Face-to-Face Interpreting Services in Canada

On-site interpreters in 300+ languages for courts, hospitals, IRCC interviews, police and business.

A face-to-face interpreter is in the room with you, so every question, answer, pause and reaction is interpreted as the conversation happens. Prism Linguistics books on-site interpreters in 300+ languages in Canada's main centres for court and tribunal matters, hospital appointments, IRCC interviews, police statements and business meetings.

On-site bookings usually need 2 to 3 business days' notice. Where an interpreter cannot be in the room, or the notice is shorter, we arrange a telephone or video interpreter anywhere in Canada instead. Every booking starts with a fixed written quote, usually within 60 minutes.

Book an On-Site Interpreter Call +1 888 693 6123
300+ languages
On site in the main centres
Confidentiality agreements
Fixed written quote

When You Need an Interpreter in the Room

Phone and video interpreting cover a lot of ground, but some conversations work better with the interpreter physically present:

  • Hearings, examinations and formal interviews, where the record has to be complete
  • Consent discussions, diagnoses, surgery and discharge planning
  • Sessions with several speakers, or that last half a day or longer
  • Conversations with children, older adults or people with hearing loss
  • Site visits, inspections and training where people move around and handle equipment
  • Sensitive meetings where body language and trust matter as much as words

Where We Send On-Site Interpreters

The settings our clients book face-to-face interpreters for most often.

Courts, Tribunals and Law Firms

Hearings, examinations for discovery, mediations and client meetings. Interpreter requirements vary by province and by court, so we confirm what the court or tribunal expects before we assign the interpreter.

Immigration and Refugee Hearings

The Immigration and Refugee Board provides its own interpreter for its hearings; refugee claimants request the language on the Basis of Claim form. Lawyers and consultants book our interpreters for the preparation meetings before the hearing.

Hospitals and Clinics

Specialist appointments, procedures, mental health sessions and discharge meetings, with privacy handled in line with PIPEDA and provincial health privacy laws.

IRCC and Settlement Services

Interviews, settlement appointments and community programs where newcomers need to follow every detail.

Police and Public Safety

Formal statements, victim interviews and witness meetings, interpreted with the possibility of court in mind.

Business Meetings

Negotiations, site visits, audits, training and HR meetings. For events with simultaneous interpreting, see conference interpreting.

Consecutive, Simultaneous and Whispered Interpreting

Most face-to-face assignments use consecutive interpreting: the speaker pauses every sentence or two and the interpreter repeats what was said in the other language. It is accurate and needs no equipment, which is why courts, clinics and interviews rely on it.

Simultaneous interpreting runs at the same time as the speaker and suits conferences and large meetings, usually with booths and headsets. Whispered interpreting is a quiet simultaneous version for one or two listeners sitting next to the interpreter. Tell us the format of your meeting and we recommend the right mode.

For sign language, including ASL and LSQ, see sign language interpreting.

How to Book a Face-to-Face Interpreter

The more we know when you book, the better the match.

  1. Send the detailsThe language and dialect, the address, the date, start time and expected length, the type of appointment, and whether you prefer a female or male interpreter.
  2. Approve the quoteYou receive a fixed written quote, usually within 60 minutes, and confirmation of the booking before the day.
  3. Brief the interpreterShare agendas, names, case numbers or documents in advance, so the interpreter arrives prepared for the subject.
  4. On the dayThe interpreter arrives before the start time, introduces themselves and interprets everything said by everyone in the room.
Request an Interpreter

Getting the Most From the Appointment

  • Speak to the other person, not to the interpreter, and use the first person.
  • Pause after a sentence or two, and avoid talking over each other.
  • Allow extra time, because an interpreted meeting takes longer than the same meeting in one language.
  • For long or intense sessions, plan breaks, or ask us about a second interpreter.
  • Tell reception or security that an interpreter is expected, so they are not held up at the door.

Notice and Price

On-site interpreters usually need 2 to 3 business days' notice; tell us straight away if your appointment is sooner and we will look at every option, including video. The price depends on the language, the location and travel, the length of the booking and whether it falls outside business hours. The written quote is fixed before you confirm.

See the cities we cover for on-site interpreting, or choose a language below.

On-Site Interpreters in 300+ Languages

Each language page covers the interpreters and settings for that language.

Face-to-Face Interpreting FAQs

How much notice do you need for an on-site interpreter?

On-site bookings usually need 2 to 3 business days' notice. If your appointment is sooner, contact us straight away; a telephone or video interpreter can often be arranged the same day.

Where do you provide face-to-face interpreters?

We provide on-site interpreters in Canada's main centres, and telephone or video interpreters anywhere in the country. Send the address when you book and we confirm what is possible for that location.

Can you provide an interpreter for court?

Yes. Interpreter requirements vary by province and by court or tribunal, so tell us which court it is and we confirm what it expects before we assign the interpreter.

Do I need to book an interpreter for my IRB hearing?

The Immigration and Refugee Board provides an interpreter for the hearing itself; for a refugee claim, you request the language and dialect on the Basis of Claim form. Many lawyers and consultants book their own interpreter for the meetings that prepare for the hearing.

Can I ask for a female or male interpreter?

Yes. Tell us your preference when you book and we match it wherever an interpreter is available for that language and location.

Will the interpreter keep what they hear confidential?

Yes. Interpreters sign confidentiality agreements, and personal information is handled in line with PIPEDA and the applicable provincial privacy laws.

Book a Face-to-Face Interpreter

Send your appointment details for a fixed written quote. Call +1 888 693 6123 or email info@prismlinguistics.ca.

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