K3 - How essential is it that the spouse attend the interview.

[parkpapa 0]

I have been planning to attend my wife's interview (we are hoping for a June date), but she is more interested in me coming to Bogota to escort her and the boys to the US when she's ready. I've read that it is important for the American citizen to attend the interview for a fiance(e) visa, but is it essential for a K3? I can't really afford to leave work twice in a month for both things. Any pointers would be welcome.

Any insights from regarding any embassy are welcome, though Colombia is our first concern, of course. Thanks for any helpful advice.

[TonyS 0]

I have been planning to attend my wife's interview (we are hoping for a June date), but she is more interested in me coming to Bogota to escort her and the boys to the US when she's ready. I've read that it is important for the American citizen to attend the interview for a fiance(e) visa, but is it essential for a K3? I can't really afford to leave work twice in a month for both things. Any pointers would be welcome.

Any insights from regarding any embassy are welcome, though Colombia is our first concern, of course. Thanks for any helpful advice.

I recommend attending the interview. I know it is not required but when I went, I noticed that all the couples that were there together were easily approved. The ladies that were there alone had a approval rate of abot 50%. Of course this is just my observation and the reasons for disapprovals varied. The mere fact that you use this website tells me that you two will do just fine, so I guess it is just a matter of which moment you want to share with your family. I do think the travel to the USA is nothing compared to the joy the moment the CO approves the visa, especially after all the hard work and worry. Just my thoughts.

Tony

[KathyB 0]

I have to agree with TonyS. The day we interviewed for the K1 visa, all beneficiaries with their SO were approved. However, many solo beneficiaries were approved as well. So my advice is to look at your case critically and think about any potential issues that might raise some questions in the CO's mind--is there anything they might need you to answer/confirm for them? How good is your evidence? How many times have you visited since getting married? I noticed in your timeline that you met in June of last year and were engaged within 3 weeks and married within 3 months. That could generate a question or two especially if you have not lived in Colombia. I don't need to know the answers to any of these--just some questions you should answer for yourself.

I think your decision should be based upon how strong you feel about the evidence you have provided and how well your wife is prepared for the interview.

Francisco was interviewed for a few minutes and then they asked to speak with me. The CO spoke to me just as long as she spoke to Francisco. The questions she asked were not difficult and we were approved with no trouble. However, I think if I had not been there to affirm what Francisco had said, he might have been questioned a bit more. Just my experience, but I know I made the right decision in attending.

Good luck to you both!

[parkpapa 0]

I have to agree with TonyS. The day we interviewed for the K1 visa, all beneficiaries with their SO were approved. However, many solo beneficiaries were approved as well. So my advice is to look at your case critically and think about any potential issues that might raise some questions in the CO's mind--is there anything they might need you to answer/confirm for them? How good is your evidence? How many times have you visited since getting married? I noticed in your timeline that you met in June of last year and were engaged within 3 weeks and married within 3 months. That could generate a question or two especially if you have not lived in Colombia. I don't need to know the answers to any of these--just some questions you should answer for yourself.

I think your decision should be based upon how strong you feel about the evidence you have provided and how well your wife is prepared for the interview.

Francisco was interviewed for a few minutes and then they asked to speak with me. The CO spoke to me just as long as she spoke to Francisco. The questions she asked were not difficult and we were approved with no trouble. However, I think if I had not been there to affirm what Francisco had said, he might have been questioned a bit more. Just my experience, but I know I made the right decision in attending.

Good luck to you both!

I appreciate the advice. Yes, we had a short courtship. But, we both found what we wanted in each other and when that happens, why wait!? Anyway, I think our evidence is strong. I've been back to Colombia twice since the wedding and honeymoon, have met virtually all of her family and friends, and we have tons of photos and receipts.

You also answered one of my other questions. Several times on this site I've seen where SOs were not allowed. Is that only for the interview, or are they not welcome in the embassy at all? From your comments it looks like I could go along and wait with her, and if necessary, be interviewed also. Is that right? I think she is ready for the interview, though she is having trouble understanding the paperwork nightmare she is about to face. Also, keep in mind that we are a K3, rather than a K1, since we're already married. I guess I still don't know which is the right thing, but thanks for the input.

Edited April 25, 2007 by parkpapa

[Leney 0]

I have agonoised over this. I have our 6 year old and 2 year old in the states, and our youngest has severe asthma and as such, it is difficult for him to travel. I want so badly to be there with my husband for his interview, but the reality of it, is I have no one who is able to keep our children so that I could do this. I have spoken to a friend who worked for the London Embassy as a paper pusher, and he stated that due to so many "internet relationships" it has become quite commonplace for people to not have their spouses along for the interviews. He felt it didn't make a significant difference. But he was not an interviewer etc, only a paper pusher. It made me feel a little better to hear that, but I wish more than anything I could be there for him.

[Mononoke28 135]

You also answered one of my other questions. Several times on this site I've seen where SOs were not allowed. Is that only for the interview, or are they not welcome in the embassy at all? From your comments it looks like I could go along and wait with her, and if necessary, be interviewed also. Is that right? I think she is ready for the interview, though she is having trouble understanding the paperwork nightmare she is about to face. Also, keep in mind that we are a K3, rather than a K1, since we're already married. I guess I still don't know which is the right thing, but thanks for the input.

The US spouse is allowed to go to the embassy for the interview as well, you both can be together throughout the whole thing. The only time you're not allowed to go in is when she goes to pick up her visa the next day.

[Niels Bohr 72]

It'll be nice. But, if they were to separate the two into separate rooms and asked both the same questions to see if the answer both match then it'll be a disaster. Being a couple, sometimes you both don't take things on the same plane.

This is an event that I thought that may happen.

Edited April 26, 2007 by consolemaster

[KogI 0]

I have agonoised over this. I have our 6 year old and 2 year old in the states, and our youngest has severe asthma and as such, it is difficult for him to travel. I want so badly to be there with my husband for his interview, but the reality of it, is I have no one who is able to keep our children so that I could do this. I have spoken to a friend who worked for the London Embassy as a paper pusher, and he stated that due to so many "internet relationships" it has become quite commonplace for people to not have their spouses along for the interviews. He felt it didn't make a significant difference. But he was not an interviewer etc, only a paper pusher. It made me feel a little better to hear that, but I wish more than anything I could be there for him.

Don't agonise. He will do just fine. It maybe be essential for Columbia to attend the spouse's interview, but in most countries it's not needed, and in some countries it's even not possible.

My husban did not attend my interview, and it did not cause any problems, nobody expected him to be there. And you know, they always can reschedule your husband's interview, so how could you plan to be there? I am sure, your absence won't make any difference for the interview in thr Consulate in London. Relax!