If you need them, you may work with interpreters:
- When meeting with your legal representative
- During interviews with IRCC or CBSA
- At your IRB-RPD hearing
You can have a free professional interpreter in your language at your eligibility interview and at your refugee hearing. You may not choose the interpreter.
If you have a legal aid lawyer, legal aid may pay for some interpretation. When you hire a legal representative, you will likely have to pay the fees yourself. In other situations, such as in free legal clinics, a friend, or a volunteer or worker can help interpret for you.
What your interpreter should do
The main role of an interpreter is to make sure everyone can understand each other clearly.
Interpreters should:
- Translate exactly or as closely as possible. They should not add anything or leave anything out.
- Never show if they agree or disagree with something.
- Keep everything that is said private.
Your interpreter should not:
- Give you legal advice or explain what is happening.
- Say what they think you meant, or shorten or expand what you say.
If you think the interpreter made a mistake or you do not understand something, tell your legal representative, the Member, or the officer.