The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) advises applicants with upcoming field office appointments that they are responsible for providing their own interpreters if translation services are needed. If an interpreter cannot be secured in time, USCIS recommends contacting them to reschedule the appointment.
USCIS stated, “If you have an upcoming appointment at a USCIS field office and require interpretation services, you must provide your own interpreter. If you cannot find an interpreter in time for your appointment, you must contact USCIS to reschedule.”
However, attorney Keshab Seadie has cautioned applicants about bringing interpreters to USCIS appointments or interviews. Seadie notes that for employment-based green card applications or other applications requiring English proficiency, bringing a Nepali interpreter could potentially lead to rejection of the application.
In contrast, Seadie confirmed that for family-based green card applications and other application types, applicants may bring their own interpreters. He emphasized that interpreters must be fluent in both English and the applicant’s language and must meet established standards.
According to USCIS, interpreters must be fluent in English and the applicant’s language. They are expected to translate everything the applicant says during the interview honestly, accurately, and completely.
Interpreters are not permitted to answer on behalf of the applicant; their role is solely to facilitate communication between the officer and the applicant. Additionally, interpreters must agree to maintain the confidentiality of the applicant’s information.
Interpreters must be at least 18 years old and cannot serve as a witness in the applicant’s case. Attorneys or accredited representatives are not allowed to act as both a representative and an interpreter simultaneously, per USCIS guidelines.
USCIS officers will evaluate whether an interpreter meets the required qualifications. If an officer determines that the interpreter is not qualified, they may disallow the translation.
If an interpreter is used, both the applicant and the interpreter must sign and submit Form G-1256. This form cannot be signed before the interview and must be signed in the presence of the interviewing officer.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, USCIS provided interpreters for Nepali asylum interviews. However, this policy changed on September 13, 2023, requiring asylum applicants to bring their own Nepali interpreters if needed.
The provision of interpreters by USCIS was implemented in September 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. USCIS ended this practice after the federal declaration of a public health emergency related to COVID-19 expired in May 2023.
USCIS previously warned that if an applicant’s English proficiency is poor and an interpreter is needed but not provided, or if the interpreter is not fluent in both English and the applicant’s language, the agency might consider the applicant as having failed to appear for the interview. This could result in the cancellation of the asylum interview and referral of the asylum application to an immigration judge.
However, if an applicant provides a valid reason for being unable to bring an interpreter, USCIS may grant another interview date. Decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.
Support NepYork – Your Nonprofit News Media for the Nepali Community
NepYork, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is the Showcase of Nepalis in New York, delivering timely local news and vital resources on immigration, housing, taxes, health, business, and more. Our mission is to safeguard community journalism, amplify the voices of Nepali immigrants in NYC, and foster understanding, solidarity, and empowerment.
By donating to NepYork, you help us enhance participation in democracy, improve access to essential resources, and share authentic stories that reflect the vibrant, diverse experiences of Nepali New Yorkers. Together, we can connect, inform, and empower our community. Every contribution ensures these voices are heard and valued.
Donate today to keep Nepali stories alive and thriving in New York!
Kishor Panthi
View More PostsKishor Panthi is the founder and editor-in-chief of Khasokhas and NepYork. He is the author of three books, “Kampan,” "UNTRANSLATABLE" and “Zero Mile.” He writes about social issues, immigration, and politics.
