Should I go with fiancé to Embassy interview?

[AllisonandChris 0]

Finally have the interview scheduled for Monday (after delays due to the Embassy's technical problems). I'm currently in Costa Rica with my fiancé, but have a trip planned the day of the interview with a friend who's visiting from the States. It would be possible to postpone the trip if it's necessary that I go to the interview, but obviously that wouldn't be the first choice.

What do you think?

Would accompanying him at the interview make a big difference?

If I don't go, do we need to provide extra evidence of our relationship (beyond a copy of all the photos, receipts, passport stamps evidence that we provided in the initial I-129f petition)?

Have there been cases where a K-1 visa was denied, but might have been approved had the fiancé been at the interview??

Any thoughts, advice, experience would be appreciated!

Thank you!

[JR loves JR 196]

Personal I'd go. It's a great way to support your fiancé. But more than that, it speaks volumes about your relationship to the interviewer. If they have doubts about it being authentic, your presence may be the thing that results in an approval on the spot rather than being delayed for administrative processing. I'm not saying that your choice will determine your outcome (I was unable to attend my fiancé's interview and he was approved on the spot.) Whatever you choose, good luck on your journey.

[icechamp31 11]

Make sure your embassy allows you to even go in. I went with my fiance and there was a big sign outside saying US Citizens may not accompany their relatives to their inteviews. I tried to get the security guard to let me go in with my man and he just laughed at me. I ended up having to sit across the street.

[Unidentified 2,930]

Not all embassies allow it due to limited space so contact your embassy and ask or read their information on the website.

[Holdingon 16]

Finally have the interview scheduled for Monday (after delays due to the Embassy's technical problems). I'm currently in Costa Rica with my fiancé, but have a trip planned the day of the interview with a friend who's visiting from the States. It would be possible to postpone the trip if it's necessary that I go to the interview, but obviously that wouldn't be the first choice.

What do you think?

Would accompanying him at the interview make a big difference?

If I don't go, do we need to provide extra evidence of our relationship (beyond a copy of all the photos, receipts, passport stamps evidence that we provided in the initial I-129f petition)?

Have there been cases where a K-1 visa was denied, but might have been approved had the fiancé been at the interview??

Any thoughts, advice, experience would be appreciated!

Thank you!

If you can, go with your fiancée. I believe they will not allow you to the interview. I also think that they will not even let you into the embassy. The appointment is for the fiancée and has his or her name on it only.

We are in the process and getting close to an interview. I have seen several different visa interviews and the only person allowed was the one being interviewed. Good luck.

[VOL 425]

If you can, go with your fiancée. I believe they will not allow you to the interview. I also think that they will not even let you into the embassy. The appointment is for the fiancée and has his or her name on it only.

We are in the process and getting close to an interview. I have seen several different visa interviews and the only person allowed was the one being interviewed. Good luck.

You are saying a US Citizen can not enter a embassy in country.

I had always heard as an American citizen, you can not be refused to be seen by a consular representative inside embassy.

[TBoneTX 42,990]

*** Thread moved from K-1 Process forum to the Embassy/Consulate forum -- topic involves that stage. ***

[Mod hat off]

Hand your U.S. passport to the beneficiary to show to the consul. This scores points beyond measure and might result in your being invited in to the interview.

[icechamp31 11]

In Turkey, I wasn't allowed. I tried talking to the Turkish rentacop outside but he wouldn't even listen and just laughed at me.

[TBoneTX 42,990]

The consulates are U.S. soil, and no foreigner can deny your admission.

[icechamp31 11]

Well a foreigner did deny me my admission. I showed him my us passport and he screamed at me.

[TBoneTX 42,990]

"Are you a U.S. citizen? No? Well, I am, and I'm permitted entry." Etc.

[Gera & Rocio 22]

*** Thread moved from K-1 Process forum to the Embassy/Consulate forum -- topic involves that stage. ***

[Mod hat off]

Hand your U.S. passport to the beneficiary to show to the consul. This scores points beyond measure and might result in your being invited in to the interview.

I accompanied my fiancé (wife now) to her Consulate interview back in January and handed her my U.S. passport for any given reason and it seemed to score major points with the interviewing officer. He was pretty friendly at the K-1 interview and once he asked my fiancé in regards to the last time we seen each other, she quickly replied, "this very moment" and handed the IO my U.S. passport for review. He quickly smiled and said, thank you for providing his passport but we are all set. Nothing else was asked according to my fiancé there after and it was pretty much a friendly convo of about 5 minutes until the IO told her congratulations, your visa has been approved and best of luck to you!

I recommend the presence of the U.S. Citizen for support in the visa process even if not allowed into the interview.

All the best.

-Gera

[MichonandRuben 15]

The US embassy in Costa Rica allows the significant other to go with the applicant. Reviewing the consulate reviews would have told this and also helps with suggestions and things that may not have been thought of. Just a thought for the next person who may read this. I hope all went well! They were a pretty easy embassy from some of what I have read of the others. I did go with my husband to the CR embassy and I felt that it helped.

[Pitaya 2,576]

Back in 2012 when my family was chasing after their K1/K2 visas at the US consulate in Guangzhou, the consulate policy was no US citizens allowed at the visa interview. I do not know if the policy has changed. since the move to the new consulate compound in Guangzhou. An old veteran of VJ gave me an idea that I believe likely helped in us getting our visas. I flew the over 10,000 km to be with my future family at this very important time in our evolving family to provide moral support, and to have another visit (fourth). I brought along the original documents, applications, etc. I also brought along an Evolution of Relationship letter (EOR). It was basically a two page letter from me describing our relationship. At the time of their interview, I folded the EAR lengthwise, and inserted it into my US passport. I then asked my then-fiancee to place that on top of all of the documents when she slid them under the teller window at the consulate. The CO immediately saw the blue passport and letter, examined the passport and read over the letter. His question was, "Your fiance is now in Guangzhou?" She answered yes, he returned my passport to her, kept the letter, and then continued on with the 10 minute visa interview. I was in another part of the building nervously enjoying a very expensive cup of espresso. We don't know if it made any difference in the CO's determination to approve the visas. However, the moral support effect of me being able to be in the environs at that time were....priceless !!

My recommendation is that if you can make the trek to be with your loved one at this crucial moment in your relationship, do it!!

YMMV,

Good luck on your immigration journey.

[AllisonandChris 0]

Thanks everyone! I did end up going to the interview (yes, in Costa Rica you are allowed to accompany your fiancé). I'm glad I went as I'm sure every bit helps. Our K-1 visa was approved! I appreciate all your input.