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Immigration Interpreter Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Immigration Attorney

Chula Vista, CA · On-site

$80K - $160K/yr

Provide strategic counsel to clients regarding their immigration status and criminal defense options, including clients with limited English proficiency (working with interpreters as needed)

Provide Korean-English translation and interpretation support for visa and immigration documentation, including job samples, job duties, and related materials, to support immigration petitions and ...

Provide Korean-English translation and interpretation support for visa and immigration documentation, including job samples, job duties, and related materials, to support immigration petitions and ...

Provide Korean-English translation and interpretation support for visa and immigration documentation, including job samples, job duties, and related materials, to support immigration petitions and ...

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Immigration Interpreter information

See California salary details

$23.7K

$63.2K

$103.1K

How much do immigration interpreter jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for immigration interpreter in California is $63,182.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,300.00 and $68,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an immigration interpreter do?

An Immigration Interpreter facilitates communication between immigrants and officials by accurately translating spoken or written language during interviews, legal proceedings, and other immigration-related processes. They must be fluent in at least two languages and ensure precise, confidential, and impartial interpretation. Their role is crucial in helping non-native speakers navigate the immigration system effectively.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an immigration interpreter?

To thrive as an Immigration Interpreter, you need advanced proficiency in at least two languages, a deep understanding of legal and immigration terminology, and often a relevant certification. Familiarity with remote interpretation platforms, translation management systems, and professional interpreter accreditation (such as court or community interpreting certificates) is valuable. Strong active listening, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to remain neutral and composed under pressure are essential soft skills. These competencies ensure accurate and effective communication between parties, which is critical for fair and efficient immigration processes.

What is a typical work environment like for an immigration interpreter?

Immigration Interpreters commonly work in diverse settings, such as government offices, courts, community organizations, or remotely via phone and video conferencing platforms. You may collaborate closely with immigration attorneys, case workers, and clients, often facilitating sensitive conversations in high-stakes and fast-paced environments. Collaboration, adaptability, and clear record-keeping are crucial since you may assist multiple clients or cases in a single day. The role can be both challenging and rewarding, offering opportunities to make a significant impact on individuals navigating complex immigration systems.

How to become an immigration interpreter?

To become an immigration interpreter, one typically needs fluency in at least two languages and may pursue certification through organizations like the Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters or the National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters. Gaining experience, understanding legal terminology, and passing relevant exams are important steps in establishing credibility in this field.

What are the most commonly searched types of Immigration Interpreter jobs in California?

The most popular types of Immigration Interpreter jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Immigration Interpreter jobs?

Cities in California with the most Immigration Interpreter job openings:

Infographic showing various Immigration Interpreter job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $63,182 per year, or $30.4 per hour.

Pro Bono Immigration Translator & Interpreter

East Bay Community Law Center

Berkeley, CA • On-site

$27 - $35.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

Description

Company Overview

East Bay Community Law Center (EBCLC) is a non-profit legal services organization, the community-based clinical program for U.C. Berkeley Law School, and one of the Bay Area's largest and most effective systems disrupters. With a dual service and teaching mission, EBCLC is a racial justice organization committed to building a culturally diverse workplace, centered on equity. With about 50 staff, 100 law students a year, and a $7 million annual budget, EBCLC is the largest provider of free legal services in Alameda County, providing multimodal, collaborative, and holistic legal services to over 4,000 clients annually and engaging in legislative and policy advocacy at the state and local level. 


Position Overview  

EBCLC's Immigration Unit is seeking bilingual Berkeley Law students to serve as pro bono translators and interpreters in support of client representation. Students in this role are eligible to receive Berkeley Law Pro Bono hours for interpretation and translation performed in legal settings under supervision. 

Students in this role will provide interpretation and translation in legal settings under the supervision of EBCLC staff attorneys and accredited representatives. 


Responsibilities  

Students may assist with: 

  • Interpretation during client legal meetings, legal consultations, and declaration preparation for cases (e.g., asylum) 
  • Translation of legal and civil documents, including client declarations and supporting materials for cases 

Languages Especially Needed 

Spanish, Vietnamese, Dari, Mam, Pashto, Portuguese, Ukrainian and other Indigenous or underrepresented languages. All languages are welcome. 

Time Commitment 

No minimum. Duration of commitment will depend on client need. For example, client interviews may take 3 hours. 

Requirements

Who you are:

  • Current UC Berkeley Law student 
  • Fluency in English and at least one additional language 
  • Strong communication skills and attention to detail 

Screening:

As part of the application process, applicants will be require to upload with their resume I-589 and/ questions translated. This brief exercise allows the Immigration Unit to assess translation clarity and familiarity with legal terminology. Please use the template below. 


Form I-589: "Have you or your family members ever belonged to or been associated with any organizations or groups in your home country, such as, but not limited to, a political party, student group, labor union, religious organization, military or paramilitary group, civil patrol, guerrilla organization, ethnic group, human rights group, or the press or media?

Have you, your spouse, your child(ren), your parents or your siblings ever applied to the U.S. Government for refugee status, asylum, or withholding of removal? If "Yes," explain the decision and what happened to any status you, your spouse, your child(ren), your parents, or your siblings received as a result of that decision. Indicate whether or not you were included in a parent or spouse's application. If so, include your parent or spouse's A-number in your response. If you have been denied asylum by an immigration judge or the Board of Immigration Appeals, describe any change(s) in conditions in your country or your own personal circumstances since the date of the denial that may affect your eligibility for asylum."