K1/K2 at London Consulate - Must children attend the interview?

[wbeem 567]

I was under the impression that all children were to attend. I am aware that that the medical has to be attended by the child, but I found this on the Embassy website and now I'm uncertain:

Who is required to attend?

All applicants registered for immigration in the immediate relative category, including children, are required to attend the Embassy in person for a formal visa interview with a U.S. consular officer. Persons under the age of fourteen who are deriving status from an immigrant visa or a K visa petition filed on behalf of a parent and are applying for the visa at the same time as the parent need not attend the interview. They must, however, attend the medical examination.

Some of the information on the London Embassy website has been known to be out of date. Can anyone advise of the current rules regarding children. I am the alien fiance and have a 12 year old who will be applying for a K2. If they do not need to attend, can they attend? The child has been prepared to expect that it is necessary, but I have no doubt she would prefer to opt out of the interview if it is not necessary for her to attend.

[Nich-Nick 3,353]

She doesn't have to attend. The website is mostly accurate except for the immunization list.

[wbeem 567]

She doesn't have to attend. The website is mostly accurate except for the immunization list.

Thank you! That will save me one person's fare to London.

[Al422 221]

Maybe I am wrong, but my understanding is that all persons covered on the visa, even infants too young to communicate, need to show that they exist by appearing in person at the interview.

[Nich-Nick 3,353]

Maybe I am wrong, but my understanding is that all persons covered on the visa, even infants too young to communicate, need to show that they exist by appearing in person at the interview.

Have you read the instructions on the London website? http://london.usembassy.gov/immigrant-visas/interview.html

[wbeem 567]

Maybe I am wrong, but my understanding is that all persons covered on the visa, even infants too young to communicate, need to show that they exist by appearing in person at the interview.

The policies vary depending on the consulate, which is why I posted on the country-specific part of the forum, but thank you for taking the time to reply

Have you read the instructions on the London website? http://london.usembassy.gov/immigrant-visas/interview.html

Yes, it certainly appears that they don't have to attend if under 14 years of age. I will send the consulate an email to confirm just before I book my medical to double check that the information is up to date, but for now, I'm going with this.

That being said, I believe the medical is more traumatic for sensitive children than the interview, and as luck would have it, that is the appointment with mandatory attendance.

Thank you for the information, Nich-Nick. I appreciate it.

[Al422 221]

The policies vary depending on the consulate, which is why I posted on the country-specific part of the forum, but thank you for taking the time to reply

Yes, it certainly appears that they don't have to attend if under 14 years of age. I will send the consulate an email to confirm just before I book my medical to double check that the information is up to date, but for now, I'm going with this.

That being said, I believe the medical is more traumatic for sensitive children than the interview, and as luck would have it, that is the appointment with mandatory attendance.

Thank you for the information, Nich-Nick. I appreciate it.

Thanks for the specific info on the consulate.

As for the medical and shots, babies get them here in the US all the time, so don't worry. Your baby will be fine.