Can spouse be Interpreter for AOS Interview?

[mamaronga 2]

Hello there!

I've been searching through the forums. I've found most people (out of few folks who've posted) to say that no, a spouse cannot be the interpreter for the potential beneficiary of a Green Card. However, 1) I've also heard from people that they have been the interpreter as the spouse and they got approved and 2) I have yet to read anything "official" from USCIS about whether or not the spouse can be the interpreter.

I am fluent in spanish, my spouse speaks some english but may not understand all questions.

Do you think we can just wing it and go in without an interpreter

The thing is, the interview is in a far away city where I don't know anyone who speaks spanish, and we wouldn't be able to afford to contract an interpreter I'm sure, even if we could find one!

our interview is in less than 1 week, PLEASE HELP! please share with me your experience...

anyone else out there have a fine experience helping to interpret for their spouse?? Or does USCIS turn away couples who don't bring a third-party interpreter?

THANKS!

Claire

[Hugglebuggles 60]

When my husband and I went for our AOS interview in Denver there was a Spanish/English couple who interviewed just before us. The beneficiary husband did not speak much English and was forced to go out into the waiting room by the IO and ask random strangers if they would be willing to interpret for him. It took him several minutes and a couple dozen people before he was able to find someone to agree. I'm not sure if his wife was not very well versed in Spanish or if the IO refused to let her interpret for her husband. Unfortunately part of the AOS interview process includes determining how well you know each other and thus, the validity of the marriage. If you were to interpret for your wife, you could easily alter her answers in order to make them comply with the information that may be on the AOS paperwork. I suppose it is possible they would let you interpret, but there is also a possibility the IO will see it as a conflict of interest and refuse you that right. If that happens you may find yourself in a bad situation. It would be a shame to be turned away and asked to return for another interview date after waiting this long for the first one! Good luck

[Sand 5]

Hello,

Yes, it says on the Interview Letter, if u do not speak English you need to bring interpreter with you. it doesnt say ur Spouse can Translate to you, But Wait. this Depends at the IO. <Immigration Officer> sometimes u will find a nice one who can accept ur Spouse to interpret to you and sometimes No u cant. as i said it depends. But if i am in ur shoes i will find me a interpreter for my Interview, By the way, The Inteview will not be that hard ,, u will be asked about ur Application u send Like what u wrote there, ur address Yes and No. and about urself ur spouse. thats all about..

So dont worry but for peace of mind Take an interpreter with you. . better than to send you home with REF,

so dont worry u will be just find

[TBoneTX 45,273]

Yes, it says on the Interview Letter, if u do not speak English you need to bring interpreter with you. it doesnt say ur Spouse can Translate to you, But Wait. this Depends at the IO. <Immigration Officer> sometimes u will find a nice one who can accept ur Spouse to interpret to you and sometimes No u cant. as i said it depends. But if i am in ur shoes i will find me a interpreter for my Interview, By the way, The Inteview will not be that hard ,, u will be asked about ur Application u send Like what u wrote there, ur address Yes and No. and about urself ur spouse. thats all about..

So dont worry but for peace of mind Take an interpreter with you. . better than to send you home with REF,

so dont worry u will be just find

The only part of this post that should be heeded at all is the recommendation to find an interpreter. The rest is not credible, and anyone who accepted it as gospel could end up in big trouble, rather than "just find."

[mamaronga 2]

Hi all, thanks for your responses!

Okay, so, looks like we need a 3rd party interpreter to be on hand in case they don't let me as his spouse interpret for him.

BUT, does it need to be any kind of special "certified" interpreter, or just anyone who is confident in thier bi-lingual abilities?

Judging from what you all say, just anyone who is bi-lingual can do the job, it doesn't have to be a professional (they forced him to ask around in the waiting room for an interpreter? that's so annoying!)

I hope that we can find a friend to do it rather than pay some profession $100 for a half hour...! can't really spend more $ on this process...

THANKS!

Claire