We should be scheduled for the interview within the next couple of month, if I am correct in this assessement, based on the timelines posted. The USCIS has already forwarded our I-129F packet to NVC. What is the thought on bringing the chidren to the interview when it is time to go to the embassy in Bogota ?

I seem to recall hearing you can't but don't take my word for it...

If the children are 14 or older, they must be present at the interview. If younger, it is optional.

Got a reply from Montreal today re this kid issue. No kids to the interview unless they are older than 16.

My fiancee's daughter just turned 12 this August. The U.S. Consulate in Guangzhou, China sent my fiancee a G-325A Biographical Form for her. Without this form completed and sent back her/our daughter won't be accompanying my fiancee to the United States. Our daughter NEEDS to have the medical examination and also NEEDS to be at the interview.

Thanks,
Keith & Xiang

hmm well i hope bringing kids is optional cause we have a 1 year old and are in Japan with no family or friends here to keep an eye on her. plus we have to fly to Tokyo for our interview so we would never consider leaving her behind with anyone who is not a close friend or family memeber. We know it will be difficult bringing her cause of her age and with them not allowing bags or beverages inside so we will have to keep going outside to feed her.

I have a 16 year old daughter who does not want to go, wonder if she would be exempt? I also have a 20 year old daughter at university in Europe, who I am hoping will not have to go until she follows later-but don't think that will fly We will be at Montreal too.

So, I guess the OP should contact the consulate/embassy for an official answer on this, since it seems to vary in different countries.

Biometrics and a background check must be taken on any individual over the age of 13... So if your child is 14 or older, they must appear in person at the consulate. There is no exception....

A hybrid of previous answers:

If the child is 14 or older, I believe Zyggy is right... they must appear at the interview.

If the child is under 14, you should probably contact the Consulate and ask. My husband (then fiance) hand-delivered Packet 3 to the Consulate (Asian post) and was told to come back THE NEXT DAY for his interview and to bring his son (9 y/o) with him. Our son was interviewed separately from my husband, and whereas my husband was interviewed in English, our son was interviewed in their native language. They asked him questions like "when is the last time you saw your "old" mommy?", "have you ever met your "new" mommy?", "did your "new" mommy ever send you anything in the mail?" and a few others that I can't remember. I don't know for certain, but I would think that responses of a young child are excellent evidence of a valid relationship (as well as potentially a double-edged sword). If I were a CO, I'd be very interested in hearing what a child has to say about the situation.

Best wishes for a successful interview!



Maya