Chinese business license translation for US immigration
A Chinese business license (营业执照) is a single-page certificate built around an 18-character Unified Social Credit Code (统一社会信用代码, USCC) — the code, company name, legal representative, registered capital, and business scope all need to be translated exactly and matched consistently against every other exhibit that references the company.
USCIS requirement: Under 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3), the business license needs a full English translation with a translator's certification of completeness and accuracy, just like any other foreign-language exhibit. Since 2015's 'Three-in-One' reform, the license consolidates what used to be three separate certificates (business registration, tax registration, organization code) into the single USCC — older-format licenses without a USCC are still sometimes encountered and should be translated as issued, not updated to the new format.
Common mistakes that trigger an RFE
USCC transcribed with a digit or character error
The 18-character Unified Social Credit Code is the single legal identifier for the company — a transcription error breaks the ability to cross-reference the company against China's National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System, and against every other exhibit that cites the same USCC.
Legal representative (法定代表人) name inconsistent with other exhibits
The legal representative's name should be translated (and romanized) exactly the same way across the business license, any employment letters, and any recommendation letters that reference the company's leadership.
Business scope (经营范围) paraphrased instead of translated in full
The business scope field is often a long, specific text block describing exactly what activities the company is licensed to perform. Summarizing it instead of translating it in full can make it harder for an officer to confirm the company's licensed activities match the applicant's claimed role or employer.
FAQ
What is the Unified Social Credit Code, and does it need to be translated?
It's the 18-character alphanumeric identifier that is the sole legal ID for a company registered in mainland China. It should appear in the translation exactly as printed on the original — it isn't translated into a different format, just transcribed accurately.
Do I need the original license (正本) or the duplicate (副本) translated?
Either is generally acceptable for translation purposes since they carry the same registration information — check with your attorney if a specific version is required for your filing.
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