Attending K1 Interview with beneficiary?

[IndiaAnnie 163]

Looking for input from others about the risk of NOT attending the fiancé interview? I realize that the feedback will vary by country and most interested in feedback about INDIA and other countries that might be more heavily scrutinized (not that I don’t have love for my European, Latin and other friends)!  We have an iron clad relationship but attending adds a certain weight to the scenario and might expedite the approval process.

 

What’s your experience???

[Amit&Julie 180]

Have not been through this yet myself, but according to Mumbai Packet 4, the US Citizen petitioner is *generally* allowed to be present at the interview. Read recent K1 reviews for the Mumbai consulate on here, and you'll see that some US fiances have been allowed in. I'm going to try to attend my Indian fiance's interview also. Even if for some reason they don't allow me inside, I'll wait outside the consulate and give him my passport so he can show them I have traveled to support him at such an important time. I think for India it really does help to be there, especially for couples of mixed race, mixed religion, age gaps, or other potential "red flag" circumstances.

 

And to clarify, it won't necessarily "expedite" anything, but there's a good chance it could increase your chances of getting approved on the spot, without 221(G) requests for additional evidence of relationship.

[Amit&Julie 180]

Also: even if they do let you in, the consular officer may not necessarily allow you at the counter. You may be requested to wait at your seat the whole time, you may be called up if they CO has questions, or you may be allowed at the window the whole time. 

 

Read through @catknit 's old but good, detailed posts on India-specific topics for more K1 info:

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/profile/46875-catknit/content/?type=forums_topic_post&

[IndiaAnnie 163]

2 hours ago, Amit&Julie said:

Have not been through this yet myself, but according to Mumbai Packet 4, the US Citizen petitioner is *generally* allowed to be present at the interview. Read recent K1 reviews for the Mumbai consulate on here, and you'll see that some US fiances have been allowed in. I'm going to try to attend my Indian fiance's interview also. Even if for some reason they don't allow me inside, I'll wait outside the consulate and give him my passport so he can show them I have traveled to support him at such an important time. I think for India it really does help to be there, especially for couples of mixed race, mixed religion, age gaps, or other potential "red flag" circumstances.

 

And to clarify, it won't necessarily "expedite" anything, but there's a good chance it could increase your chances of getting approved on the spot, without 221(G) requests for additional evidence of relationship.

Great input. Thank you so much. I’ll be watching for more embassy reviews as a few couples of similar background are going through the process now (NOA2 =>) and will hopefully share their experience with Mumbai embassy. Good luck to you as well!!!

[Amit&Julie 180]

Hi Annie, what did you decide? Will you attend the interview?

[IndiaAnnie 163]

28 minutes ago, Amit&Julie said:

Hi Annie, what did you decide? Will you attend the interview?

I am on my way now...heading through Frankfurt and will see my love in about 24hrs!!! 😍 We'll visit family and his father for a few days, fly to  Mumbai to finish process and connect with Nikhi La/Pat and then stop off in Pune to visit my team and host a business dinner...then hope he'll be flying home with me!!!

[Amit&Julie 180]

Oh, that's great! I think it will really help for you to be there. Enjoy your trip and time together, and let us know how it goes! Best wishes! 

[Amit&Julie 180]

Ugh I keep forgetting to mention that for Amit's interview, I did attend and I was allowed into the consulate.  The officer interviewed him alone first, then ME alone, then called him back up, asked one more question, and said we were approved!  So be prepared to be asked some questions on your own also.  Good luck!!