Frequently AskedQuestions

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.

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.

An ATA-certified translator has passed a rigorous translation examination administered by the American Translators Association (ATA), the largest professional association for translators and interpreters in the United States. ATA certification is widely recognized as a mark of professional competence and is accepted by USCIS, courts, and institutions. Marcela Arenas holds ATA Certification #64082 for English into Spanish, verifiable at atanet.org.

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, as ATA certification demonstrates professional competence recognized across the translation industry.

Yes. Connecta Translations specializes exclusively in English-to-Spanish and Spanish-to-English translation. This focused specialization ensures the highest possible quality and accuracy in every project. We do not offer translation services in other language pairs.

We translate a wide range of official documents, including birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, death certificates, passports, national ID cards, diplomas, transcripts, academic records, court documents, affidavits, contracts, immigration documents, medical records, and business documents.

Yes. While we are based in the Bradenton, Sarasota, and Lakewood Ranch area, we serve clients throughout the United States and internationally. Most translation projects can be handled entirely online — you send your documents by email, and we deliver the completed translation digitally.

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. Machine-translated documents are generally not accepted for official purposes.

Yes. Every translation from Connecta Translations is certified. Marcela Arenas is an ATA-certified English-into-Spanish translator (Certification #64082), verifiable at atanet.org.

Yes. Our certified translations meet USCIS requirements and are accepted by immigration authorities, federal agencies, courts, and official institutions. USCIS requires that translations be certified as accurate and complete by a competent translator, and Marcela Arenas fulfills this requirement as an ATA-certified translator.

Yes. Marcela Arenas is a commissioned Florida Notary Public. This means she can notarize documents for clients as a separate service. However, a translator cannot notarize their own translation — notarization and translation certification are two distinct services.

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. Connecta Translations can assist with both, though a translator cannot notarize their own signature — a separate notary is required for notarization.

Yes. Academic document translation is one of our core specialties. We translate diplomas, transcripts, academic records, course descriptions, and school letters for university admissions, credential evaluations, professional licensing, and immigration purposes.

Yes. Our certified translations are accepted by NACES-member credential evaluation agencies and professional licensing boards. If you have specific requirements from an evaluation agency, please share them when requesting your quote.

Simply send a scan or clear photo of your document to hola@connectatranslations.com or use the contact form on this website. You will receive a free, no-obligation quote within one business day, including pricing and estimated turnaround time.

Turnaround time depends on the length and complexity of the document. Most standard documents are completed within 2 to 5 business days. Rush service may be available for urgent needs — please mention your deadline when requesting a quote.

Pricing is based on the length and complexity of the document, the language direction (English to Spanish or Spanish to English), and the turnaround time required. You will receive a clear, itemized quote before any work begins.

No. In most cases, a clear scan or high-quality photo of your document is sufficient. You can send your documents securely by email. If a physical original is ever required, we will let you know in advance.

Yes. A clear scan or high-quality photo is acceptable for most translation projects. Please ensure the entire document is visible, including any stamps, seals, or signatures, as these are part of the official record and must be translated.

Yes. All documents and personal information submitted to Connecta Translations are handled with strict confidentiality. We do not share your documents or personal information with third parties. Your privacy is taken seriously at every step of the process.

Yes. Marcela Arenas abides by the American Translators Association Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility, which requires confidentiality, accuracy, impartiality, and continuous professional development. This code governs every translation project, regardless of document type or client.