Do I Need an Interpreter When I Adjust My Green Card Status?

Interpreters are great support for those who might not feel comfortable speaking English during their green card interview. Though it seems customary for the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to have foreign language interpreters on site – they unfortunately do not. A permanent residency attorney would strongly encourage hiring a professional or bringing a friend with you to increase your chances of getting approval.

Are There Criteria for Interpreters?

If you choose to hire an interpreter, they do not have to be trained or licensed – though it is recommended. The USCIS will not accept someone who is younger than 18 years old and a non-U.S. citizen or resident.

The only paperwork needed is Form G-1256 (Declaration for Interpreted USCIS Interview). It is a binding agreement that your interpreter will wholly and accurately translate what the interviewing officer is saying and keep the information confidential. You both must sign the form at the beginning of the scheduled interview.

Tips For Success

Getting to the interview process is a big accomplishment! At our law offices of immigration, we want to ensure you ace your interview.

• Take a few moments to practice days or weeks beforehand. Even someone who is bilingual can make mistakes. Have your interpreter review your application with you. Ensure they are familiar with immigration vocabulary and terms.
• Keep your answers short and honest. This will give the immigration officer a better understanding of who you are. And interpreters are likely to forget and miscommunicate lengthy responses.
• Be vocal and ask questions. If you don’t understand what is being asked of you or feel that a question was offensive, you should let the officer know. They’ll understand, provide the answers needed, or proceed to the next question.

If you need further immigration help or more information regarding interpreters, you can request a consultation to speak with David Grey, the best green card lawyer in LA.