USCIS Interview Requirements for Interpreters
Based on a 2017 USCIS memorandum, this article explains the requirements for interpreters at immigration interviews: fluency in Chinese and English, generally at least 18 years old, and no bias or conflict of interest; attorneys and legal representatives may not serve as interpreters. It also addresses a reader's questions about Form G-28 and whether relatives may interpret.
A reader raised a question: with a Chinese-language 55/15 interview scheduled for next month, if an interpreter accompanies them, is it mandatory to file Form G-28? That form was not completed when the application was submitted earlier; also, is it acceptable for a relative to accompany them and serve as the interpreter?
Form G-28 is used for hiring an attorney, not for hiring an interpreter; in fact, the attorney (or legal representative) listed on Form G-28 is strictly prohibited from serving as an interpreter. USCIS issued a memorandum in 2017 specifically discussing interpreter requirements (please click here to view), including the following:
- The interpreter must be fluent in listening, speaking, reading, and writing both Chinese and English (assuming the applicant's language is Chinese).
- The interpreter should be at least 18 years old. In special circumstances, the age may be lowered to 14, but the interviewing officer must obtain supervisory approval before accepting.
- Children under 14 years old cannot serve as interpreters.
- The interpreter must not have bias or partiality, including potential conflicts of interest. Some friends, relatives, and individuals with financial relationships (such as business partners) of the applicant may wish for the application to be approved and thus may be unable to remain neutral in interpreting. Generally, family members are not suitable as interpreters unless the applicant cannot find other qualified individuals. However, if the interviewing officer believes that the person, although a friend or relative of the applicant, can provide complete, neutral, and unbiased interpretation, he or she may still serve as an interpreter.
- The applicant's attorney or legal representative (Form G-28) is prohibited from serving as an interpreter due to a conflict of interest.
Back to the reader's questions: (1) Do not file Form G-28; (2) It is best not to have relatives or individuals with financial relationships serve as interpreters.
