‘I need an interpreter’ Card
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What is the ‘I need an interpreter’ card?
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship produces an ‘I need an interpreter’ card for use by non English speakers who require interpreting assistance.
The wallet sized card, featuring the National Interpreter Symbol, is designed to assist non English speakers request an interpreter when they need to communicate with government agencies, community groups and businesses. Non English speakers can simply show the card to advise that they need an interpreter.
A panel on the front of the card allows the non English speaker’s language preference to be written, and the reverse side features TIS National’s contact details.
Note: TIS National operates on a fee for service basis and interpreting charges may apply.
Who can use the card?
The card can be used by any person in Australia who speaks a language other than English and needs or wishes to use an interpreter to communicate.
The cards are provided free of charge to assist non English speakers access interpreting services.
Who should fill out the language section of the card?
The language section of the card can be filled out when it is given to a non English speaker by a government agency, settlement service provider or community group. It can also be filled out by English speaking family members or friends.
Please confirm the language or dialect that is preferred by the non English speaker before completing the language section. Multiple languages can be written on the card if necessary, and should be listed in order of preference.
How can I order the cards?
TIS National provides the cards to a variety of government agencies, community groups, and not-for profit agencies for distribution to their non English speaker clients at a community level.
The cards can also be ordered from the TIS Client Liaison and Promotions team.
Email: tispromo@immi.gov.au
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