Should I be at the interview with my Fiancee???

[Amin&Ani 0]

Hi everyone,

I am not sure if I can attend the interview with my fiancee, hopefully in the near future, because of Job/work obligation. Would that negatively impact my Fiancee's interview outcome?

thank you all

[TBoneTX 45,309]

I know of NO ONE who went for the fiancee's interview and regretted doing so. On the other hand, many (I included) have lived to regret NOT having been there for the first interview.

Even if your consulate does not allow the U.S. partner IN the actual interview, be on the premises. You can hand your U.S. passport to your partner, who can show it to the interviewer to prove that you are present. This can only work in your favor.

Edited February 16, 2009 by TBoneTX

[bora bora 1]

I know of NO ONE who went for the fiancee's interview and regretted doing so. On the other hand, many (I included) have lived to regret NOT having been there for the first interview.

Even if your consulate does not allow the U.S. partner IN the actual interview, be on the premises. You can hand your U.S. passport to your partner, who can show it to the interviewer to prove that you are present. This can only work in your favor.

But if you can't go then you can't go. I recommend it but sometimes it's too hard ($/job) and you can't make it. Many people go on the interview alone so it's kind of the norm, but it would be better IF you could go.

[TBoneTX 45,309]

But if you can't go then you can't go. I recommend it but sometimes it's too hard ($/job) and you can't make it. Many people go on the interview alone so it's kind of the norm, but it would be better IF you could go.

I held this reasoning, too, and (barely) survived it. The question to ask ourselves is: Would we rather bite the bullet NOW and make the trip for the interview, or risk many thousands of dollars MORE in attorneys' fees, overpriced calls to consular PIN lines, untold numbers of DHL packages of 221(g) evidence, etc. -- and months of delay -- to overcome a consul's impression that "the U.S. citizen didn't care enough to come for the interview, so this relationship isn't evident enough to approve"?

What's it going to be -- a little hardship now, or repent (and suffer) at leisure?

[Amin&Ani 0]

That's true, I agree with you...

the problem is I am going to see my fiance in march for 5 weeks. and If I am going to go to the Interview that would probably aggravate my employer, not a good idea in this economy. I guess I can persuade him with getting unpaid vacation.

[bora bora 1]

That's true, I agree with you...

the problem is I am going to see my fiance in march for 5 weeks. and If I am going to go to the Interview that would probably aggravate my employer, not a good idea in this economy. I guess I can persuade him with getting unpaid vacation.

Maybe you could just wait it out 'til the interview.

With all due respect, TBoneTX, I think you're overdoing it a bit. I mean, just because you can't make it to the interview doesn't mean your SO could have a good chance of being denied (unless it's a requirement from the consulate that the UCS attend).

I think that the attorney fees, waivers, is pushing it a bit.

My hubby would have done fine w/out me, but I wanted us to go through this together, and hey, we had a romantic honeymoon in Rio de Janeiro.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

Hi everyone,

I am not sure if I can attend the interview with my fiancee, hopefully in the near future, because of Job/work obligation. Would that negatively impact my Fiancee's interview outcome?

thank you all

I went and I am very glad I did. Though I doubt the outcome would have changed, I am sure it would not have, but it was great moral support to my fiancee (now wife). I was sort of in the same situation, she wanted me to come for the interview and then a couple weeks later to accompany her to the USA. My work situation at that time of year simply would not allow me to do both. Since it was a non-stop flight from Kyiv to NYC she decided she wanted me there for the interview. Great experience if you can. I look it at this way, it is the beginning of your life TOGETHER and I really wanted to be there also.

[TBoneTX 45,309]

...just because you can't make it to the interview doesn't mean your SO could have a good chance of being denied

Maybe, but the point is: Is the petitioner willing to take that chance? In this sort of circumstance and in life, we are each free to do what we choose, yet we must also be prepared to accept the consequences.

[venusfire503 54]

I think there's no way to predict if it will matter - I think there are so many variables - the country, etc. I went for several reasons - I didn't want to send my birth certificate and stuff (good thing - the papers I sent didn't get there in time - luckily my paranoid #### had a second set on hand on the plane); I wanted to go in if possible (it wasn't - I stood outside for HOURS, having the fun of being alone, nervous and trying to muddle my way through asking for water and a bathroom...); and I wanted to take the trip here with him.

Go if there's any way you can (it can't hurt and might help), don't sweat it if you can't. I'm sure many have been approved without, and some have been denied even with, the SO attending.

Best of luck!

[Amin&Ani 0]

I totally understand your point. Actually, that's what bothering me the most. Not being there for that "support" is definitely an issue . She will be there with her brother or father though.

Hi everyone,

I am not sure if I can attend the interview with my fiancee, hopefully in the near future, because of Job/work obligation. Would that negatively impact my Fiancee's interview outcome?

thank you all

I went and I am very glad I did. Though I doubt the outcome would have changed, I am sure it would not have, but it was great moral support to my fiancee (now wife). I was sort of in the same situation, she wanted me to come for the interview and then a couple weeks later to accompany her to the USA. My work situation at that time of year simply would not allow me to do both. Since it was a non-stop flight from Kyiv to NYC she decided she wanted me there for the interview. Great experience if you can. I look it at this way, it is the beginning of your life TOGETHER and I really wanted to be there also.

[Amin&Ani 0]

That's what it says on the Embassy's website:

"How can I prove my relationship with my spouse/fiancé(e)?

There is no one way to "prove" your relationship. The most important way to prove your relationship is to demonstrate to the consular officer during your interview that you know your spouse/fiancé(e) well. It is useful, but not required, for the U.S. citizen spouse/fiancé(e) to attend the interview. Most applicants also bring in photos of themselves together with their spouse/fiancé(e). Wedding photos or photos of your engagement party are very helpful. Studio photos are less helpful. Letters or emails you sent each other are useful, as are phone bills showing how often you have called each other. If you use phone cards, you can get a print-out of the numbers you called from the phone card company. Please do not send sexually explicit material."

also I sent an email their response the same

"Your presence during the interview is not required.

I hope this information is helpful to you."

Sincerely,

Immigrant Visa Unit

oh well, I guess I have to work around it if I can...

...just because you can't make it to the interview doesn't mean your SO could have a good chance of being denied

Maybe, but the point is: Is the petitioner willing to take that chance? In this sort of circumstance and in life, we are each free to do what we choose, yet we must also be prepared to accept the consequences.