Be with the spouse for the consulate interview

[Nahathai_Ike 0]

I plan to fly and to be with my wife when the consulate interview is conducted in April. I do not know whether you knew anyone who have done something like this. Will it make any different on the final outcome?

I talked to couples of people and they informed me that this moral support would definitely help the spouse's confidence when facing the interviewer. The spouse will feel that he/she is not alone and always be supported by the person he/she loves nearby. This will also prove that the relationship is serious, in an addition from the evidence of relationship.

Many people could not do it because of work schedule, time or financial reason.

Just want to hear your thoughts or comments. Thank you.

****************

Many people said that I could not be standing at the interview area but I still can sit in the waiting area. I hope that is true.

[sj5 4]

Yes, it is true.

[DMZOCT2005 0]

Yes, it is true.

Agree.

I flew to Tokyo (from Jersey) for my wife's interview. The US Embassy always treat Americans better.

They asked me a few questions about my job, nothing complicated.

Good luck!

[TBoneTX 43,246]

I talked to couples of people and they informed me that this moral support would definitely help the spouse's confidence when facing the interviewer. The spouse will feel that he/she is not alone and always be supported by the person he/she loves nearby. This will also prove that the relationship is serious, in an addition from the evidence of relationship.

Absolutely -- and, at some consulates (Ecuador is the 100% example), the visa will be denied or delayed interminably by never-ending requests for "relationship proof" if the USC is not there.

Many people said that I could not be standing at the interview area but I still can sit in the waiting area. I hope that is true.

It depends on the consulate. If naught else, you can loan your passport to the interviewee to show the consul, thus proving that you are on the premises.

[sj5 4]

Yes, it is true.

Agree.

I flew to Tokyo (from Jersey) for my wife's interview. The US Embassy always treat Americans better.

They asked me a few questions about my job, nothing complicated.

Good luck!

Same here. My husband came with me too. On my preliminary interviewed they let him joined me, but not on final crossed examine. My CO, just asked my husband a brief questions, and then asked my husband kindly to step few feet away from me.

Edited March 9, 2009 by sj5

[TimandJoyce 1]

As I'm going for K-1, I've asked Tim to be with me during the interview. It will be done in Vancouver, and I know that it's ok for him to be there. They may or may not ask him anything, but I know that for at least myself, I'll feel better just knowing he's there. From what I understand, it's a great way to show a strong relationship. I understand however, that not everyone can do this, especially with the way the economy is, but I encourage if anyone can be there, then go!

[Dakine 26]

Bottomline is I've seen LOTs of people that now regret they didn't attend the interview.

NEVER have seen any that regret they did go.

[daboyz 36]

I made the mistake of not going. Luckily I was in Bangkok. She got 221g. I went back in there with her. Walked up to the window with her. I went and sat down. The said a few words to her, and then come back tomorrow and pick our visa. We arrived in the US together yesterday.

I don't know about other embassies, but in Bangkok, I think you need to be there.

[Anh map 2,098]

Being there can only help whether you can actually attend the interview or not. Having your fiance feeling confident is a big plus. My advice would be to go. And from what others who have gone through Bangkok say you can be present at the interview.

[Nahathai_Ike 0]

Thank you all for the replies.

As we know, sacrifices for happiness are worth every penny. I have to admit that, at first, I was so concerned regarding the current economy. I did not wish to spend a lot of money, due to uncertainties surrounded us.

After reading the comments from Daboyz and the rest, I decided to fly back there to give the moral support for my wife. Even the plane ticket costs over $1,100, it is better to prove the sincerity of our relationship.

I was also surprised to learn that some of the US Embassies did allow the spouse to participate in the interview, or even come to ask the petitioners with some questions. In Manila, they even had the private room to enter and talked to the officers. However, Daboyz said that in Thailand, they decided to do a stand-up interview at the windows and everyone could hear the conversation. My opinion is that, this matter should be done privately, not publicly.

That was the reason why I decided to fly to give my wife the moral support. I know that it sounds intimidated on this type of interview.

Thank you for your comments. If anyone has anything to add, please feel free to do so. All comments are welcome. Thanks again.

[Ning 619]

Thank you all for the replies.

As we know, sacrifices for happiness are worth every penny. I have to admit that, at first, I was so concerned regarding the current economy. I did not wish to spend a lot of money, due to uncertainties surrounded us.

After reading the comments from Daboyz and the rest, I decided to fly back there to give the moral support for my wife. Even the plane ticket costs over $1,100, it is better to prove the sincerity of our relationship.

I was also surprised to learn that some of the US Embassies did allow the spouse to participate in the interview, or even come to ask the petitioners with some questions. In Manila, they even had the private room to enter and talked to the officers. However, Daboyz said that in Thailand, they decided to do a stand-up interview at the windows and everyone could hear the conversation. My opinion is that, this matter should be done privately, not publicly.

That was the reason why I decided to fly to give my wife the moral support. I know that it sounds intimidated on this type of interview.

Thank you for your comments. If anyone has anything to add, please feel free to do so. All comments are welcome. Thanks again.

Nobody here can determin the level of support your wife needs more than you. There is no reason to feel intimidated if she is prepared for the interview. In reality the interview is pretty easy if everything is in order.

Daboys situation was completly different than yours & had to do with some tax problem they thought he had as I recall.

In BKK they will allow you inside the embassy. Once inside you will be allowed to accompany your wife to the window when she is called. They may ask you to sit down or they may allow you to stand there. They may or may not ask you a few simple questions. The interview is given in whatever langauge your wife prefers to make it as easy as possible for her. There will be a trained Thai staff member with the USC officer to help.

I dont believe its correct to say the USC is allowed to participate in the interview because as we all know the immigrant is being interviewed. However in my case the officer asked me to stay at the window & did ask me a few questions. She asked my wife some simple questions & that was it. Didnt take more than 10 minutes.

I dont know why you feel it needs to be done in private exactly. The questions asked are probably a lot simpler than you think. The public is close enough to hear but they would really have to be trying to get any sense of what is being discussed.

Our experiance at the Embassy was fine. The officer went out of her way to make the interview easy & not intimidating at all.

Whatever you do this will turn out fine for you as well.

[Angela & Paul 12]

After reading the comments from Daboyz and the rest, I decided to fly back there to give the moral support for my wife. Even the plane ticket costs over $1,100, it is better to prove the sincerity of our relationship.

I was also surprised to learn that some of the US Embassies did allow the spouse to participate in the interview...

I was there in Rio with Angela, and I am glad I was.

If this can help tilt the balance in your favor and get the visa, it's $1,100 well spent.

By the way I was allowed in the "cage" with her

You made the right decision, better be safe than sorry.