Hello everyone. I just read a thread here that a consular turned down a couple because of one of the parties not being there at the initial interview. Is this true? The reason I ask is, that I might not have the money just to fly over there to support my wife in Manila at the interview when the time comes.

It is going to be a real struggle for me right now. Since I got married last November, my ex-wife got so resentful for my decision to get married that they started to garnish my wages for my job. I am only pulling only $200.00 per week on my regular job. My other job as a roofer has not had any work for the last month. To make a long story short, with the new fee increases it's going to be a real struggle to get my wife and step child over here. The only thing that I am banking on is that about the time that it all processed which will probably about next year in March I will be getting a cash buyout from my job due to outsourcing. This is what I am going to be using to get them over.

But if the process gets done before my job ends, I might not have enough money just to fly over there and be at the interview.
thanks,
martinbr

I read somwhere, over 90% go to the interview alone in Manila. I don't think that alone would be a cause for the visa being denied. there were probably other reasons they had there visa denied, at the Embassy in Manila.

Thank you, that's a relief. I would love to be there, and if I can I will. But if I can't I'm sure she will do fine on here own. Thanks again,
martinbr

I already finished my interview and i got the pink slip, meaning our petition was APPROVED. Im just waiting for my passport w/ the visa. Im alone when i was interviewed. Dont worry, i saw 98% of the applicants there were alone also, meaning their partner(petitioner) was not physically there. Just make sure to complete the necessary documents and ur benificiary(wife) will be fine.

i had planned to go to the interview too. but, family matters prevented it. Jen passed w/ no problem. just make sure all your papers are in order & do some mock interviews to get your SO prepared incase you can't make it. also i did a little networking here on VJ. watch for some people w/ the same or close to the same interview dates & get your SO in contact w/ theirs....a little extra support & encouragement never hurts.

I have heard of the consular sending the US Citizen out of the room during the interview. Most women also tend to go alone to the interview as well, so there shouldn't really be a problem.

Thanks for everyones replies. I don't know what I would do without this group. Anyway, I have a long ways to go yet as you can tell by my timeline.

hey dont worry... most of us here went to our interview alone and it went just fine... the only thing that could cause a probs are when, one has insuficient evidences like lack of documents, or proof of their relationships, history of drug abuse (prohibited drugs)... she'll be fine good luck and God bless!!!

Don't worry so much. Your wife will be okay and Congratulations in-advance.

hi all.. newbie here..

i know i still have a long ways to go before his interview (just basing it on my timeline), but it wouldn't hurt if i join him there, will it? i'm kind of neurotic and must need to be there to make sure he has all the correct paperworks..

he will have to fly to manila from iloilo..

I heard the petitioner has to be in the US.. but I need to be there for the interview. (that's the OCD in me)

I wasn't at the interview and Riza passed. So there you go.

A petitioner can either attend the intervew or not...the choice is yours if you will fly there or not. I have heard a few times that the petitioner was sent out of the room by the Consul during the interview, but I think that's not the normal case. If you can't attend don't worry. If you want to attend and can, then go for it!

Scott

thanks for all the responses! i almost always can fly.. all depends on the PTO.. so we will see.. i know my being there isn't going to make anything better but I just want to know right away, ya know?

That is not really true. During my interview on May 27 a few American fiances went to the Embassy with their fiancees. However, they were not allowed to go inside the room during the final interview with the CO. Nothing to worry about not being there with her. Good luck

-Riza