USCIS FORM I-90
Certified Translation for USCIS Form I-90 (Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card)
Every foreign-language document you file with Form I-90 must include a complete certified English translation (8 CFR 103.2(b)(3)). Translation HelpDesk certifies each supporting document for about $15–25, delivered in 24–48 hours and accepted by USCIS or we fix it free.
Updated July 11, 2026 · Translation guidance, not legal advice — confirm requirements with USCIS or your attorney.
WHAT FORM I-90 IS
Form I-90 at a Glance
Form I-90 is filed by lawful permanent residents to replace or renew their Permanent Resident Card (green card, Form I-551) — for example when the card is expiring or expired, was lost, stolen, damaged, or never received, contains incorrect biographical data, needs updating after a legal name change, or when the holder has reached age 14. It re-issues the physical card; it does not grant, re-adjudicate, or extend your underlying permanent resident status.
TRANSLATION REQUIREMENTS
Which Documents Need Translation
Here is what makes Form I-90 unusual for translation purposes: most filings need no translation at all. A straightforward renewal of an expiring card, or a replacement for one that was lost, stolen, or damaged, rests on a photocopy of your existing Permanent Resident Card — a document USCIS already issued in English — so there is nothing foreign to translate. The certified-translation duty under 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3) is triggered only when you attach foreign-language civil documents, which happens in two specific I-90 situations: (1) you checked the legal-name-change reason and are proving it with a foreign marriage certificate, divorce decree, adoption decree, or court order registered with the proper civil authority; and (2) you are correcting incorrect biographical data — a misspelled name or wrong date of birth — and must document the correct information with a foreign birth certificate or similar record. In those cases each foreign document must carry a full English translation plus the translator's signed certification that the translation is complete and accurate and that they are competent to translate — the exact certification language USCIS reviewers expect. A non-English passport used as government-issued ID when your card never arrived falls under the same rule if its biographic page is not already in English. Because the correct evidence turns entirely on why you are filing, treat this as translation guidance only and confirm your document list against the current Form I-90 instructions or with an immigration attorney before you submit. Translation HelpDesk provides a signed Certificate of Accuracy meeting 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3) for exactly these supporting documents.
- Foreign marriage certificate (proof of a legal name change after marriage)
- Foreign divorce decree or dissolution judgment (reverting to a former/maiden name)
- Foreign court order or civil registry name-change decree
- Foreign adoption decree changing a legal name
- Foreign birth certificate (to correct a wrong date of birth or misspelled name on the card)
- Non-English passport biographic page (used as government-issued ID when the card was lost, stolen, or never received)
TIPS
Filing Tips
Do not translate your green card itself — it is already in English from USCIS. For a renewal or replacement, just photocopy the front and back of your existing card; certified translation applies only to foreign-language supporting documents.
Make names reconcile with the form. When your evidence is a foreign marriage certificate or court order, the certified translation must render your prior and new names exactly as they will appear in the I-90 name fields — our native-speaker specialists preserve accents, hyphens, and name order so nothing looks like a mismatch.
Attach the certified translation to a photocopy of the foreign original, not to originals — USCIS accepts photocopies of civil documents unless it specifically asks for originals, and it keeps whatever you send.
A birth or marriage certificate typically runs $15-25 total at $0.05/word with 24-48h turnaround; every job ships with a signed Certificate of Accuracy and is backed by our USCIS Rejection Pledge (we fix it free and cover the resubmission fee). Free 250-word sample by email at info@translationhelpdesk.com.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to translate my current green card to file Form I-90?
No. Your Permanent Resident Card is issued in English by USCIS, so you simply photocopy the front and back. Translation under 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3) applies only to foreign-language supporting documents you attach, such as a marriage certificate or foreign birth certificate.
I'm just renewing an expiring card with no name change. Will I need any translations?
Usually none. A standard renewal, or a replacement for a lost, stolen, or damaged card, relies on a copy of your existing card and, if needed, a government-issued photo ID. Certified translations enter the picture only when you are documenting a legal name change or correcting biographical data with foreign civil records.
My name changed after a marriage abroad — what needs translating?
The foreign marriage certificate you attach as proof of the name change. It must be registered with the proper civil authority and, if not in English, accompanied by a full certified translation meeting 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3). If instead you reverted to a former name through divorce, the foreign divorce decree needs the same certified translation.
The card USCIS issued shows my date of birth or name incorrectly. What do I submit?
You send evidence of the correct information — often a foreign birth certificate — which must have a certified English translation if it is not in English. Note that if the error was caused by USCIS, you may be able to refile at no charge; confirm your situation with USCIS or an attorney.
How much does the translation cost and how fast can I get it?
At $0.05/word, a typical birth or marriage certificate is about $15-25 total, usually delivered in 24-48 hours with a signed Certificate of Accuracy. We offer a free 250-word sample and a USCIS Rejection Pledge, and you can reach founder Victor Luján's team by email at info@translationhelpdesk.com.
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