If I don’t speak English, can I bring an interpreter to my I-829 interview?

Yes. If you are not fluent in English, the USCIS generally allows you to bring an interpreter to your I-829 interview, the stage at which the agency verifies information about your investment and your eligibility under the EB-5.

The interpreter’s role is to translate questions and answers faithfully, so that you understand everything and respond clearly. The interpreter must be fluent in both English and your language, and should limit their participation strictly to translation, without offering opinions, summarizing, or interfering with the content of your answers.

• Choose someone who is genuinely fluent in both languages.
• The interpreter only translates; they do not answer on your behalf.
• Bring your documents and follow the instructions on the interview notice.

Because each case may have its own specific requirements, review the instructions on the official USCIS interview notice and prepare your participation in advance. Clarity and honesty in your answers matter most.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.