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Starting September 2025, the applicants for Naturalization or Adjustment of Status must bring their own interpreter for their interviews, as the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) no longer provides interpreters or interpretation services.
The general requirements of the interpreter are:
1. 18 years old or over
2. Fluent in English and the native language of the applicant
3. Neutral, impartial, and disinterested
For most people, bringing a friend or family member as their interpreter would be the easiest, most convenient and affordable option. Some immigration officers would allow a friend or family member to interpret for the applicant during the interview; however, the USCIS officers reserve the right to disqualify the friend or family member interpreter if the officer determines the interpreter is unable to interpret competently and accurately, or act neutrally and impartially. The immigration officer would normally reschedule the interview, so the applicant has the opportunity to arrange another qualified interpreter for the next interview.
To avoid significant delay due to rescheduling or cancellation of the interview appointment, you may consider hiring a professional interpreter specialized for USCIS. The ideal USCIS interpreter will have a good understanding of his or her role and goal for the assignment, the interview procedures, and the immigration officer’s expectations. In addition, the interpreter should at least have some previous USCIS interview experience, and he or she is also familiar with the immigration related contents and legal terms.
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