USCIS Interpreter Services Policy Change 2025: What Law Firms & Agencies Need to Know
On September 28, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) ended its long-standing practice of providing interpreters for most field office interviews. The responsibility now rests entirely on applicants to supply qualified interpreters. This policy represents a major turning point in USCIS procedure, redefining how immigration law firms and advocacy groups serve clients with Limited English Proficiency (LEP).
The new framework places greater responsibility on both applicants and their counsel, forcing immigration practices to rethink how they plan, manage, and deliver language access during USCIS proceedings. This article outlines how legal professionals can navigate these realities, maintain compliance, and protect both their clients and their practices.
What the New USCIS Interpreter Policy Says
The new USCIS policy took effect on September 28, 2025, covering most in-person interviews at USCIS field offices, including those for Adjustment of Status (Form I-485), Naturalization (Form N-400), and Asylum (Form I-589).
It formalized a broader post-pandemic return to applicant-provided interpretation, an approach USCIS had already reinstated for affirmative asylum interviews in 2023.
The rule applies specifically to spoken-language interpretation. USCIS continues to provide sign language interpreters free of charge for applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing, as required under federal accessibility law.
What the new USCIS policy means for applicants
Applicants are now fully responsible for arranging and paying for their interpreters. USCIS guidance states that applicants may “bring a trusted adult or a professional interpreter,” placing the financial and logistical obligation squarely on individuals. This change effectively converts a previously provided procedural safeguard into a private cost.
With 47% of immigrant adults in the U.S. reporting Limited English Proficiency, the policy has created new expenses and coordination challenges for a large segment of the immigrant population. For many clients, it is the difference between accessing due process and facing preventable delay.
USCIS approval of private interpreters for interviews
Although interpreters are now applicant-provided, USCIS officers retain absolute discretion to approve or disqualify them during the interview. The agency requires interpreters to demonstrate fluency in both languages, impartiality, and the ability to interpret complex legal terminology accurately. Officers may dismiss an interpreter if they believe the examination’s integrity is compromised.
Interpreters must also complete Form G-1256, Declaration for Interpreted USCIS Interview, attesting under penalty of perjury that they will interpret “accurately, literally, and fully.” This legal document underscores the seriousness of the role.
Certain individuals remain barred from serving as interpreters, including the applicant’s attorney or accredited representative, any witness, and minors under 14. The narrow “good cause” exception for minors aged 14–17 exists but is rarely advisable in practice.
Why this Policy Change Matters for Law Firms, Clinics & Agencies
Operational impacts on case preparation and scheduling
Immigration firms must now integrate interpreter management into daily operations. Identifying LEP clients, confirming language needs, verifying interpreter qualifications, and scheduling coordination have become mandatory workflow steps.
This requirement effectively adds a new specialist to every qualifying case. Updated checklists, longer preparation timelines, and dedicated staff responsibility are essential to prevent last-minute cancellations or disqualifications. Without structured coordination, even well-prepared cases risk disruption at the interview stage.
Compliance and risk exposure for attorneys and accredited reps
Interpreter selection now carries direct professional liability. Attorneys may not act as interpreters, and unqualified friends or relatives can be rejected on the spot.
An inadequate interpretation can violate an applicant’s right to a fair proceeding. Courts have recognized that faulty interpretation can amount to a procedural due process violation, effectively excluding the applicant from participation.
The new USCIS policy expands the attorney’s ethical obligation to ensure linguistic access, making proper interpreter procurement a component of competent representation.
Effects on client trust and experience
The quality of interpreter management has become a visible marker of professionalism. A firm that anticipates language needs, communicates clearly about costs, and provides qualified interpreters builds confidence and loyalty.
Conversely, a disorganized approach, such as advising a client to “bring a cousin” who is later disqualified, undermines credibility and may result in rescheduled interviews or lost trust. Given that several LEP immigrants report difficulty accessing essential services, effective interpreter coordination is now a competitive advantage as much as a compliance requirement.
Immediate Steps to Strengthen Post-policy Workflows
30-day plan: Identify high-priority cases
Firms should immediately audit all active matters to identify clients with interviews already scheduled or pending since the policy took effect. Export interview data from case management systems and organize clients by date, LEP status, and language requirement. This ensures that no interview proceeds without confirmed interpreter arrangements.
60-day plan: Establish vetted interpreter partnerships
If not already done, firms should formalize relationships with professional language service providers such as The Language Doctors specializing in immigration. Review credentials, interpreter rosters, and scheduling procedures for both on-site and Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) options.
For active cases, schedule interpreters as soon as notice of interview is received to secure availability and avoid premium charges.
90-day plan: Institutionalize new procedures
Law firms that treat interpreter sourcing as a repeatable process rather than an ad hoc task will see the greatest efficiency. Update intake forms, case templates, and checklists to include interpreter assessments.
Conduct firmwide training sessions for attorneys and paralegals on compliance standards and documentation. Establish an enterprise account with a preferred provider for consistent billing and access to vetted interpreters.
Best Practices for Compliance, Confidentiality & Case Workflows
Certification, HIPAA and confidentiality safeguards
Professional interpreters operate under strict confidentiality standards analogous to attorney-client privilege. They are neutral parties bound by oaths of secrecy and professionalism.
For cases involving sensitive health or trauma-related claims, such as Form N-648 disability exceptions or asylum narratives, firms must ensure interpreters are trained in HIPAA compliance.
Documentation and recordkeeping for USCIS interviews
To mitigate liability, each case file should contain:
- A completed and signed Form G-1256 from the interview.
- Documentation of the interpreter’s name, affiliation, and qualifications.
- The invoice or service record from the language provider.
These records create a defensible paper trail demonstrating due diligence and professional compliance.
Choosing between VRI and OPI for USCIS appointments
For substantive interviews, Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) remains the superior option. Because credibility evaluation depends heavily on demeanor, Over-the-Phone Interpreting (OPI) removes critical visual context. VRI provides both audio and video, allowing officers to observe expressions and gestures.
FAQs about the New USCIS Policy
When did USCIS end free interpreter services?
- USCIS discontinued free interpreter services for most field office interviews on September 28, 2025.
Who pays for interpreter services?
- Applicants are fully responsible for arranging and paying for interpreters.
Can family members interpret?
- Technically yes, but it is risky. Family members often lack impartiality and training, and officers can disqualify them, causing delays.
Do interpreters need certification?
- No government certification is required, but interpreters must demonstrate fluency and impartiality. Hiring a professionally certified interpreter remains the best practice.
Can remote interpreters join USCIS interviews?
- Yes. Remote interpretation is accepted, but VRI is preferred over OPI because it preserves non-verbal communication crucial for credibility assessments.
Partner with The Language Doctors for USCIS Interpretation Needs
The Language Doctors (TLD) provides certified interpreters for USCIS interviews through both scheduled and on-demand services. Their secure VRI platform supports real-time communication during legal proceedings, ensuring accuracy and compliance with USCIS standards.
TLD’s enterprise accounts allow firms to centralize scheduling, billing, and interpreter management. This reduces costs, improves efficiency, and guarantees consistent quality across multiple cases. For immigration practices managing LEP clients, TLD functions not just as a vendor but as a strategic compliance partner.
The interpreter policy is now in full effect. Don’t risk case delays or denials due to non-compliance. Book a consultation today to secure professional USCIS interpreter coverage with The Language Doctors.