How interpreter support works at the U.S. Consulate in Kraków

Start with a phone call

Call me on +48 511 243 011. For our first conversation, tell me the interview date and time, the applicant’s preferred language and who needs support. If you are calling for your parents, let me know.

We will discuss whether I can accompany the applicant and agree on the next steps. There is no form to fill in or online calendar to navigate. If you prefer to write, message me on Telegram.

Agree on the details before travelling

We will discuss where and when to meet, how to reach each other and what to do if you are delayed. Write down the arrangements so you do not have to remember everything on the day.

• The date, time and location of the interview.
• Who needs interpretation and their preferred language.
• A contact number for the applicant or a family member.
• A clear meeting point outside the consulate.

Check the current appointment instructions for the process of admitting an interpreter. Do not leave this until the day of travel. Approval times and requirements may depend on the interview type.

Meeting outside the consulate

On the day, I meet the applicant at the agreed location near the consulate. Before entering, I explain how the interpretation will work and answer questions about communicating during the interview.

Save my number on the applicant’s phone. If you are arranging the visit for your parents, it can also help to write it on paper along with the meeting place and time.

During the interview

My role is to convey questions and answers accurately, preserving their meaning. The applicant speaks for themselves; I help them communicate without a language barrier.

If a question is unclear, say so. There is no need to guess what it means or agree with something you have not understood. Speaking in short phrases and pausing gives the interpreter time to convey your answer clearly.

Interpretation helps communication. An interpreter does not make the visa decision and cannot guarantee the outcome of an interview.

What the price includes

The price is 300 zł or €70 for one interview. It includes support on the day, help before entering the consulate and full interpretation during the interview.

If there is anything particular I should know beforehand, we can discuss it on the phone. It is best to confirm all arrangements before travelling.

Arranging support for elderly parents

You can handle the initial call and practical arrangements. Make sure your parents also know who will meet them, his name and the number to call. A simple explanation is enough: The interpreter will meet them outside the consulate and interpret the questions and answers.

Avoid overwhelming them with long instructions. A clear plan — where to go, when to meet and who to call with questions — is more useful.