Petitioner Attending the Interview

[TBoneTX 45,304]

On my Embassy (Cambodia) it does say NO to fiance(e) attending the interview, however when I did check out the reviews many have stated that they were able to attend. I think I will try to fly there if time and money allows me to. Even if they embassy will not let me inside at least my fiance knows I am just steps away and there to support him.

Thanks everybody for your comments.

Good choice. The comment above about handing your U.S. passport to the beneficiary to hand to the consul is dead-nuts accurate. There's no telling how many borderline interviews have been turned around by doing exactly this.

Also, some folks have too basic a view of the consular situation: "The petitioner is not allowed to attend the interview" does NOT automatically equal "The petitioner's presence on the consular premises (or just outside) makes no difference in regard to the outcome of the interview."

[KayDeeCee 4,893]

Good choice. The comment above about handing your U.S. passport to the beneficiary to hand to the consul is dead-nuts accurate. There's no telling how many borderline interviews have been turned around by doing exactly this.

Also, some folks have too basic a view of the consular situation: "The petitioner is not allowed to attend the interview" does NOT automatically equal "The petitioner's presence on the consular premises (or just outside) makes no difference in regard to the outcome of the interview."

Even when the petitioner is not allowed in, the CO still sometimes asks if they accompanied you to the city/embassy. Not allowed in the consualte does not mean the CO will not take into consideration whether or not the petitioner made the trip to be with their fiance(e) for support.

[Ryan H 3,812]

Moved from K1 Process & Procedures to US Embassy & Consulate Discussion; topic is about Embassy/Consulate procedures and is applicable to more than just one visa type.

[Cathi 5,755]

If you have the opportunity to go, it is always a good idea. Even if they do ask you additional questions, what are you afraid of? As long as you are honest it cannot hurt your case if you have a bona fide relationship.. I attended the interview with my husband and the CO asked me far more questions than they asked my husband, and we didn't have any problems whatsoever.

[amberlynnloves 125]

I went to my fiance's interview. It was something that we could experience together. Going in there and being able to support my fiance emotionally was the best feeling in the world. When we were approved, we both smiled and cried and hugged each other because we both knew at the same moment that the journey we had been on was finally done. It was 100% worth the expense of going and we got to spend a few nights in Montreal which was beautiful. It was all about the experience together. I wouldn't change it for the world.

[Andrea&Henry 311]

In my case I think it was pretty helpful. The day of my interview (Caracas Venezuela) my now husband decided to come with me. Round trip tickets between Venezuela / USA are pretty cheap cause it's only a 3 hours flight. My hubby also thought that he wanted to be part of everything cause it was "our" visa not only mine. So we went together. It was great!! He made me feel calm and safe during the 5.5 hours of waiting but his presences made my second interview WAY shorter. While I was waiting, I met a girl that was there for a k1 visa also but she went alone. I heard all her 1st and 2nd interview (is an open booth) in front of the waiting area so you can see and hear everything. Her 2nd interview lasted around 25 min (probably 20 questions). When it was my turn for my 2nd interview, the CO ask me if he (pointing at my then boyfriend) if he was my fiance, which I reply yes and she told me, to get him here with us. She asked him how many brothers and sisters do I have, where my parents live and if we already have wedding plans. Then she look at me pleased and smiled at me saying your visa have been approved! Only 3 questions! It was 5 minutes probably. The immigration of the embassy its small and apart so I was sure that this girl and my petition were the only k1 visa petitions that day. Even when the 2 of us were approved mine interview was 10 tomes easier and shorter. Also I later found out that the embassy have microphones and hidden cameras in the waiting room, so I guess they watched us behaving "naturally" during 5 hours (time we used to play rock/scissors/paper, we kissed, hug, laughed, Ui even felt asleep in my hubby's arm) so I guess that might helped us. The thing is that if you have the chance of going together and the embasdy allows it, go

[Andrea&Henry 311]

I went to my fiance's interview. It was something that we could experience together. Going in there and being able to support my fiance emotionally was the best feeling in the world. When we were approved, we both smiled and cried and hugged each other because we both knew at the same moment that the journey we had been on was finally done. It was 100% worth the expense of going and we got to spend a few nights in Montreal which was beautiful. It was all about the experience together. I wouldn't change it for the world.

100000% agree with you!!! In my case I know I would make it with or without him there but it was almost magical having my then fiance there with me!! When we were approve we also cried, junped abd kissed in front of the CO abd she started laughing! We were so ashamed! But she was as happy as we were! We treasure that day, we even celebrated the anniversary this year.

[Ryan H 3,812]

Also, some folks have too basic a view of the consular situation: "The petitioner is not allowed to attend the interview" does NOT automatically equal "The petitioner's presence on the consular premises (or just outside) makes no difference in regard to the outcome of the interview."

I second this; I flew to China for my wife's interview and while I knew I wouldn't be in the same room, I did hand her my passport. One of the questions the CO asked her was I on the floor below (CO also looked through my passport). While I don't think our case was marginal, I do think me being there made a strong case stronger.

[Angkorwat 0]

Y'all be fine if you don tell lie to them!!! u see be honest tell the truth no telling lies than u are fine now.

Edited June 22, 2013 by Fighter