Mikhail Bogomolny has interpreted at hundreds of USCIS interviews, for asylum, green cards and citizenship, and knows the procedure in every detail: how the officer runs the conversation, which questions will come and what the officer pays attention to. On top of that experience comes training rare for an interpreter: a certificate in advanced consecutive techniques (the mode every interview runs in), the Immigration Law Specialist Certificate and a certificate in forensic linguistics. For you, it means every word you say reaches the officer accurately, completely and with the meaning you gave it.
Calm from the first minute
Mikhail's work starts before you even enter the building. He meets you at the office, helps you check in and walks you through every step: security, the wait, the oath and signing Form G-1256. He has been through it hundreds of times and knows every detail, so there is nothing for you to worry about. On one of the most stressful days of the process, the person beside you is someone you can lean on, and you can focus on what matters most: your answers.
Interviews covered
- Asylum interviews: in Tustin, San Francisco and at any asylum office in the country.
- Green card interviews: marriage, family and employment-based cases, removal of conditions (I-751) and the DV lottery.
- Citizenship (N-400): the whole interview when you are exempt from English, and otherwise the application review and security questions, with the officer's permission.
- Immigration court: interpreting at attorney meetings while preparing for the hearing.
What you gain with Mikhail
- Experience others don't have. More than 750 USCIS interviews and work in immigration court: Mikhail knows how your case looks through the eyes of the officer and the judge.
- Knowledge of the system, not just the language. The confidentiality waiver, the bona fide marriage exemption, a sworn statement taken in front of a second officer: concepts an ordinary interpreter doesn't know. Mikhail makes clear exactly what you are signing and what it leads to.
- Words that mean what you said. Russian «арест», «протокол» and «повестка» look like English words but don't mean the same thing, and one such slip can change the meaning of an answer. Mikhail knows the difference. Examples of translators' false friends.
- No risk of a rescheduled interview. An officer can disqualify an interpreter who isn't up to the job, and since August 21, 2026, asylum interviews are rescheduled only for exceptional circumstances. With a certified court interpreter, that risk is off the table.
USCIS offices in California
Mikhail works at every USCIS field office and asylum office in Southern California and San Francisco, and travels to any other office in the country.
- Los Angeles Asylum Office14101 Myford Rd, Tustin, CA 92780Affirmative asylum interviews
- San Francisco Asylum Office75 Hawthorne St, San Francisco, CA 94105Affirmative asylum interviews
- Los Angeles Field Office300 N. Los Angeles St, Los Angeles, CA 90012Green card, marriage, citizenship
- San Fernando Valley Field Office19809 Prairie St, Chatsworth, CA 91311Green card, marriage, citizenship
- Santa Ana Field Office34 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701Green card, marriage, citizenship
- San Bernardino Field Office995 Hardt St, San Bernardino, CA 92408Green card, marriage, citizenship
- San Diego Field Office880 Front St, San Diego, CA 92101Green card, marriage, citizenship
- Chula Vista Field Office1261 Third Ave, Chula Vista, CA 91911Green card, marriage, citizenship
- Imperial Field Office509 Industry Way, Imperial, CA 92251Green card, marriage, citizenship
- San Francisco Field Office444 Washington St, San Francisco, CA 94111Green card, marriage, citizenship
Frequently asked questions
Does a USCIS interpreter have to be certified?
USCIS doesn't require a certificate. It requires an interpreter who is fluent in both languages, competent and impartial, and it can disqualify one who isn't. A certified court interpreter meets that standard and knows the procedure.
How early should I book?
As soon as you receive the interview notice. Dates are fixed by USCIS, and an interpreter's unavailability is not a good reason to reschedule, especially for asylum interviews.
How much does it cost?
It depends on the type of interview, the court, the office and how you attend (in person, video or phone). Call or email to discuss it.
Can my documents for the interview be translated too?
Yes. USCIS requires a full English translation of every foreign-language document, with a translator's certification. See certified translation.