One of the most common questions applicants ask is:
“Do I need to use a translator located in my city?”
Whether filing immigration documents in Chicago or submitting academic records in Boston, many people assume that the translator must be physically located in the same state.
In most cases, this assumption is incorrect.
What Actually Defines a Certified Translation in the U.S.
In the United States, certified translation is defined by format and certification — not by geographic location.
For official use, a certified translation must include:
- A complete English translation of all visible text
- A signed certification confirming accuracy
- A statement of translator competence
Federal immigration authorities and most academic institutions focus on these elements — not on the city where the translator operates.
Boston: Academic Submissions and Institutional Review
In Boston, a large number of certified translations are submitted for university admissions and academic credential review.
What institutions typically evaluate:
- Completeness of academic transcript translation
- Consistency of terminology
- Proper certification statement
They do not require the translator to be physically located in Massachusetts.
You can review detailed certified translation requirements in Boston here:
https://translation.center/boston/certified-translation
Chicago: Immigration and Civil Documentation
In Chicago, certified translation demand is strongly connected to immigration filings and civil documentation.
Common use cases include:
- Birth and marriage certificates
- Divorce decrees
- Police and court records
Again, federal standards apply equally in Illinois and nationwide.
More about certified translation services in Chicago can be found here:
https://translation.center/chicago/certified-translation
When Location Might Matter
There are limited scenarios where additional steps may be required, such as:
- Explicit notarization requests
- Court-specific formatting rules
- Program-specific institutional policies
However, even in those cases, the issue is certification format — not the physical city of the translator.
Why the “Local Translator” Myth Exists
The confusion often comes from other legal systems where sworn translators must be licensed in a specific jurisdiction.
The U.S. system works differently.
Certified translation acceptance is based on:
- Accuracy
- Completeness
- Signed certification
City boundaries do not determine compliance.
Quick Answers
Do I need a Boston-based translator for Boston submissions?
No. Certification format matters, not physical location.
Do immigration filings in Chicago require a local translator?
No. Federal standards apply nationwide.
Is notarization automatically required?
No. Only if explicitly requested by the receiving authority.
Whether submitting documents in Boston or Chicago, certified translation is evaluated based on compliance with federal and institutional standards — not on geographic proximity.
Applicants who understand this distinction reduce the risk of delays, resubmissions, and unnecessary complications.
