Is it better for me to be present at my fiance's interview?

[grinchus 11]

We're still waiting for the second NOA (notice date for NOA1 = May 1st) but I want to think ahead. I've seen some people here going through the interview with the US-based fiance(e) and some without. Once he has his appointment date, should I do everything I can to jump on a plane and be there with him? Does it make our case stronger one way or another? I'd love to go see him anyway, so if I can swing it financially it certainly would be a double bonus if it really would help!

[YuAndDan 153]

Moving to Consulate/Embassy forum.

[Nik+Heather 121]

Read interview reviews for your specific consulate. Select the embassy where you are interviewing, and happy reading!

http://www.visajourney.com/reviews/

My gut feeling is that in Italy, it is not necessary and won't make a difference either way. In many VWP countries, the USC presence at the interview is mostly in the office of hand holding and reassurance (not to be discounted if needed, but no affect on the technical immigration part).

have you seen this thread?

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=202228

Edited June 24, 2009 by Nik+Heather

[grinchus 11]

Read interview reviews for your specific consulate. Select the embassy where you are interviewing, and happy reading!

http://www.visajourney.com/reviews/

My gut feeling is that in Italy, it is not necessary and won't make a difference either way. In many VWP countries, the USC presence at the interview is mostly in the office of hand holding and reassurance (not to be discounted if needed, but no affect on the technical immigration part).

have you seen this thread?

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=202228

No, I didn't know there was a Naples consulate thread. Thanks Nik+Heather! You rock.

[TBoneTX 45,090]

It would never WEAKEN one's case if the U.S. partner were present (on the consular premises, at least). Regarding consular interviews, I for one would never "presume" success ahead of time.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

We're still waiting for the second NOA (notice date for NOA1 = May 1st) but I want to think ahead. I've seen some people here going through the interview with the US-based fiance(e) and some without. Once he has his appointment date, should I do everything I can to jump on a plane and be there with him? Does it make our case stronger one way or another? I'd love to go see him anyway, so if I can swing it financially it certainly would be a double bonus if it really would help!

I say YES. If for no other reason (and this is really the BEST reason) to comfort your fiancee. I went and was glad I did. We had no questions asked (though I know many people in Kiev have no questions asked even without their fiance present) but it felt really good to be there. In my opinion this is something we decided to do TOGETHER and we did all parts of the process TOGETHER, collecting documents, etc. I just think, for us, it was the way to go. I think Alla was very appreciative that I did this and was there with her, though the interview was anticlimatic, I think she would have passed out from fear walking to the consulate.

[daboyz 36]

In Thailand, the USC is not allowed to attend the interview. Security will not even allow them to enter the Embassy.

[grinchus 11]

We're still waiting for the second NOA (notice date for NOA1 = May 1st) but I want to think ahead. I've seen some people here going through the interview with the US-based fiance(e) and some without. Once he has his appointment date, should I do everything I can to jump on a plane and be there with him? Does it make our case stronger one way or another? I'd love to go see him anyway, so if I can swing it financially it certainly would be a double bonus if it really would help!

I say YES. If for no other reason (and this is really the BEST reason) to comfort your fiancee. I went and was glad I did. We had no questions asked (though I know many people in Kiev have no questions asked even without their fiance present) but it felt really good to be there. In my opinion this is something we decided to do TOGETHER and we did all parts of the process TOGETHER, collecting documents, etc. I just think, for us, it was the way to go. I think Alla was very appreciative that I did this and was there with her, though the interview was anticlimatic, I think she would have passed out from fear walking to the consulate.

Thanks, I will plan on doing this (if I can get the time off work). It will be meaningful for us to do this together. It will give his mom an excuse to throw a party for us too! She unfortunately won't be coming to our wedding in the US as she has a crippling fear of flying - so if I go there for the interview to support my fiance, we can turn it into a celebration (keeping our fingers crossed that all goes well!).