The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has rolled out a significant change affecting immigration interviews nationwide.
As of July 22, 2025, all applicants requiring language interpretation must now bring their own interpreter to their USCIS interview. The agency will no longer provide telephonic interpreters, even for common languages previously supported at select field offices.
This policy update was confirmed by USCIS on its official social media channels and applies to all interviews conducted at USCIS offices across the United States.
What Changed?
Until recently, USCIS often supplied government-contracted interpreters—usually over the phone—for applicants who requested them in advance. While some individuals still opted to bring their own, interpreter support from USCIS was commonly available at certain locations.
Now, USCIS has shifted the responsibility entirely to applicants.
Failure to bring a qualified interpreter may result in your interview being canceled or rescheduled, delaying your immigration process.
Interpreter Requirements
To comply with the new rules, interpreters must meet the following criteria:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be fluent in both English and the applicant’s language
- Cannot be:
- The applicant’s attorney
- A witness in the case
- A representative of the U.S. government
- Must present valid government-issued ID at the time of the interview
Applicants and interpreters are also expected to complete and submit Form G-1256 (Declaration for Interpreted USCIS Interview) at the start of the interview.
Planning Ahead: Best Practices
USCIS recommends choosing an interpreter who speaks your exact dialect and is comfortable with legal and procedural terminology in both languages. Preparing in advance is key:
- Review all your documents and Form G-1256 together
- Rehearse likely questions and answers
- Practice in a mock interview format to build confidence
Why This Matters
For legal practitioners, this change underscores the need to proactively assist clients—especially those with limited English proficiency—in finding and preparing qualified interpreters. Missteps could lead to delays, rescheduled interviews, or negative impressions during the adjudication process.
For applicants, it’s a reminder that language access is no longer a service provided by USCIS, and that personal responsibility is essential to avoid interview disruptions.
Bottom Line
If you—or your client—have an upcoming USCIS interview and need an interpreter, plan ahead. The days of relying on USCIS for language support are over. Arriving unprepared could jeopardize the timeline of your immigration journey.
For more details and official forms, visit www.uscis.gov or consult your immigration attorney.
