Question 1

What is a certified translation?

Accepted Answer

A certified translation is a translation accompanied by a signed statement from the translator confirming that the translation is accurate and complete to the best of their knowledge. This certification is required by USCIS, federal courts, state agencies, universities, and other official institutions in the United States.

Question 2

Who needs a certified translation?

Accepted Answer

Anyone submitting foreign-language documents to a U.S. government agency, immigration authority, court, university, or professional licensing board typically needs a certified translation. Common situations include immigration applications, university admissions, credential evaluations, court proceedings, and employment verification.

Question 3

What is an ATA-certified translator?

Accepted Answer

An ATA-certified translator has passed a rigorous examination administered by the American Translators Association (ATA), the largest professional association for translators in the United States. Marcela Arenas holds ATA Certification #64082 for English into Spanish, verifiable at atanet.org.

Question 4

Is an ATA-certified translation accepted by USCIS?

Accepted Answer

Yes. USCIS accepts certified translations from any competent translator who attests to the accuracy and completeness of the translation. ATA-certified translators such as Marcela Arenas meet and exceed this requirement.

Question 5

Are your translations accepted for immigration purposes?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our certified translations meet USCIS requirements and are accepted by immigration authorities, federal agencies, courts, and official institutions. Marcela Arenas is an ATA-certified translator (Certification #64082).

Question 6

What is the difference between a certified translation and a notarized translation?

Accepted Answer

A certified translation includes a signed statement from the translator attesting to its accuracy. A notarized translation involves a notary public witnessing the translator's signature on that statement. Some institutions require notarization in addition to certification. A translator cannot notarize their own signature — a separate notary is required.

Question 7

How is Connecta Translations different from online translation services?

Accepted Answer

Connecta Translations provides human translation by an ATA-certified professional with more than 35 years of experience. Unlike automated or crowdsourced services, every translation is personally prepared by Marcela Arenas, ensuring accuracy, cultural nuance, and official acceptance by USCIS, courts, and institutions.

Question 8

Do I need to mail my original documents?

Accepted Answer

No. A clear scan or high-quality photo of your documents is sufficient for most translation projects. You do not need to mail original documents.

Question 9

How long does a certified translation take?

Accepted Answer

Standard turnaround is 2 to 5 business days for most documents. Rush service may be available for urgent needs. Complex or lengthy documents may require additional time.

Question 10

What documents can be translated?

Accepted Answer

Connecta Translations handles birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, passports, visas, driver's licenses, academic transcripts, diplomas, medical records, legal contracts, court documents, business documents, and more.

Question 11

Is Marcela Arenas ATA-certified?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Marcela Arenas is an ATA-certified English-into-Spanish translator (Certification #64082), verifiable at atanet.org. ATA certification is the most widely recognized professional credential in the translation industry in the United States.

Question 12

How much does a certified translation cost?

Accepted Answer

Pricing depends on the document type, length, and complexity. Contact Connecta Translations at hola@connectatranslations.com or call +1 (941) 264-9649 for a free, no-obligation quote.

Question 13

Is my document information kept confidential?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Marcela Arenas abides by the strict ATA Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility. All documents and personal information are handled with complete confidentiality and are never shared with third parties.

Question 14

Does Connecta Translations follow a professional code of ethics?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Marcela Arenas abides by the American Translators Association Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility, which requires confidentiality, accuracy, impartiality, and continuous professional development.

Question 15

What languages does Connecta Translations work with?

Accepted Answer

Connecta Translations specializes in English-Spanish and Spanish-English translation. Marcela Arenas is ATA-certified for English into Spanish.

Question 16

Where is Connecta Translations located?

Accepted Answer

Connecta Translations is based in Bradenton, Florida, and serves clients throughout Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, and all of Florida. Remote services are available nationwide.

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