Petitioner at K1 Interview

[BirdyGirl85 23]

Oh wow, I've just checked the Embassy section for Finland and it says that the fiance(e)/spouse can't attend the interview. I was thinking I was going to. (I'm the U.S. Citizen) How many of you still went even though you knew you couldn't attend the interview? I don't want to waste over $1000 if I can't even be there during the interview... Of course I want to be there for my fiance, but if I am no help during the interview, that money I would of spent flying there can be used towards buying his plane ticket when he gets his visa... I don't know what to do... If I went to Finland and gave him my passport to take with him during the interview, would that help? Now I just feel confused and not sure what to do when it comes time for his interview...

[gennyangel 3]

I guess my worry is her going through the process alone. And, how many petitioners were not at the interview. If they were not there, was it harder for the beneficiary. I just want it to go smoothly for her. Maybe I worry too much.

Thanks for the responses

I went through the process here in Manila alone....I think she could do it too for as long as she's equipped of knowledge on what and how to do,she'll be fine but its your decisions..

[john_and_marlene 162]

How many times have you been to see her already? They are more interested in frequency and duration of visits than whether you are there for the interview.

[rooster 1]

I personaly believe that it is a benefit if the petitioner is there. Even if they are not allowed into the actual interview, they can still support thier SO before the interview. And after if, god forbid, the results are not good, they might even be able to present a response quicker to a 221g.

BTW I am the USC and was allowed in the interview in Montreal.

[Joan >3 Bob 20]

My opinion and my personal experience is if you have a very good I-129F package and your fiancee knows all about you well and all about your family, reason of any divorce you may have had, then you do not need to be there. I did not attend because I visited her in the Phils 5 months after we submitted the I-129F package due to us missing each oyther and we were not getting any status of the petition and we did not want to wait any longer to see each other again. 2 days after I departed back to the states, we received the NOA2 and I could not get any more days off work or have the money to travel again there in early january when her interview was. I did travel back there to accompany her back here and went with her for the CFO seminar and passport stamp.

Do not worry just put together a good I-129F package and nhave your fiancee study all the information you can supply her with about you and your family and your past life.

[TBoneTX 46,261]

...that money I would of spent flying there can be used towards buying his plane ticket when he gets his visa...

Consider this: If for any reason the interview heads south, or something in your papers raises the CO's suspicions, and you're NOT there to clear up the confusion (by invitation into the actual interview) or to add credibility to the relationship simply by being on the consular premises, you'll find yourself wishing to high heaven that you HAD been there. (Every time I read advice from VJers that suggests taking the consular interview lightly, or treating it as perfunctory, I want to issue a few "chicharrones.") Do you REALLY want to take such a chance with something as crucial as visa (non)issuance? If you're not allowed into the actual INTERVIEW, be on the consular premises, and have your fiance take your U.S. passport into the interview. THAT'S credibility.

[Ken-Love 0]

it depends on the CO, u are lucky if the CO will allowed. my friend had her fiance during her interview, she got her visa the next day.

[k1couple 0]

I accompanied my fiancee to her interview at the US Embassy in Manila. When my fiancee went into the interview room, I was told to wait outside. My fiancee told the CO that I was there, but the CO didn't call me in. Things went well regardless -- visa was approved and my fiancee is on her way here in a couple of weeks.

[Ken-Love 0]

I accompanied my fiancee to her interview at the US Embassy in Manila. When my fiancee went into the interview room, I was told to wait outside. My fiancee told the CO that I was there, but the CO didn't call me in. Things went well regardless -- visa was approved and my fiancee is on her way here in a couple of weeks.

CONGRATS!!!!!!!

[BirdyGirl85 23]

I see what you mean TBoneTX. But still I wonder, for all those people knowing that the fiance(e)/spouse could not join the interview, did you go anyways? Does the CO even ask if the fiance(e)/spouse is there? Would they really invite the fiance(e)/spouse into the interview later, when normally it says that the fiance(e)/spouse can't join the interview?

[venusfire503 54]

Here's my advice to everyone waiting for the visa interview:

USC - go if you can, but don't lose sleep over it if you really can't go. Many (most?) get approved without the USC there, and a few will get 221g or denial even if they are.

Make more of an attempt to go if you have a case that might raise ANY red flags (knowing each other a short time, recent divorce before petition is sent, large age difference, differences in language/religion/culture, high-fraud country, etc). I'm not picking on anyone - those things (all the ones I listed) applied in our case. I went along for the interview, and ended up standing outside alone for hours. It was SO worth it, though.

