. Does anybody have any experience whether the consulate in Frankfurt requires translations of German documents (for example, Polizeiliches Fuehrungszeugnis, etc.) to be done by professional translators, or can I simply translate the documents myself? In the past, in other dealings with US government agencies, I've always done all translations myself certifying that I am fluent in English and German (which I am) and there has never been a problem. I'm just wondering what the Frankfurt Consulate's procedure is in such matters.

Thanks.

--hh

[MaydayDas 1]

I used a professional translator , I got instructions from the Consulate that all non english documents must be accompanied by a certified translation. Better safe than sorry!