Translators for Interview

[PA2DR 140]

We just got our interview scheduled and  I am waiting on the notice now. My husbands first language is Spanish. Even though he can hold his own I would rather be safe than sorry. Who can be a translator? Aren't there co-vid precautions? TIA

[Crazy Cat 39,267]

Translator by phone?

[PA2DR 140]

is that a thing? That def would work for us. Thanks! 

[Loren Y 2,732]

I'm not a big fan of the translator by phone, didn't work for our AOS interview because it was 3pm interview on west coast time, problem was phone translator was closed after 5pm east coast time. Better to have a in person translator. Check your local DMV website for authorized translator, they are on the DMV site, they are usually approved for federal offices also.

[PA2DR 140]

7 minutes ago, Loren Y said:

I'm not a big fan of the translator by phone, didn't work for our AOS interview because it was 3pm interview on west coast time, problem was phone translator was closed after 5pm east coast time. Better to have a in person translator. Check your local DMV website for authorized translator, they are on the DMV site, they are usually approved for federal offices also.

Ohhhhh Its a phone service!!! I was thinking we could personally call someone we know that speaks both languages. Ugh. Thanks! 

[Letspaintcookies 2,208]

1 minute ago, PA2DR said:

Ohhhhh Its a phone service!!! I was thinking we could personally call someone we know that speaks both languages. Ugh. Thanks! 

Yes you can do that too. It's described in the interview letter because of covid.

[Ryan H 3,791]

***Hijack post and replies to said post removed; if you have your own question, you need to start your own thread.***

[qrk 104]

13 hours ago, PA2DR said:

We just got our interview scheduled and  I am waiting on the notice now. My husbands first language is Spanish. Even though he can hold his own I would rather be safe than sorry. Who can be a translator? Aren't there co-vid precautions? TIA

The interpreter must be fluent in English and the applicant language, Impartial (not a family member or someone who would benefit from the applicant getting approved), a US citizen over 18 years old (I believe LPR are also allowed, even though I'm not sure), must have a valid ID. There is a form to fill.  https://www.uscis.gov/g-1256. In our case, the on phone interpreter meant that the interpreter had to appear at USCIS office, show an ID and sign the form. After signing the from in front of the officer, The interpreter was asked to sit in a separate room @USCIS office waiting area and interpreted over the phone so the interview room wont be too crowded (covid 19). It wasn't like he was interpreting over the phone from home or work, etc.

Edited February 15, 2021 by qrk

[Thunderbolt 162]

You can arrange your personal translator to be available via phone. Don't relay on the people from the government.

The requirement is that the translator on the phone will submit document stating that he/she is fluent in English/Spanish (in your case).

That's all.

I've hired a lady from Texas over the contracting website. She emailed me that one pager with the statement about her ability of speaking fluently Thai/English.

I've submitted this document to the officer at the interview, but we didn't have to use her.

It's up to you if you want to have phone interpreter or not.

Good luck.

[erdosnew 6]

Just want to share our experience:

 

we had our AoS interview today, my k1 wife doesn't speak English well, so the interview was conducted via a translator over the phone with USCIS immigration officer.  All went well, we brought signed copy of g-1256 Interpreter Declaration form with us. 

[Alpha8 10]

Hello all. We have our adjustment of status interview coming up. We will need a translator as she speaks Spanish. I'm just trying to figure out if we need to setup our own translator over the phone or if they provide one in 2022. Do we find some body and bring the declaration with us with their phone numbers . Any help will be appreciated. Thanks! 

[TBoneTX 43,061]

Old thread is now closed to further comment.  The most recent poster may start a fresh thread if independent research and asking USCIS fail to yield an answer.