USCIS Interpreter Requirements 2025: What Green Card and Citizenship Applicants Should Know

Understanding the current USCIS interpreter requirements is essential for anyone attending an immigration interview in 2025. Whether you’re applying for a green card or U.S. citizenship, clear communication during your interview can determine the outcome of your case. Knowing who can—and cannot—serve as your interpreter helps prevent unnecessary complications or rescheduling.

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The 2025 USCIS Interpreter Reminder

In August 2025, USCIS announced on its official Facebook page that, beginning September 28, 2025, applicants who need language assistance at a field-office appointment must bring their own interpreter or reschedule.

Although this message appeared to signal a new rule, USCIS has long required applicants to provide their own interpreters at their own expense. During the pandemic, some officers temporarily relied on phone-based interpretation systems, but those services were designed for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations—not for USCIS interviews.

This 2025 announcement simply reaffirms existing policy: applicants are responsible for arranging a qualified interpreter for any in-person interview at a USCIS field office.

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Which Interviews Require an Interpreter

Interpreter requirements apply to most domestic USCIS field-office interviews, including:

• Adjustment of Status (green card) interviews

• Naturalization (citizenship) interviews

• Marriage-based and family-based green card interviews

• Employment-based adjustment interviews

• I-751 removal-of-conditions interviews

These rules do not apply to interviews conducted by the Refugee, Asylum and International Operations Directorate (RAIO), which has separate procedures.

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USCIS Interpreter Rules and Form G-1256

All interpreters must meet strict USCIS standards designed to ensure accuracy and confidentiality. Each interpreter must complete Form G-1256, Declaration for Interpreted USCIS Interview, before the interview begins.

What Form G-1256 Does

Form G-1256 formally identifies the interpreter and outlines both the interpreter’s and applicant’s responsibilities. Specifically, the interpreter must:

• Translate word for word, without adding personal opinions or altering meaning.

• Sign an Interpreter’s Oath and Privacy Release Statement.

• Present a valid government-issued ID at the time of the interview.

The USCIS officer will administer an oath to both the interpreter and the applicant. If the interpreter fails to meet requirements, the officer notes the reason on the form, and the interview will be rescheduled.

The current version of Form G-1256 is available on the official USCIS website at uscis.gov/g-1256

Who Qualifies as an Interpreter

USCIS expects interpreters to be neutral third parties who have no personal interest in the outcome of the case. Key qualifications include:

• Fluency in English and the applicant’s language.

• Disinterest in the case—family members, close friends, or petitioners may be disqualified.

• Professional conduct, including strict adherence to the Interpreter’s Oath.

• In-person attendance (remote participation is generally not accepted unless explicitly authorized by USCIS).

Attorneys Cannot Serve as Interpreters

A common misconception is that an immigration attorney can act as an interpreter during a USCIS interview. This is not permitted under USCIS policy.

If an attorney has assisted the applicant with interpretation or preparation of the immigration forms, the attorney must file a Form G-28 (Notice of Entry of Appearance) to confirm representation. However, the same attorney cannot serve as the interpreter during the interview itself.

This rule protects the integrity of the interview and ensures that the interpreter’s only role is to translate, not to advocate or influence testimony. No exceptions may be made by the interviewing officer in this regard.

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Differences Between Green Card and Naturalization Interviews

There are small differences in interpreter language between the Adjustment of Status and Naturalization sections of the USCIS Policy Manual:

• For naturalization, the manual notes that “the interpreter may be selected by the applicant or USCIS.”

• For adjustment of status, it is generally the applicant’s responsibility to bring a qualified interpreter.

• If a USCIS officer speaks your language fluently, they may conduct the interview directly without interpretation.

Despite these nuances, the safest approach is to always arrange a qualified interpreter if you are not fully fluent in English.

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How to Prepare Your Interpreter

Applicants can avoid unnecessary problems by preparing their interpreter in advance. I recommend the following steps:

1. Choose a professional, disinterested interpreter rather than a family member or friend.

2. Review Form G-1256 together before the interview to ensure understanding of responsibilities.

3. Bring identification and an extra copy of the interpreter’s ID.

4. Arrive early to allow time for verification at the field office.

5. Avoid private discussions—all communication must flow through the interpreter once the interview starts.

Preparation ensures compliance with USCIS policy and minimizes the risk of rescheduling.

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Why Accurate Interpretation Matters

A USCIS interview becomes part of your permanent immigration record. Even a small translation error can cause inconsistencies or raise questions about your answers. A competent interpreter ensures that your statements are communicated precisely, protecting your credibility and the strength of your case.

At SG Legal Group, my team and I regularly help clients who speak Russian, Romanian, and English navigate their USCIS interviews with confidence. Because we understand the nuances of multilingual communication, our clients are better prepared and less likely to encounter interpretation problems during their appointments.

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Key Takeaways

• Bring your own qualified interpreter to your USCIS field-office interview.

• Interpreters must be fluent, neutral, and present in person.

• Both the interpreter and applicant must complete and sign Form G-1256.

• Attorneys cannot serve as interpreters during the interview under any circumstances.

• If the interpreter is disqualified, the interview will be rescheduled.

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Get Trusted Immigration Guidance

If you need professional legal help with your immigration matter—whether it involves a family-based green card, employment visa, naturalization, or a waiver—SG Legal Group is here to help. My team and I provide personalized, strategic representation for clients across the United States and abroad.

We offer consultations in English, Russian, and Romanian to ensure clear communication at every step.

Call 410-618-1288 or visit our contact page to schedule a consultation and get started on your case.

This article provides general information and is not legal advice. For advice about your situation, please contact me directly.