Interview in English or native language?

[Alhamdulillah 0]

When my fiance goes for his interview, is it more impressive to the consular officer if he uses English the entire time or do they normally conduct the interview in the native language?

I was thinking the language barrier would be a red flag to overcome and so it would be better if he restricted himself to solely English, kind of like proving to them that he will be able to function properly once he's here because he has a clear grasp of the language. Does that make sense?

Please post your experiences here. Thanks!

[Nizzy 1]

I was there with my hubby and they had this lady come and translate but hubby said he speaks English and so they continued in English. I don't think it matters and if their English is good then go for it.

[payxibka 10,045]

When my fiance goes for his interview, is it more impressive to the consular officer if he uses English the entire time or do they normally conduct the interview in the native language?

I was thinking the language barrier would be a red flag to overcome and so it would be better if he restricted himself to solely English, kind of like proving to them that he will be able to function properly once he's here because he has a clear grasp of the language. Does that make sense?

Please post your experiences here. Thanks!

I suppose the answer is English if they can but it if there is some question about comprehension ability then do it in the native tongue

[Yodrak 7]

Patient,

One of the biggest 'red flags' of all is inappropriate answers because the visa applicant does not correctly understand the questions or cannot properly phrase a response.

One is taking a risk if they interview using a language with which they're not both confident and competent.

Yodrak

When my fiance goes for his interview, is it more impressive to the consular officer if he uses English the entire time or do they normally conduct the interview in the native language?

I was thinking the language barrier would be a red flag to overcome and so it would be better if he restricted himself to solely English, kind of like proving to them that he will be able to function properly once he's here because he has a clear grasp of the language. Does that make sense?

Please post your experiences here. Thanks!

[kitkat1 5]

Not speaking perfect English is not a red flag - it's not a requirement of the visa. As Yodrak said, not understanding or providing inappropriate answers to the questions asked would be a much bigger red flag - why risk it? Interview in your native language!

[Alhamdulillah 0]

So it doesn't look better to the officer if he's able to interview in English?

I thought the language barrier between the USC and the foreign fiance/spouse was a red flag.... I guess I was mistaken.

Thanks for your help everyone!

[Jenn! 918]

My husband interviewed in Arabic, as he did not speak English at the time of the interview. The interviewer was aware though that he and I communicate in Italian, so it wasn't a "red flag".

I agree with Yodrak that it is very important that he understand everything that is being asked in the interview. Best to go with native language if he's feeling less than confident in his English skills IMO.

[tom&tata 2]

So it doesn't look better to the officer if he's able to interview in English?

I thought the language barrier between the USC and the foreign fiance/spouse was a red flag.... I guess I was mistaken.

Thanks for your help everyone!

Asking for interview in native language alone is not a red flag. But if the CO found out that the foreign spouse and the USC does not share a common language where they can properly communicate, it can be red flag.

When I was interviewed in Indonesia, the CO started to ask question in native language. But since my English was enough to understand his questions and my husband does not speak enough of Indonesian language to carry a conversation (without so much of sign langauge ), I answered back in English since hubby and I communicate in English anyway.

Edited November 14, 2006 by tom&tata

[Yodrak 7]

Patient,

Inability of a visa applicant and their petitioner to communicate can be a 'red flag', as you put it.

Inability of a visa applicant and a consular officer to communicate is a different issue. And trying to 'look better' can be a costly mistake. Best to look like yourself, as you are.

Yodrak

So it doesn't look better to the officer if he's able to interview in English?

I thought the language barrier between the USC and the foreign fiance/spouse was a red flag....

[Alhamdulillah 0]

Thank you Yodrak, you are always very helpful to everyone here I think I'll tell him to go ahead and use English if he wants but if he doesn't clearly understand something to ask for the translation immediately. He's pretty fluent in English (I never have a problem understanding anything from him) so I think he'll be fine but I'll remind him to check his pride at the door when he goes there.

Patient,

Inability of a visa applicant and their petitioner to communicate can be a 'red flag', as you put it.

Inability of a visa applicant and a consular officer to communicate is a different issue. And trying to 'look better' can be a costly mistake. Best to look like yourself, as you are.

Yodrak

So it doesn't look better to the officer if he's able to interview in English?

I thought the language barrier between the USC and the foreign fiance/spouse was a red flag....

[Yodrak 7]

Patient,

Very good guidance.

Yodrak

..... I think I'll tell him to go ahead and use English if he wants but if he doesn't clearly understand something to ask for the translation immediately. He's pretty fluent in English (I never have a problem understanding anything from him) so I think he'll be fine but I'll remind him to check his pride at the door when he goes there.