1 - I wanted to be able to take the last few papers there in person, especially MY papers (birth certificate, etc). Good thing, too - the packet I sent (I made 2 copies of originals of the USICS forms) didn't get there until AFTER his interview (we didn't know his packet 3 would have an interview date already set - I thought we were super early with getting those papers done).

2 - Even though I wasn't allowed inside, they knew I was there. I have no proof, but I think it helped (esp. since we had all those 'red flags'). He took my passport in his pocket, but didn't actually show it to anyone. IF they wanted to talk with me for any reason, I was right outside. It was also interesting for me, trying to get along in the country for the first time without his help (had to pantomime to ask for the bathroom!)

3 - I was there to prepare him, and all the papers, for a few days before the interview. I would've been worrying at home, wondering if he had everything, if he was ready, if he was nervous, etc.

4 - I was with him when he announced to his family that he was leaving, and went along to say good-bye to all his friends and

family.

5 - I was with him for his journey to his new home. It was his first plane ride, first time out of the country, etc. He wasn't nervous because of my presence. Also, I didn't have to wonder how he was (good thing - we got stuck in London for 2 days).

6 - I didn't want to miss being part of the experience of him getting here.

7 - I also got the 'privilege' of being grilled with him when he first came through the airport. They really gave the two of us a hard time. As hateful as it was, I'm glad that he didn't have to go through it alone. I wonder if they would've been even ruder to him if he had been alone. Also, there's always the slight chance that they could've denied him entry (yes, even with a visa). I think that very slight chance was even smaller since I was with him. A friend of mine said they made his wife (from Brazil) cry three separate times when she was traveling back and forth. I'm not trying to make anyone nervous - I just wish I had been forewarned, so it wouldn't have been such a shock.

8 - It's more pleasant to travel together than wait nervously at the airport.

Again, in most cases, it probably won't make the least bit of difference as far as getting the visa. Look honestly at your situation, though, and think about whether you have a straight forward case, or if there's something that might raise eyebrows. If you are concerned, but really can't go, send email or something to your SO, explaining why you can't go, how much you wish you could, all your love, etc, and a note about where you can be reached during the time of the interview in case anyone has any questions for you. Have your loved one take that to the interview in case it comes up that you're not there.

Best of luck to everyone in your journeys. It's difficult (more for some than others), but it DOES eventually move forward. I can't believe he's been here almost 2-1/2 years now!

venusfire

[al-Hubb jameel 0]

Then I guess it's really up to the CO then, because I did not let my fiance come in, but the CO asked for him.

I emailed the embassy in Amman, Jordan and they said yes, I was allowed to be there and that it actually makes their job easier if I am there!

[reeses16 8]

There are lots and lots of reasons why people decide to attend or not. The first thing I would consider is what others going through PI say about the consulate/interview. Then look at how well you presented your relationship, anticipated questions, and your fiancee's ability/comfort into responding.

I didn't go to my hubby's interview. But we treated very seriously, I sent him some additional evidence the week before his interview via DHL. I included a letter addressed to the CO. It was short, it stated what I was unable to attend. We were excited to have our interview and for our upcoming wedding. I also said that I could be reached during the interview if necessary and listed my phone number. I doubt they would have called me or even really cared about the letter, just wanted to show that I cared about the interview and my hubby. We also practiced for the interview. Starting 2 weeks before the interview he would study our entire K1 petition + evidence everyday. When I would talk to him I would interview him, I would asked lots of questions that he could answer based on the petition and I would ask him random questions just to see how he would think on his feet. And I would grill him a bit too. I think it boosted his confidence, he said it was helpful.

If you decide not to go, you can still help her prepare.

Edited June 9, 2009 by reeses16

[TBoneTX 46,261]

in most cases, it probably won't make the least bit of difference as far as getting the visa.

Without apology, I firmly state that this advice is irresponsible at best and PERILOUS at worst.

send email or something to your SO, explaining why you can't go, how much you wish you could, all your love, etc, and a note about where you can be reached during the time of the interview in case anyone has any questions for you. Have your loved one take that to the interview in case it comes up that you're not there.

In some places, this will not be believed, and it may not even be accepted. Do not take consular interviews lightly! Prepare for the worst, and be pleased IF the worst doesn't happen. As a plus if you go, it will be a shared experience that (it's hoped) you can tell your grandchildren about.