USC Fiance Present during Interview

[reilena 9]

Hello again!

Needless to say, this K1 process has given me enough ulcers and anxiety attacks to last a lifetime. I'm so glad we're almost at the last part, interview!

So here's my problem: We've been having a tough time to decide if I should go ahead and do the interview on my own on July 30, 2015 or wait for my fiance to arrive in Aug and set the interview on Aug 13, 2015. I know VJ and other posts def do not recommend getting a ticket until you have the actual visa in your hand. We genuinely understand all of the dangers and caveats but we are definitely dead set on flying out by Aug 29, 2015.

So I'm torn between:

1. Go to the interview on my own so if I would be issued a visa early on and would subsequently prevent any unnecessary delay in catching my Aug 29 flight; or

2. Wait for my fiance, we both go to the interview (perhaps with higher chances of approval??) on Aug. 13, then hope to god we won't get any delays because we have a plane to catch on Aug 29!

What do you guys think? Is there any statistical data if approval chances are higher if your fiance is with you during the interview?? Because if not, then maybe I should just go on my own so I'd have a visa ready and everything by August, right????!

Ugh, help!

[Anh map 2,098]

Do the intelligent thing and attend the earliest interview possible. That increases the odds that you will be able to board the plane on the 29th rather than waving goodbye from the lobby.

[reilena 9]

Do the intelligent thing and attend the earliest interview possible. That increases the odds that you will be able to board the plane on the 29th rather than waving goodbye from the lobby.

That may be the most graphic answer I might just need. Okay, so July 30 it is...um.. I know this may be a stupid question but I am definitely paranoid, the presence (or lack thereof) of the USC petitioner during the interview really won't affect the decision of the approval?

[icechamp31 11]

Our interview went fine and I wasn't in the actual interview. We got a 221g for a simple missing document and we are about to get the visa. There were two couples doing spousal visa interviews when I was there and they US citizens were standing outside the embassy not being allowed in. They were both approved

[reilena 9]

Phew okay. You guys def helped out a lot in this decision making. Booking July 30! Thank you guys! *group hug*

[icechamp31 11]

Don't worry about being paranoid. I am probably worse than you are. Until I see my CEAC status as issued, I will continue to be anxious. Crying and puking are a normal occurance for me.

[clairegie 265]

I think you made the right call doing this on your own. You can do it! Goodluck!!

[VOL 425]

I would wait for fiancé since it is only a few days out, it a long process to petition and finally get a interview.

Changing a plane ticket is a short phone call.

[Mike-eeh and Odie 192]

That may be the most graphic answer I might just need. Okay, so July 30 it is...um.. I know this may be a stupid question but I am definitely paranoid, the presence (or lack thereof) of the USC petitioner during the interview really won't affect the decision of the approval?

My wife attended her K-1 interview alone and passed with flying colors. I my opinion, going it alone only adds to the impression of confidence. You will do fine! Good luck!

[CowBoE 429]

Don't know how typical it is in Philippine to have a USC fiance(e) attend the interview,

but my wife went to the interview by herself in China and interview lasted about 5 to 10 minutes max

and she was approved.

[Zedayn 485]

Hello again!

Needless to say, this K1 process has given me enough ulcers and anxiety attacks to last a lifetime. I'm so glad we're almost at the last part, interview!

So here's my problem: We've been having a tough time to decide if I should go ahead and do the interview on my own on July 30, 2015 or wait for my fiance to arrive in Aug and set the interview on Aug 13, 2015. I know VJ and other posts def do not recommend getting a ticket until you have the actual visa in your hand. We genuinely understand all of the dangers and caveats but we are definitely dead set on flying out by Aug 29, 2015.

So I'm torn between:

1. Go to the interview on my own so if I would be issued a visa early on and would subsequently prevent any unnecessary delay in catching my Aug 29 flight; or

2. Wait for my fiance, we both go to the interview (perhaps with higher chances of approval??) on Aug. 13, then hope to god we won't get any delays because we have a plane to catch on Aug 29!

What do you guys think? Is there any statistical data if approval chances are higher if your fiance is with you during the interview?? Because if not, then maybe I should just go on my own so I'd have a visa ready and everything by August, right????!

Ugh, help!

I would recommend the July 30 interview date as well. If you interview on Aug 13, it only gives a couple weeks for you to get the visa, and if you have a long period of AP you could miss your flight on the 29th.

Your fiancé being there at the interview with you will not make or break your case. Even if your fiancé did go with you, there is still a chance you would interview alone in front of the American consular officer anyways. I went with my wife to her visa interview and she was by herself in front of the officer. He appreciated me for coming, but asked me to sit in the waiting area so he could interview her alone. So don't worry that your fiancé cannot be there.

[TBoneTX 42,989]

Proceedings at the Manila embassy typically have nothing to do with what goes on at any other embassy or consulate.

In general, and particularly at tough or hellhole consulates, if the USC is on the consular premises during the interview, it can make a big difference. In comparison to other locales, especially in poorer countries, it often seems that the Manila embassy hands out visas like candy.

[Moderator hat on]

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

[Moderator hat off]

Edited June 29, 2015 by TBoneTX

[_Paul&Jesica_ 70]

Don't forget you need to attend CFO as well and it is easier to do so when you have received the visa. In my personal experience, it was better that I attended the interview with my then fiancee, but it isn't a requirement. She was very nervous and having me there turned the interview into a non-event.

It took her approximately 10 days to receive the visa via 2Go as she lived in northern Luzon. If you are near Metro Manila then you should be able to get the visa faster.

CFO was easy, but make sure you put time in your plans to get that step completed.

Good luck!

[Dashinka 23,164]

I attended my then fiance's interview' but there were several women there interviewing alone. All were approved. I would go it alone to raise the chances of meeting your flight date,

Good Luck!

[icechamp31 11]

In general, and particularly at tough or hellhole consulates, if the USC is on the consular premises during the interview, it can make a big difference. In comparison to other locales, especially in poorer countries, it often seems that the Manila embassy hands out visas like candy.

Why is Manilla so easy? I notice quite a few women from their marrying USCs who are old enough to be their fathers. The worst case I have seen the woman was 22 and the guy was 50. In some of these cases it was so obvious to me that the woman was only with the guy because he was American and had money but these cases still get visas. They have fraud written all over them. Actual couples have so much more trouble. It makes me so mad

Edited June 30, 2015 by icechamp31