CertiDocsThe practical guide
Interpreter for an Immigration Office interview
Check the interpreting arranged for your procedure first. A private service does not automatically replace the administration’s interpreter.
Understand the processWho arranges the interpreter and when is it free?
Link to this sectionThe Immigration Office’s 2026 brochure provides for a free interpreter, where needed, at the interview determining which country is responsible for examining an asylum claim. That interview does not itself grant asylum. This does not describe every residence appointment. Read the purpose of your summons and ask the named service who arranges interpreting before booking privately.
What if you do not understand the interpreter?
Link to this sectionThe brochure asks you to report problems with understanding or neutrality immediately. Explain the issue: a different language variety, an unheard passage or an incorrectly conveyed answer. Ask for repetition or clarification before continuing. Note points to check with the service and any legal adviser; a private provider cannot decide to replace the administration’s appointed interpreter.
When should you consider a private service?
Link to this sectionFor private sworn interpreting accepted by the service, verify interpreting competence and status in the register. The ethics code requires fidelity, discretion and impartiality and prohibits legal advice. Preparing terminology does not mean composing your account for you. Share only what is needed for the agreed assignment, together with the service’s access and confidentiality instructions.
Preparation advice from CertiDocs
What should you check on your summons?
Link to this sectionMessage to adapt: ‘I am summoned on [date] for [procedure] and understand [language and variety]. Is an interpreter arranged? Must I take any steps, and is private attendance authorised?’
| Your situation | What to check | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| Interview about the country responsible for asylum | Arrangements by the summoning service | Confirm the assistance arranged before spending privately. |
| Other residence appointment | Purpose, instructions and permitted attendees | Contact the service named on the summons. |
| Difficulty understanding during the interview | Language, variety or passage concerned | State the specific problem and request clarification. |
Documents to prepare
- Summons or written service request and appointment purpose
- Languages, spoken variety, date, location and duration to confirm
- Accepted profile, arrangements, payment and relationships to disclose
- Relevant documents, latest version and confidentiality rules
Steps to follow
Read the request
Summons or written service request and appointment purpose
Specify languages
Languages, spoken variety, date, location and duration to confirm
Confirm arrangements
Accepted profile, arrangements, payment and relationships to disclose
Prepare documents
Relevant documents, latest version and confidentiality rules
Good to know
Guides
On the same topic
Other steps to prepare. Interpretation and official appointments.
Interpreter for an immigration appointment in Belgium
Municipality, residence file, Immigration Office, administrative appointment: see when an interpreter becomes useful or necessary for an immigration case in Belgium.
Sworn interpreter for a civil marriage in Belgium
Sworn interpreter for marriage in Belgium: City of Brussels rule, register checks, bilingual relatives, languages and ceremony preparation.
Interpreter for a child recognition procedure in Belgium
Child recognition, understanding, consent, municipality: see when an interpreter becomes useful or necessary for a procedure in Belgium.
For your application
Related documents
Common translations
Prepare your appointment with an interpreter
Enter the languages, date, duration and location of your appointment in the form.
Frequently asked questions
+−Must I pay an interpreter before attending the Immigration Office?
+−Can I bring my own interpreter without notice?
+−Does the interpreter replace written translations?
+−Can the interpreter improve my account to help my case?
Official source
Official sources used
The references below are the public sources used to document this page. The competent authority always retains the final decision.
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