Interview and interpreter

[Juaco 5]

My wife and I are scheduled for an interview. This is for a marriage based I-485. My wife does not speak English. The letter for the interview states that will can have an interpreter by phone. The letter does not have specifis about the interpreter. Does anyone know what are the requirements for the interpreter such as can it be a family member? I tried calling theUSCIS office but no luck (recording IVR).

[qrk 104]

3 hours ago, Juaco said:

My wife and I are scheduled for an interview. This is for a marriage based I-485. My wife does not speak English. The letter for the interview states that will can have an interpreter by phone. The letter does not have specifis about the interpreter. Does anyone know what are the requirements for the interpreter such as can it be a family member? I tried calling theUSCIS office but no luck (recording IVR).

The interpreter must be fluent in English and the applicant language, Impartial (not a family member or someone who would benefit from the applicant getting approved), a US citizen over 18 years old (I beleive LPR are also allowed, even though I'm not sure), must have a valid ID. There is a form to fill. Here it is:

 

https://www.uscis.gov/g-1256

 

[Juaco 5]

It is my understanding that this form is for in person interpreter.  The interview is for on the phone interpreter. Is this correct?

[qrk 104]

18 hours ago, Juaco said:

It is my understanding that this form is for in person interpreter.  The interview is for on the phone interpreter. Is this correct?

In our case, the on phone interpreter meant that the interpreter had to appear at USCIS office. After signing the from in front of the officer, The interpreter was asked to sit in a separate room @USCIS office waiting area and interpreted over the phone. It wasn't like he was interpreting over the phone from home or work, etc.