Vietnamese Vaccination Records: Certified Translation for I-693?
💡 Yes: any Vietnamese-language vaccination record you present to a civil surgeon for Form I-693 needs a complete certified English translation, per 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3). No apostille, no notarization, and no certified true copy are required - only the translation with a signed translator certificate of accuracy.
- Vietnamese vaccination records at a Form I-693 medical exam must be certified translated into English so the civil surgeon can read and credit each dose.
- 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3) requires a complete English translation with the translator's signed certificate of accuracy for every non-English document submitted to USCIS.
- No apostille, no notarization, and no certified true copy are needed - a plain photocopy of the original card plus the certified translation is all USCIS requires.
- If the civil surgeon cannot read your vaccination dates or vaccine names, uncredited doses may require titer tests or catch-up shots, delaying your medical clearance.
- I provide certified Vietnamese medical document translations with a signed certificate of accuracy; the original card stays with you.
| What you bring to the civil surgeon | Required for I-693? | Who provides it |
|---|---|---|
| Certified English translation of Vietnamese vaccination records | Yes - if records are in Vietnamese | Certified translator |
| Plain photocopy of the original Vietnamese card | Yes - keep alongside the translation | You (photocopy the original) |
| Apostille on the original vaccination record | No - USCIS does not require apostille | Not applicable |
| Certified true copy of the original vaccination card | No - a plain copy is sufficient | Not applicable |
| Notarized translation | No - unless specifically requested by your civil surgeon | Not applicable under 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3) |
What vaccination records does a civil surgeon check for Form I-693?
The civil surgeon completing Form I-693 Part 4 reviews your vaccination history against the CDC schedule required by USCIS. If you were vaccinated in Vietnam, your record is typically a giấy xác nhận tiêm chủng (vaccination confirmation) or a sổ tiêm phòng (vaccination booklet) - both written in Vietnamese. The civil surgeon needs to confirm the vaccine name, the date of each dose, the dose number for multi-dose series, and the clinic or provider name. Without a certified English translation, the civil surgeon cannot read or credit doses recorded in Vietnamese, which can stall your medical clearance.
The governing rule: 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3)
Under USCIS regulations (8 CFR 103.2(b)(3)), any foreign-language document submitted to USCIS must be accompanied by a complete English translation. The translator must also provide a certification that the translation is accurate and complete, and that the translator is competent to perform it. This rule covers Form I-693 supporting documents, including your Vietnamese vaccination records. The certification is a signed statement - not a notarial act, and not an apostille.
Does my Vietnamese vaccination record need an apostille?
No. USCIS does not require an apostille on any document in a US immigration filing. An apostille authenticates the seal of the official who signed an original document, for use in Hague Convention member countries. USCIS is a US federal agency and requires certified translation of non-English documents, not Hague authentication. This remains true even after Vietnam joins the Apostille Convention on 11 September 2026. When needed for other purposes, the apostille goes on the original Vietnamese document - never on the certified translation, and never on a USCIS submission.
For a certified Vietnamese medical document translation with a signed certificate of accuracy - ready for your civil surgeon and your USCIS file - send me your vaccination card or health record and I will return a translation that meets 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3).
What the certified translation of Vietnamese vaccination records must include
The translation must cover every visible item on your Vietnamese card: each vaccine name in English (generic, not brand name), the date of each dose in a clear format, the dose number for multi-dose series, and the clinic or provider name plus any visible stamp. Handwritten provider notes must also be translated. The translator attaches a signed certificate of accuracy confirming completeness and competence. A missing dose date or clinic name can mean the civil surgeon is unable to credit that shot - which may then require a titer blood test to confirm immunity.
What if my Vietnamese vaccination records are missing or incomplete?
If you have no records, or your Vietnamese records are only partial, the civil surgeon will advise you. They may order a titer blood test to confirm immunity, recommend a catch-up vaccination, or document a medical exception. Bring whatever records you have: even a partial vaccination booklet with one or two confirmed doses can reduce the number of catch-up shots needed. The civil surgeon decides what is creditable; the certified translation simply ensures they can read the information you do have.
See also: Does USCIS require a certified true copy of Vietnamese documents?, does certified translation need to be notarized, USCIS certified translation rules for 2026, and certified Vietnamese medical records translation.
FAQ
My vaccination card has a mix of Vietnamese and English - does the whole card need translation?
Only the Vietnamese-language portions need certified translation. Fields already in English, such as a vaccine name or date, are noted as-is in the translation. The translator produces one complete document the civil surgeon can follow without referring to the original card.
Can the civil surgeon translate my Vietnamese vaccination records themselves?
No. The civil surgeon reviews your vaccination history but cannot certify a translation under 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3). The certification must come from a competent translator who signs a statement of accuracy. Bring a certified translation to your appointment so the exam can proceed without delays.
Does my certified translation of Vietnamese vaccination records need notarization?
No - unless your civil surgeon or USCIS specifically requests it. USCIS requires the translator's signed certificate of accuracy, which is a separate concept from a notarial act. Notarization authenticates a signature; it does not replace or improve the translation certification itself.
What if I have no vaccination records from Vietnam at all?
The civil surgeon will work with what you have. Without records, they will likely order titer tests to check immunity for required vaccines, or administer catch-up doses. Some vaccines cannot be confirmed by titer, in which case re-vaccination is the outcome. Missing records are common and are not disqualifying, but they add time and cost to your medical exam.
How quickly can I get a certified translation before my I-693 appointment?
A standard certified translation of a Vietnamese vaccination card typically takes one to two business days. Rush turnaround is often available if your appointment is soon. Contact me with your document and appointment date to confirm the delivery time.
Written by Dao Huy (Lucas), Vietnamese translator & localization specialist (EN · ZH · FR → Vietnamese). See translation services → · Certified Documents →