Translation Format

[Theonlywhale 1]

My marriage certificate and much of my evidence will need to be translated from Japanese. My question is about the format of the translation. Does the format have to exactly match the document itself? Or can I simply point out which part of the document is being translated and have it off to the side? (In an organized manner, of course). Some of these documents are difficult to find blank copies or replicate the format. Thanks!

[green_rabbit 69]

3 minutes ago, Theonlywhale said:

My marriage certificate and much of my evidence will need to be translated from Japanese. My question is about the format of the translation. Does the format have to exactly match the document itself? Or can I simply point out which part of the document is being translated and have it off to the side? (In an organized manner, of course). Some of these documents are difficult to find blank copies or replicate the format. Thanks!

I have always just used tables in Word to format the translated document as close as possible to the original so it's easier to line up as need be. It's not an exact match, bit I've never had any problems, and I've done translations between English and both Japanese and French.

[Theonlywhale 1]

17 minutes ago, green_rabbit said:

I have always just used tables in Word to format the translated document as close as possible to the original so it's easier to line up as need be. It's not an exact match, bit I've never had any problems, and I've done translations between English and both Japanese and French.

Great! That gives me some peace of mind then. I'll just do my best to replicate the format in word. Thanks.

[Timona 4,207]

I believe  you can just summarize the whole thing. You don't need to replicate format by format. 

 

Add a certified translation statement at the bottom. @Lucky Cat has one or you can just Google 

[Chancy 6,241]

44 minutes ago, Theonlywhale said:

I'll just do my best to replicate the format in word.

 

I recommend that as well.  Also, make sure to include your certification on all the translation documents.  Check this VJ guide for an example --

 

 

[Theonlywhale 1]

1 hour ago, Chancy said:

 

I recommend that as well.  Also, make sure to include your certification on all the translation documents.  Check this VJ guide for an example --

 

 

Regarding the translation certification, is that also all we need for the marriage certificate as well? I'm planning to translate and certify it myself but some people have said we would need to go through a service to get an official translation of that. 

[Chancy 6,241]

1 minute ago, Theonlywhale said:

some people have said we would need to go through a service to get an official translation of that. 

 

Not required, but if the municipal office offers that service for free or a minimal fee, might as well avail of it if you can get the translation quickly.  If not, you may translate it yourself as long as you are fluent in the language.

 

Reminder that USCIS will expect this particular document for foreigners married in Japan: Certificate of Acceptance of Notification of Marriage (Konin juri shomeisho) -- "records for non-Japanese citizens are normally issued in the form of a certificate of acceptance of report. This document is not considered valid without the seal from the Municipal Office. Please note this document is sometimes issued on non-security paper."  https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/Visa-Reciprocity-and-Civil-Documents-by-Country/Japan.html

 

The seal from the municipal office does not need to be on your translation, but you do need to translate what the seal says if there are Japanese characters on it.