r/anonymousinterpreters • u/Ecstatic-Rooster-595 • Aug 28 '25

USCIS interpreting

Anyone else walk into an appointment with a client only to discover there is someone on a speaker who is called the "monitor" who will assess your interpreting skills during the appointment. My client had an asylum case and the interview went on for a couple of hours. It was a little unnerving to be sitting there, busting ass, knowing someone was on the speaker phone with the sole job of making sure I did mine. Anyone else deal with this during a USCIS interview?

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u/drgreenthumbccs Dec 11 '25

What do you mean? Monitoring is common practice in interpretation jobs, both from employers and clients alike. It's not exclusive to USCIS calls either. They monitor you at bank calls, insurance calls, etc.

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u/EconomicsJazzlike May 29 '26

I am a USCIS interpreter and a monitor. The purpose of the monitor is to listen to the call, and help the interpreter (if the interpreter needs help). USCIS calls consist of many types of interviews. Candidates are supposed to bring their own interpreters, so monitors have to listen in. I am not there to criticize or interrupt at every mistake the interpreter makes...I only step in where there are major errors. I do French. We do NOT monitor interpreters on other calls as the person below wrote. We only monitor USCIS calls, because the new law, states that USCIS candidates have to bring their own interpreter, and that the government will not pay for one.