Does petioner have to be at Interview?

[Mochamich 7]

My fiance's interview is coming up on Sept 2 at the Embassy in Haiti. Is it best for me to be there for the interview with him? We've heard that the Embassy changed things to make it easier to deny visa's. For example that if the Petitioner does not attend the interview with their fiance they will be denied. Can anyone clear this up for us?

[Adam&Noory 0]

Hi!

It will be nice if you go there. It helps the interview. They won't deny your fiance interview even if you don't go there, but it's more good if the consular officer can see you are both genuine in your relationship.

My husband and I before we were married we were fiance, he came with me, and it really helps. One thing for sure, he was waiting outside and he was not allowed to be in the interview room.

I did my interview in kenya i am origin from Mauritius island.

It will be okay if you don't go to haiti, but make sure you have all documents required for k1 visa.

we wish you all the best xxx

Edited August 20, 2011 by Adam&Noory

[Bill and Vicky 25]

I'll be contrary just for fun.

You NEED to be there. Your petition is based on your marriage, and they'd really like to see the both of you there and presenting the image of a couple.

If you can't be there (say, financial difficulties), I'd be tempted to send a letter saying, hey, I wish I was there but I just can't afford it.

Care,

Bill

[Gav & Jackie 0]

Short version: You DO NOT have to to be there.

Longer version: If you can afford to go and want to go then great. It won't be a bad thing if you don't go, but it may be a good thing if you do go.

Best of luck

[Chynna/gapamix 11]

It's Haiti, if you can go then do your best to be there. It's important to prove you are in this relationship for real. If you can not go because... we both know it isn't safe, then writre a letter along with recent documentation regarding the lack of security. Seriously not safe.

I am willing to risk it though to be there with my fiance for his interview. Once they see us together...Visa approved!

Good luck.

Chynna

[TBoneTX 46,284]

OP, read the Embassy Reviews for Haiti. Without looking at them, and from the impression that I've gotten while reading stories on VJ, I'd say that it's crucial for you to be there.

It NEVER hurts and MAY help if you're there. It scores major points in the mind of the CO if you're "on the premises," even if you're not allowed in the interview itself. Hand your passport to your beneficiary to show to the CO. This is evidence that your relationship is "bona fide" enough that you showed up for this important event.

People in Canada, VWP countries, and certain other lower-fraud consulates don't "need" their petitioner there as much as everyone else does. In certain countries, such as Ecuador, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and others, the visa can be refused almost automatically if the petitioner isn't there. Haiti is a desperately poor country, meaning high-fraud, and the CO will have this in mind. If you're there for the FIRST interview, it can be the ONLY interview. Avoid what happened to the rest of us. Be there.

Edited August 20, 2011 by TBoneTX

[Gav & Jackie 0]

OP, read the Embassy Reviews for Haiti. Without looking at them, and from the impression that I've gotten while reading stories on VJ, I'd say that it's crucial for you to be there.

It NEVER hurts and MAY help if you're there. It scores major points in the mind of the CO if you're "on the premises," even if you're not allowed in the interview itself. Hand your passport to your beneficiary to show to the CO. This is evidence that your relationship is "bona fide" enough that you showed up for this important event.

People in Canada, VWP countries, and certain other lower-fraud consulates don't "need" their petitioner there as much as everyone else does. In certain countries, such as Ecuador, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and others, the visa can be refused almost automatically if the petitioner isn't there. Haiti is a desperately poor country, meaning high-fraud, and the CO will have this in mind. If you're there for the FIRST interview, it can be the ONLY interview. Avoid what happened to the rest of us. Be there.

Mochamich, definitely go with TBone on this one!!!!!!

I was naive and didn't think that operating procedures would differ to incorporate the countries that the embassy was in.

Edited August 20, 2011 by Gav & Jackie

[TBoneTX 46,284]

I was naive and didn't think that operating procedures would differ to incorporate the countries that the embassy was in.

That's OK, si man. Just thank heaven that you're dealing with the UK and not with a godforsaken hellhole like Guayaquil (Ecuador), no man.

[memile 2]

Mochamich,

I have to say that for Haiti, it would be a very good idea to be present at the interview.The first time my fiance went to the interview the consulate ask him to return with me even though he answered everything correct. When I was there I noticed that all the people who were there with their fiances got approved. Some people do get approved without their fiances being there but those are few and far in between, if you can afford to go please do so.

[Mochamich 7]

Thank you all for your answers.

[jac_chappin 24]

OP - I definitely agree with Tbone! It could be the difference between getting approved or denied.

Best wishes!

[PAPUNMANMU 4]

Ok after reading this i am making sure i make it to my hubby's interview because wow this wait is already to long if i can help just by showing my face oh that's what i'm going to do...now if only i would get an interview date already darn it!!!!! lol

[Hiker 9]

Haiti is close, so I would go. My fiancee is in the Philippines, and a trip there is a 2 week long effort, and one which I already did this year. I don't have enough vacation time for multiple 2 week long trips per year. So, I have to stay unless interview is next year (and I hope its not that far!).

[PAPUNMANMU 4]

wow you're right I hope you do get an interview this year. have great day

[NoneYa 73]

Haiti is close, so I would go. My fiancee is in the Philippines, and a trip there is a 2 week long effort, and one which I already did this year. I don't have enough vacation time for multiple 2 week long trips per year. So, I have to stay unless interview is next year (and I hope its not that far!).

Shouldn't you be getting a NOA2 anyday now ? I hope so. I just filed my I-129F.