How to Get an Interview Interpreter with Form G-1256

If you are traveling to the United States and have an interpreter for your interviews in the USCIS field office, you are required to file a form G-1256. The form came into effect on 1st May 2017 and is now mandatory for the interview.

This is specifically important for people who have aged parents traveling to the States, or any applicants who don’t speak English well.

What is Form G-1256

The purpose of Form G-1256 is to document that the visiting interviewee has been assigned an interpreter, so they can effectively communicate during their visit to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services.

This also documents that the interview was satisfied with the speaking ability of the interpreter assigned to them. That the interpreter can effectively translate the language that is native to the interviewee, they understand the language, and they understand the translation from this language to English.

Form G-1256 is used to give formal notification to the interviewee that the interpreter could learn private information that they have shared with the interviewing officer. The form is not just for the interviewee. The form is also to notify the interpreter that they understand the skills and requirements for their job as the interpreter.

This is an agreement between all parties that the interpreter has the wherewithal to do their job. It informs the participants that the USCIS has the discretion to refuse the interpreter to be a part of all phases of the interview or some phases of the interview.

Who Needs Form G-1256?

If you need an interpreter for communicating in your scheduled domestic interview, and you are eligible to bring an interpreter, you must complete this form and carry it with you to the interview.

Documents Required for Form G-1256

The identity of the interpreter’s identity must be attached to this document.

How to Complete Form G-1256

There are six sections in the form.

Interviewee Personal Details Section

 Name, contact, address, language spoken by the interviewee, and if the interpreter’s identity proof is attached within should be filled in this section. Clearly and accurately fill the Alien Registration Number.

Interviewee’s Declaration

This section enforces that the interviewee acknowledges that the interpreter will act on behalf of the interviewee.

• The interpreter could come across private information of the interviewee at any stage of the interview.
•  The interviewee is satisfied with the verbal capabilities of the interpreter.
•  The USCIS has the discretion to refuse the interpreter from being a part or all of the interview if they deem this necessary.
• The interpreter must be at least 18 years old, and not be a witness in the case against the interviewee. In case the interpreter is underage, or a witness, the interviewee must have good cause to ask for an exemption from the regulation. If the reason provided by the interviewee is not deemed satisfactory, the USCIS has the power to disapprove of the interpreter altogether.
• The interpreter cannot be the lawyer of the interviewee.
• And lastly, the interviewee must declare and sign the form to acknowledge that they have read and understood all the clauses described above, and the extenuating circumstances that might result in the cancellation of the interpreter.

Interpreter’s Declaration

In this section, the interpreter needs to declare their understanding of the following sections:

• They are serving on behalf of the interviewee; whose alien number appears in the first section.
• The interpreter speaks and understands English and the native language of the interviewee (non-English) fluently. They have previously communicated with the interviewee and they both completely understand each other.
•  They agree to fully translate the questions that are asked by the interviewing officer, and the answers given by the interviewee as long as the interview is in progress.
• They understand the guidelines given by the USCIS office and act neutrally during the complete interview.
• Whatever personal information they learn from the interviewee, they understand they must keep this as secret.
• Any information they have provided to the USCIS will be retained by the office and verified if required.
• They understand that the USCIS has the power to dismiss the interpreter at any time during or before the interview. Or they might be barred from attending certain sections of the interview.
• The interpreter must have also interpreted the contents of the form G-1256 to the interviewee, and they have consented that they understand what the form contains before signing it.
• At last, the interpreter must sign and date the form.

USCIS Officer’s Declaration

This part is reserved for the USCIS officer handling your case. When the interviewee reaches the USCIS office, they should submit the form to the USCIS officer. They have to sign and verify the form and note down the location of the office. Without this seal of approval, the form cannot be taken to the next stage.

Interpreter’s Disqualification

This is an optional section of the form. In any case, if the interpreter was rejected by the USCIS office, this section will be filled up by the USCIS officer. They will provide the reason the interpreter was disqualified. They will get approval from the applicant that the applicant understands their interpreter has been rejected.

They can sign this place to get their interview rescheduled at a later time when they have a valid interpreter. They can choose to reschedule and apply for a different, qualified interpreter.

Withdrawal Of Interpreter

If the interviewee checks the checkbox that says, they are willing to postpone the interview so they can receive a better interpreter as – No, this section has to be filled up. This is to certify that the interviewee understands that their interpreter has been rejected, and they still are agreeing to continue with the interview on the same scheduled date. This requires for the interviewee and USCIS officer to provide their signature.

Where to Submit Form G-1256

You must carry the G-1256 form to your scheduled domestic interview. A USCIS officer will be assigned to the case, and they will oversee the validity of the information. They will also determine if the interviewee understands and has read all the conditions, and the interpreter has communicated the same to them.

Form G-1256 Cost

You can file Form G-1256 free of cost. You can download the form from the official website, print it, and fill it up with accurate information. Remember, the form is free of charge, but inaccuracy in any of the fields could result in the form being rejected by the USCIS officer. That means the scheduled interview’s interpreter could be dismissed by the USCIS.

Conclusion

The G-1256 form is essential for applicants who have aging parents unable to fluently communicate in English, or are applying for an interview with the USCIS. The form is a declaration that all parties are aware of their responsibilities, and can do their job correctly.

Filling the form is completely free. Ensure that you have this form when you are traveling to the States with your interpreter to avoid disqualification or rejection of the interpreter.

Frank Gogol

I’m a firm believer that information is the key to financial freedom. On the Stilt Blog, I write about the complex topics — like finance, immigration, and technology — to help immigrants make the most of their lives in the U.S. Our content and brand have been featured in Forbes, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and more.

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