In September 2025, USCIS announced a major policy change: the agency would no longer provide free interpreters at immigration interviews. This affects an estimated 47% of immigrant adults in the United States who have limited English proficiency (LEP).
If you or someone you know has an upcoming USCIS appointment, here's what changed, who's affected, and what your options are — including affordable AI-powered alternatives.
What Changed
Previously, USCIS would arrange interpreter services for applicants who needed them during interviews for naturalization, green cards, asylum, and other immigration benefits. This service was included at no additional cost.
Under the new policy, applicants are now responsible for bringing their own interpreter to USCIS interviews. The interpreter must be:
- Fluent in both English and the applicant's language
- At least 18 years old
- Not also serving as the applicant's attorney or representative
Who Is Affected
This policy change impacts millions of people:
- 47% of immigrant adults in the US have limited English proficiency
- Naturalization applicants who haven't yet passed the English test
- Asylum seekers who may not speak English at all
- Family-based green card applicants sponsored by English-speaking relatives
- Elderly immigrants applying for citizenship exceptions
Your Options for USCIS Interviews
Option 1: Bring a Friend or Family Member
Cost: Free
The most common option, but it has limitations:
- Your interpreter cannot be your attorney
- They must be truly fluent — partial understanding can lead to misunderstandings
- Immigration interviews are stressful; untrained interpreters may miss nuances
- They need to take time off work to accompany you
Option 2: Hire a Professional Interpreter
Cost: $50–100/hour
Professional interpreters are the gold standard, but they're expensive:
- Most charge a 2-hour minimum ($100–200 per visit)
- Certified court interpreters cost even more ($75–150/hour)
- You need to schedule in advance — availability may be limited
- Travel time and parking add to the hassle
Option 3: Use a Phone Interpretation Service
Cost: $2–5/min (LanguageLine) or $0.15/min (Live Translator)
While USCIS interviews are in-person, phone interpretation services are essential for all the other calls you need to make during the immigration process:
- Calling USCIS customer service (1-800-375-5283)
- Speaking with your immigration lawyer
- Following up on case status
- Scheduling appointments
- Responding to Requests for Evidence (RFEs)
How to Use AI Phone Translation for Immigration Calls
Live Translator works by joining your phone call as a third participant. Here's how to use it:
- Call the USCIS helpline or your lawyer as usual
- Once connected, tap "Merge call" and dial the translator number
- Speak in your language — the other person hears English
- They respond in English — you hear your language
The entire call is translated in real-time with under 1 second of delay. You can choose from 6 tone profiles including Legal and Formal, which use appropriate terminology for immigration-related conversations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an AI translator for my actual USCIS interview?
USCIS in-person interviews require a human interpreter present in the room. AI phone translation is not a substitute for in-person interpretation at the interview itself. However, it's invaluable for all the phone calls surrounding your case.
Is $0.15/min really enough for immigration calls?
A typical call to USCIS customer service takes 15–30 minutes (including hold time). At $0.15/min, that's $2.25–$4.50 per call — compared to $30–150 with traditional interpreter services.
What languages are supported?
Live Translator currently supports 15+ languages including Spanish, Chinese (Mandarin), Russian, Arabic, Vietnamese, Korean, French, German, Japanese, Portuguese, Hindi, Ukrainian, Polish, Turkish, and Italian.
Beyond USCIS: Other Immigration-Related Calls
The immigration process involves dozens of phone calls beyond USCIS:
- Health insurance enrollment (required for many visa types)
- Social Security Administration (SSN applications)
- DMV (driver's license)
- Schools (enrolling children)
- Landlords (housing applications)
- Banks (opening accounts)
Each of these calls becomes easier with a translator on the line. And at $0.15/min, you can handle all of them for less than the cost of a single hour with a human interpreter.
Getting Started
Sign up and get $2 free credit — enough for about 13 minutes of translated calls. Save the translator number in your phone, and you'll have an interpreter ready whenever you need one.