English/Telugu appointment?

[parwin]

Dear All,

I took an appointment for my parents when i saw a telugu date but when i finishes filling up the form and got the appointment letter, there was no colum for language.

what does this mean, is it going to be an eng/tel appointment.

I would like to know if no language has been mentioned means is that going to be English or what?

if any one has come across such problem please let me know how should i go about.

thanks in advance,
Parrwin

[gouthamsri]

When did you take this appointment?

Parwin when did you take the appointment? I have been trying to get a Telugu appointment for the past three weeks now, been monitoring the website every 5 minutes even at work and could not get a date. Which date did you get for? Also, when you start the application you should choose the language again, otherwise the default is English. Additionally here's what I heard so far,

If you take a language appointment your chances of getting an interpreter are 90% only where as if you take English appointment your chances of getting an interpreter are 60%. Basically availability of an interpreter depends on whether there is a person who can translate inside the consulate that day or not. That's all.

Sri

[parwin]

hi, i got appointment for May 31st, i booked some time in Dec, looking for preponing but not getting the dates any more.

thanks for ur responce, so i can keep this English appoint ment(the one with noe language) and try my 60% chance of getting the translator .

[ramkumarkoditala]

Additionally here's what I heard so far,

If you take a language appointment your chances of getting an interpreter are 90% only where as if you take English appointment your chances of getting an interpreter are 60%. Basically availability of an interpreter depends on whether there is a person who can translate inside the consulate that day or not. That's all.

Sri

Sri,

So can we get TELUGU translator even appointment is booked for English?
Actually I was looking for Telugu appointments as none were available I booked appointment in English for my in-laws.
So can they get a Telugu translator in Chennai consulate, if Yes, what is the procedure for the same?
Please help
Thanks
RK

[ss92]

Please confirm that you can definitely get a translator with an English apt. When my mother went for her interview, a couple before her had an English apt and wanted a translator. The officer asked them to go back and reschedule. I am not sure if thats because no translators were available or if its up to the officer. But please thoroughly verify this especially if they cannot communicate in English at all..just a word of caution.

[gouthamsri]

Ram: This is what I heard from a colleague of mine that when her parents went into the consulate they were asked if they needed any help (this is at the entrance itself and not near the CO) and they said they need a translator and were provided one immediately. So, I guess it all depends on our luck.

SS92: I remember reading one of your posts where your mother's appt was with a regional language but when she went to the consulate there was no translator available. Correct me if I am wrong, but, is it possible that there were just no translators available that day?

So, our parents can just see if a translator is available, if not they can attend the English interview. I am prepping my parents everyday with the interview questions. Darn I hate this and hope the process was much simpler.

Ever wonder why Chennai consulate is the only one with this whole language charades and no other consulate has this?

Sri

[ss92]

Oh if they can manage in English and are comfortable then I guess you can give it a shot.
When my mother went, the officer said that no translators were available and if they couldnt manage then he would find one cos she did have a lang apt. My mother can communicate in English but sometimes the accent is hard for her to follow. This officer was very nice and had an Indian accent or so my mother tells me. So she had no problems.
I did the same thing as you - I prepped her over the phone every single day. I felt horrible But it helps their confidence if you do this. When my mother was at the consulate, one of the officers - an American - came out from behind the counter in an effort to ligthen the mood I guess and asked everyone that comes up to the counter to smile and say hello cos it helped them relax too.

[gouthamsri]

SS92 I wouldn't say my parents are comfortable to talk in English. They can manage. But I am pregnant and expecting our first baby in September. My mother wouldn't want to be any place else on earth during that time except by my side and same with me. So we are taking the risk with English. Let's see, it's all going to be GOD's grace now. We can only do as much as humanly possible.

I called VFS support line on this and you should have heard the way the lady on the other end talked to me. It's as if like she is doing me a favor by even picking up the call and her attitude was like you are a fit for nothing and at my grace kind...So rude and so pathetic that I was shocked out of my life. Gosh I wish American Consulate will get to know of this behavior and do something about it.

[ss92]

My mother went to the VFS office and was treated the same way - extremely rude and arrogant the woman was to her! I dont know if we can do anything. On top of everything else, my mother had to endure this
Just prep your parents as much as possible to build their confidence. Hopefully they will get a translator. People say that telling the officer that they are coming here for the birth of a baby ensures rejection - so please check on this.
Good luck!

[gouthamsri]

Yah they are not even going to utter. I am asking them to tell that they want to enjoy Fall colors and spend quality time during Thanks Giving and Christmas with our family.

I am so sorry to hear about the experience your mom had to go through. I mean all it takes for them is to be nice, they should remember that they have a job because of people like us who are paying the application fee.

Sri