Is it necessary for Petitioner to be at Visa Interview

[sba.rsa 10]

On State Department website, it says it is not necessary for Petitioner to be at Visa interview.

However, I am hearing from people that it is necessary and I am kind of scared, as I am stuck in the States around the time of the interview (sick Father recovering from surgery, Jury Duty, not enough leave from work).

If I don't appear, will they ask more strict questions? We already gave all the required paperwork and more.

Please help.

[ChuckM 8]

It is not necessary and in some(most?) instances, the petitioner is not even allowed in the Embassy. I went to the interview with my then fiancee and was stuck waiting in the cold December rain in Ankara.

[Hypnos 6,578]

It varies from embassy to embassy; some require the petitioner to appear, some don't.

[NikLR 13,232]

This is very embassy specific. Look at your embassy's website to see if they allow petitioners into the embassy and read embassy reviews to see if the petitioner's presence is required.

[Ryan H 3,834]

Moved from IR-1/CR-1 Process & Procedures to US Embassy & Consulate Discussion.

[NigeriaorBust 4,087]

In high fraud areas it is usually helpful if the petitioner is there during the interview. Many times you will be stuck outside because of concerns that you will be coaching the interview. But if an interview goes badly mentioning that you are outside to answer questions leave less room for the CO to fabricate a denial.

[sba.rsa 10]

Thanks everyone