Program delivery update: Using the services of an accredited interpreter – April 27, 2018
This section contains policy, procedures and guidance used by IRCC staff. It is posted on the department’s website as a courtesy to stakeholders.
This update applies to interpretation services taking place in Canada that are funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for:
- refugee protection
- select permanent residence applications
- other requests for specific applications
This update clarifies that:
- the use of accredited interpreters is limited to interviews that could have significant impact on clients, such as:
- in-Canada claims for refugee protection, including refugee eligibility interviews
- interviews with individuals likely to be subject to removal from Canada
- pre-removal risk assessment hearings
- interviews with victims of abuse
- sponsorship interviews (for example, marriages of convenience)
- officials should allow for a degree of discretion when deciding to provide IRCC-funded interpretation services in other proceedings not included in this list
This update also includes:
- downloadable files for lists of interpreters have replaced links, and these lists will be updated regularly
- a new “Interpreters” section has been added to clarify the status of, and interpretation standard criteria for, interpreters
- a new “Complaints” section has been added that includes information on:
- complaints from an interpreter
- complaints about an interpreter