Not attending interview because of entry restrictions

[APA 44]

I fully intend on going to the interview with my fiance when that time comes. It’s been our plan from the beginning because - at least in Cambodia - it appears to be a positive thing to the IO. However, with the current virus situation, there’s always a possibility I may not be allowed back into the country for the interview. So I have two questions regarding this: 

 

1. Would having evidence of an appointment help in getting an exception from the Cambodian Embassy in the US for an entry visa? 

 

2. If I can’t make it, would the embassy be any more understanding than normal of the fact that I wasn’t legally able to enter the country and not count that against us? 

 

We have a very strong case otherwise, lived together here for over a year, lots of quality evidence, etc. A lot of the reviews of the American Embassy in Phnom Penh say that both parties being there is highly recommended but my hands are tied if there is another entry ban. 

[Greenbaum 12,259]

13 minutes ago, APA said:

I fully intend on going to the interview with my fiance when that time comes. It’s been our plan from the beginning because - at least in Cambodia - it appears to be a positive thing to the IO. However, with the current virus situation, there’s always a possibility I may not be allowed back into the country for the interview. So I have two questions regarding this: 

 

1. Would having evidence of an appointment help in getting an exception from the Cambodian Embassy in the US for an entry visa? 

 

2. If I can’t make it, would the embassy be any more understanding than normal of the fact that I wasn’t legally able to enter the country and not count that against us? 

 

We have a very strong case otherwise, lived together here for over a year, lots of quality evidence, etc. A lot of the reviews of the American Embassy in Phnom Penh say that both parties being there is highly recommended but my hands are tied if there is another entry ban. 

Your approval is based on the evidence you have submitted from day one. The embassy is interested if this is a legitimate marriage that will take place and not a fraud. Most embassies the petitioner is not allowed where those do except petitioners, I am sure it has an affect but ever so slight as it still depends on your case as a whole. If you can get there great but if you can't it's not going to be the deal breaker. Be sure to go over everything with your fiancé so that she knows you well. Good luck and stay engaged. 

[jan22 3,056]

They may not actually want/allow anyone other that the beneficiary in the waiting room anyway when they first open up interviews.  Suggest you wait until they are open and scheduling appointments and see if they have that restriction.  If they don't, that's the time to write and express your concern if you want to, IMO.

Edited June 6, 2020 by jan22

[JFH 12,190]

Lived together for a year - that stands out as your best evidence. People have been approved (me included) who have never spent more than 14 days together at any one time. 

I would be very surprised if the embassy allowed additional, “superfluous” people into the waiting area at this time anyway, due to social distancing requirements, cleaning, contact limitation, etc. 

[Lucky2Lucky 2,526]

Even if you are allowed in the country it’s highly unlikely the embassy would allow visitors. They aren’t allowing visitors at USCIS currently nor are they allowing any for citizenship ceremonies which in my opinion is the most important/special  part of the whole immigration process.

[geowrian 22,337]

I have to agree - non-applicants attending the interview seem unlikely given the current situation once the consulates resume visa services.

[APA 44]

You all make a great point that I didn’t even think of: non-essential people at the interview. I’m sure when they open and for a good time afterwards they will be limiting the amount of unnecessary people in the building. I will just have to wait and keep an eye on the situation. It seems that this embassy location looks favorably on both people being there for the interview, as all the reviews say this and also indicate that both parties were called to the counter and questioned in the interview. However I can also see them not wanting both parties there now because of distancing issues. Thank you all for your insight!