Greencard Interview: Do they provide translators

[웃 910]

We have our green card interview coming up and I was wondering if translators will be present? It is a very common language (Spanish), however, on the form it says to provide a translator if the applicant doesn't speak English.

I am fluent in Spanish so technically I could translate. Just wondering if I should pay a "professional", translate myself, or if a Spanish translator will be provided to us?

[M.O 6]

i think u should bring one...but thats just my opinion

[Diazy 10]

If I were you, I would bring one. You can't translate, and they wouldn't provide a translator. Of course, there is a chance that IO would know Spanish language, but I think interview must be held in English. So you should bring one.

I think it is written on the notice of interview.

[ThaiStyleUSA 1]

I took a friend to the interview as a translator. I can speak Thai and translate as well but in my opinion, I think you should bring someone else to translate.

[trillium13 84]

on the form it says to provide a translator if the applicant doesn't speak English.

I would take this to mean that you have to provide one, not them.

Edited June 30, 2009 by trillium13

[Kar98 0]

.

Edited June 30, 2009 by Kar98

[edp333 9]

The instructions say that if the applicant doesn't speak fluent English, to bring a translator. Furthermore, it must be someone not interested in the case. As usual with USCIS, some applicants have gotten by with the spouse doing the translating. But, the IO can request you provide a translator and rescedule the interview.

[웃 910]

Well so far I have had no luck with finding a translator on such a short notice. Our green card interview is tomorrow. I'll update tomorrow afternoon.

Maybe they will allow me to translate or there will be an officer who is fluent in Spanish that can conduct the interview. Hopefully worse case scenario is a rescheduling...

[웃 910]

Bump! I'll have news around 1:30-2:00pm eastern tomorrow. Appointment is at 12:15pm. From what I hear it is 5-6 minutes of "Do you have a joint bank account? Have you met his parents? Where do you live? What do you do? Do you have photos?" All reviews that I have read at the Detroit office have been nothing but positive.

[웃 910]

Passed with the ghettoist Spanish translating ever. That would have been hilarious if a native speaker heard how I was translating the list of 15 or so "Are you a spy/Are you a terrorist/Have you kidnapped someone..." questions. I am shocked that I was allowed to translate. The interview was very relaxed. The lady was very nice and not intimidating at all. More details to come later....

Edited July 1, 2009 by Confucian

[NArocks 13]

If I were you, I would bring one. You can't translate, and they wouldn't provide a translator. Of course, there is a chance that IO would know Spanish language, but I think interview must be held in English. So you should bring one.

I think it is written on the notice of interview.

Just FYI my interview was conducted all in Spanish here in Newark, NJ.

PS to the OP COngratulations

[edp333 9]

Congrats!!