Sight Translation in Legal and Immigration Matters

Legal and immigration documents can be difficult to understand, especially when they are written in a language different from the reader’s primary language. Sight translation provides an important bridge by helping the person understand the document clearly, accurately, and promptly before signing it or taking any further action.

What Is Sight Translation?

Sight translation is the oral translation of a written document from one language into another. The translator reads the document and communicates its meaning aloud in the language the client understands.

For example, an Amharic-speaking client may explain the facts of a case to an attorney, and the attorney may use that information to prepare a written statement or declaration in English. A translator can then read the English document aloud in Amharic so the client can confirm that the document accurately reflects the client’s account and understand what is written before signing or using it.

Sight translation is also useful when an Amharic-speaking client receives an English-language notice from USCIS, a court, an attorney, or another government agency. By orally translating the document into Amharic, the translator helps the client understand the information, instructions, and other important details contained in the document.

Unlike written translation, sight translation does not normally produce a translated written document. Its purpose is to help the person understand the document being reviewed.

When Is Sight Translation Useful?

Sight translation can be useful when someone needs to understand an important document before making a decision, signing it, discussing it with an attorney, or attending an appointment.

In legal matters, sight translation may be useful for documents such as:

• court notices and orders;

• affidavits and declarations;

• letters from attorneys or government agencies;

• contracts and agreements;

• legal forms; and

• other documents that a client needs to understand before discussing or signing them.

  
  

In immigration matters, it may be useful when reviewing:

• USCIS notices and correspondence;

• immigration applications and petitions;

• Requests for Evidence and other USCIS communications;

• asylum declarations and supporting statements;

• birth, marriage, divorce, and other civil documents; and

• documents that may be discussed during an immigration consultation or interview.

Sight translation can be particularly helpful when reviewing a declaration or application before it is signed. Names, dates, locations, and descriptions of events should be understood carefully, especially when the information may later be reviewed by USCIS or an immigration court.

Sight Translation Is Not a Substitute for Written Translation

Sight translation and certified written translation serve different purposes.

If a foreign-language document is submitted to USCIS, an oral sight translation is not enough. Under 8 C.F.R. § 103.2(b)(3), a document containing a foreign language that is submitted to USCIS must be accompanied by a full English-language translation. The translator must certify that the translation is complete and accurate and that the translator is competent to translate from the foreign language into English.

For example, a translator may sight-translate an Amharic birth certificate so that a client understands its contents. But if that birth certificate is submitted to USCIS, the applicable USCIS rule requires the separate written English translation and translator certification described above.

Sight Translation and Interpreting Are Also Different

Sight translation involves written material that is translated orally. Interpretation generally involves converting spoken communication from one language into another.

This distinction can matter in immigration proceedings. For many asylum interviews, an applicant who cannot proceed in English must have a competent interpreter who meets the requirements of 8 C.F.R. § 208.9(g). The regulation also limits who may act as the applicant’s interpreter in covered interviews.

In immigration court, 8 C.F.R. § 1240.5 provides that a person acting as an interpreter at a hearing before an immigration judge must be sworn to interpret and translate accurately, unless the person is a U.S. government employee.

Sight translation before an interview or hearing therefore should not be confused with the interpretation provided during the actual proceeding.

Why Accuracy Matters

Legal and immigration documents often contain names, dates, deadlines, technical terminology, and other details that can be important. A sight translator should communicate what the document says accurately and should not add, omit, or change information.

The translator’s role is to help the client understand the language of the document.

Questions about what the document means legally, what immigration option a person should pursue, how someone should respond to a government notice, or what evidence should be submitted should be directed to a licensed attorney or other person authorized to provide immigration legal services.

References: 8 C.F.R. § 103.2(b)(3); 8 C.F.R. § 208.9(g); 8 C.F.R. § 1240.5.

Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Grand Notary & Communication Services and its staff do not provide legal advice.

Grand Notary & Communication Services provides accurate, clear, and reliable sight translation to help you understand important documents with confidence.