Generally defined, Form G-1256 – Declaration for Interpreted USCIS Interview is designed to document that a visiting interviewee has officially been assigned an interpreter so that they will be able to communicate during their visit to USCIS in an effective manner. Additionally, it will also help with documenting the fact that the interviewee was satisfied with the overall speaking ability of the interpreter who was assigned to them.
The form is also provided in order to offer formal notification to the interviewee that the interpreter is able to obtain private information that they will be able to share with the interviewing officer, as well as notify the interpreter that they are able to understand the skills and requirements in terms of their official position.
This form should only be completed by those individuals who require an interpreter for communicating in their scheduled domestic interview and who are also eligible to bring an interpreter. Furthermore, the form must also be physically brought to the interview by the applicant as well.
The interviewee must provide the following personal details:
*Name
*Address
*Language that they speak
*If their interpreter’s identity proof is attached to the form
*Alien Registration Number
The following information must also be provided as part of the Interviewee’s Declaration, which will enforce that the interviewee will acknowledge that their interpreter will be able to act on their behalf:
*The interpreter could possibly come across any kind of private information regarding the interviewee during any portion of the interview.
*The interviewee is fully satisfied with their interpreter’s verbal capabilities.
*The USCIS will have full discretion to prevent the interpreter from being included in some or all of the interview if they feel it is necessary to take this step.
*The interpreter is required to be at least 18 years of age and must also not be a witness in the case regarding the interviewee. In the event the interpreter is underage or is a witness, the interviewee must be able to provide an acceptable reason to request an exemption, which USCIS may refuse.
*The interpreter is not permitted to be the interviewee’s attorney.
*The interviewee is required to both declare and sign the form, which acknowledges that they have both read and understood all clauses and circumstances that could result in the potential cancellation of their interpreting duties.
Information must also be provided on Form G-1256 in regards to the Interpreter’s Declaration as well, which includes the following:
*The interpreter is officially serving on behalf of the interviewee.
*The interpreter both speaks and understands the English language, as well as the language spoken by the interviewee.
*The interpreter will be able to fully translate all questions asked by the interviewing officer and the answers provided by the interviewee during the entirety of the interview.
*The interpreter is fully aware of all USCIS guidelines and will agree to act in a neutral manner during the entirety of the interview.
*Any and all personal information that the interpreter may learn from the interviewee must be kept confidential.
*All information the interpreter provided to USCIS will be retained by the office and verified if it is deemed necessary to do so.
*The interpreter is aware that USCIS has the authority to dismiss them at any time either before or during the interview, as well as bar them from partaking in specific portions of the interview.
*The interpreter is required to translate the contents of the form to the interviewee and consent that they understand what the form states prior to signing it.
*The interpreter is required to sign and date the form.
Another portion of Form G-1256 is the USCIS Officer’s Declaration, which requires the officer to not only sign and date the form, but also make note of the location of the office in which the form has been brought to. If this is not completed, the form itself will not be able to advance to the next stage.
There is also an option section of Form G-1256 known as Interpreter’s Disqualification; however, this is a section that is optional. In other words, if the USCIS office rejects an interpreter for any reason, then the officer will fill out this section, providing the reason for the disqualification. From there, the officer will then obtain approval from the applicant that they understand the interpreter was rejected, then sign this section in order to have their interview rescheduled after a valid interpreter is able to be obtained.
In the event that the interviewee checks the box that states they are willing to postpone their interview in order to obtain a more suitable interpreter, this will require the filling out of the Withdrawal of Interpreter section. Generally, this is done in order to certify that the interviewee is aware that their interpreter has been rejected, yet they still agree to go ahead with their previously scheduled interview. This section must be signed by both the interviewee and USCIS officer.
In terms of submitting Form G-1256, as previously stated, this can only be done when an interviewee physically brings the form itself to their scheduled interview, where a USCIS officer will determine whether or not the information on it is valid.
When it comes to cost, there is no fee for filing Form G-1256.
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