Should I Travel with my Spouse to Mexico for his Interview?

[Gnc8486 2]

We received our appointment letter today! Our case closed on October 17, 2018. Our appointment is for August 23, 2019.

 

For those of you who live in the US, did you travel with your spouse/child/family member to their appointment? I start a new job the week of our appointment, but I can’t imagine not going. I was thinking would it be better for me to meet him to bring him back into the US or should I travel with him to Mexico to make sure he gets settled. Let me know your thoughts!

[USS_Voyager 1,972]

7 minutes ago, Gnc8486 said:

We received our appointment letter today! Our case closed on October 17, 2018. Our appointment is for August 23, 2019.

 

For those of you who live in the US, did you travel with your spouse/child/family member to their appointment? I start a new job the week of our appointment, but I can’t imagine not going. I was thinking would it be better for me to meet him to bring him back into the US or should I travel with him to Mexico to make sure he gets settled. Let me know your thoughts!

You need to verify with the Embassy/Consulate that they allow petitioners to attend interviews, some do, some don’t.

 

Typically, even you get the verbal approval on the spot, it could be days/weeks before the visa is issued and the beneficiary can travel to the US. It is recommended not to make travel plans, quit jobs, sell houses and properties until you have that visa in your hand. That advice is strongly strongly suggested not only by the State Department, but also by almost everyone who has gone through this process before you.

[Gnc8486 2]

1 minute ago, USS_Voyager said:

You need to verify with the Embassy/Consulate that they allow petitioners to attend interviews, some do, some don’t.

 

Typically, even you get the verbal approval on the spot, it could be days/weeks before the visa is issued and the beneficiary can travel to the US. It is recommended not to make travel plans, quit jobs, sell houses and properties until you have that visa in your hand. That advice is strongly strongly suggested not only by the State Department, but also by almost everyone who has gone through this process before you.

We don’t plan to sell anything or do anything drastic. I am also not attempting to attend the interview. I’m only asking if I should travel by his side.

[Allaboutwaiting 2,503]

23 minutes ago, Gnc8486 said:

I’m only asking if I should travel by his side.

That's a very personal decision.

 

Many couples travel together, stay until the visa is issued, cross the border and travel from there to the city where they will settle -generally, those who live not that far from El Paso-.

Others just cross to "activate the visa" and then go back to Mexico to wrap up everything. 

 

It also depends on where your husband is from and where did he select the passport to be sent when approved.

Edited July 24, 2019 by Allaboutwaiting

[Just Paul 4,595]

I went and it was fortunate I did.   I waited outside for over 2 hours and my wife came back.  They wanted me to come back with her after lunch as the CO had some questions.   It was all pretty easy but if I wasn't there we would have gotten a 221g since the CO mis read the time she lived in country and wanted a police report.  I had to explain to the CO how to calculate 6 months.

[Adamaj123 4]

If you have the means to be there with your husband without jeopardizing your new job the unequivocal answer is Yes be there for him.  Hopefully if your new employer is reasonable and has an iota of conpassion they will understand.

It will be trying, inconvenient, and stressful, but trust me you don't want to miss the moment he comes out of the consulate with that green slip in his hand and a big smile on his face.  You may need to return to the US while he waits for his visa to be issued as it can take a few weeks.  Let's hope he's not getting "settled" anywhere except at home with you and the kids where he belongs.    Best wishes, Adam.

[GyC 79]

I agree with Adam, be there at all costs if possible. Also if you can return to work for a few days while your significant other receives visa. This is where I agree with Adam. My wife's K-1 Visa was misplaced/lost. We had no choice but to wait for 2 weeks mandatory before we could submit an investigation on her case. Low and behold the next day her visa was magically found. I had to return to work for those 2 weeks while my wife waited. It was crappy, expensive, and nerve wracking. But all in all worth every penny. Best of luck! Hope all goes great.