Common mistakes translating immigration documents

Why does translating only part of a document get a file rejected?

Because authorities require a complete translation of everything on the document, not just the main text. Leaving out stamps, margin notes, the back of the page or the apostille is one of the most common reasons a file comes back. A translation by a TPA certified under Executive Decree 975 of 2017 reproduces the whole document, so always send the full original, including pages that look secondary.

Completeness does not cost you a full extra page. After the first 250 words, pricing is per word: each additional word costs $0.08 in English ↔ Spanish, so 10 extra words of stamps and notes add $0.80, not another $20 page.

Should I apostille my document before or after translating it?

Before. Apostille (or legalize) the original in the country that issued it, then have it translated in Panama so the translation includes that certification. If you translate first and apostille later, the apostille is missing from the translation and the counter usually returns the file. Fixing it means paying for the translation again, from $20 per page.

Lingo does not handle apostilles. Foreign documents are apostilled in their country of origin, and Panamanian documents directly at MIRE or through your attorney. Our guide on how to apostille and translate documents in Panama explains the order, and this one covers apostille vs consular legalization.

Filing with USCIS?

USCIS does not require an apostille. The certified translation under 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3) is enough on its own, with no apostille of the original or the translation.

Who is allowed to translate immigration documents in Panama?

Only a Certified Public Translator (TPA), certified under Executive Decree 975 of 2017 and listed on MIRE's register. A simple translation, a do-it-yourself version or one by someone without those credentials has no validity before the National Immigration Service, the Civil Registry or Panamanian universities. Always check that whoever translates your documents is registered.

This also catches people who had their documents translated back home. Even if that translation is official where it was made, Panamanian authorities normally ask for it to be redone here by a local TPA. Here is how to verify a certified translator in Panama.

Why must the names match my passport exactly?

Because the translated name has to match your passport and the rest of your file exactly. Differences in accent marks, second surnames or transliterated names raise doubts at the counter and, in USCIS cases, can lead to a Request for Evidence (RFE). A TPA registered under Executive Decree 975 of 2017 keeps names consistent and, when something is ambiguous, keeps the name exactly as it appears on your ID.

The easy fix: send a copy of your passport along with the document, so the translator can transcribe your name exactly as it appears there.

How far ahead should I get my documents ready?

Not too far. Some base documents, such as police certificates and single-status certificates, have a short validity. If you request, apostille and translate them too early, they can expire before your appointment and you will have to start over. The translation itself takes up to 3 business days in Standard, so it does not need to be done months in advance.

Plan these documents close to your filing date so the original is still valid when you hand it in. If the date is tight, Express delivers in 1 business day (+50%). See the single-status certificate and criminal record translations pages for details.

What should I check before sending my documents?

Six quick checks cover every mistake above. They take a few minutes and can spare you from paying for a translation twice or redoing an apostille. With each document apostilled and sent in full, a TPA registered with MIRE delivers the signed and sealed translation in up to 3 business days, ready to file:

Confirm with your attorney or the authority exactly which documents your process requires.
Apostille each foreign document in its country of origin, or legalize it through consular channels, before translating.
Send the whole document: front and back, stamps, margin notes and the apostille page.
Include a copy of your passport so names are transcribed exactly.
Make sure the translation will be signed and sealed by a TPA registered with MIRE.
Time short-validity documents, like police certificates, close to your filing date.

Frequently asked questions

What happens if only part of my document is translated?

The authority will usually reject the file. A complete translation is required, including stamps, margin notes, the back of the page and the apostille, and a partial one is treated as incomplete, so it has to be redone. Send the whole document to the TPA, even sections that look irrelevant. Past the first 250 words, extra words cost $0.08 each, not a new page.

Will Panama accept a translation made in my home country?

Normally not. Even if it is official where it was made, a translation done abroad lacks the credentials of a Certified Public Translator registered with MIRE under Executive Decree 975 of 2017, which is what Panamanian authorities require. For a process in Panama, the translation usually has to be redone by a local TPA, starting at $20 per 250-word page.

How do I avoid problems with names?

Send a copy of your passport with the document so the TPA transcribes your name exactly the same way. It matters most with second surnames, accent marks and names transliterated from other alphabets, where an inconsistent spelling can trigger a Request for Evidence in a USCIS case. Our translators are registered with MIRE under Executive Decree 975 of 2017.

Do USCIS filings need an apostille too?

No. For filings with USCIS, the certified translation under 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3) is enough on its own: a complete English translation with the translator's signed certification of accuracy and competence. No apostille of the original or the translation is needed, and no notarization. Apostilles matter for other destinations, such as foreign documents you file with Panamanian authorities.

Can Lingo apostille my documents for me?

No. Lingo does not provide apostilles or notarization. Foreign documents are apostilled in their country of origin, and Panamanian documents directly at MIRE or through your attorney. What we do is the certified translation, signed and sealed by a TPA registered with MIRE, in up to 3 business days for Standard delivery, and we tell you the right order of steps.

Common mistakes when translating documents for immigration