Quick question

[WHITE COW 0]

Hi everyone- I searched the forum with out much luck in finding this out....

Can the American finance go to the interview with the beneficiary.

Has anyone done this? Or think its important to do if you can? We thought we should spend the extra cash to fly me out there to join him once he gets his interview date but if most people don't have issues for approval we would rather save the cash. We just don't want to take any chances that he won't get approved. (God forbid)

I flew out earlier this year (april) for his citizen ship ceremony and to introduce my son to him. He and I have been together for 3 years and I have made 3 trips to him so plenty of receipts, tickets, and picts to prove our mad love (relationship)

Thanks!

White Cow

[geordieluvr 1]

Hi everyone- I searched the forum with out much luck in finding this out....

Can the American finance go to the interview with the beneficiary.

Has anyone done this? Or think its important to do if you can? We thought we should spend the extra cash to fly me out there to join him once he gets his interview date but if most people don't have issues for approval we would rather save the cash. We just don't want to take any chances that he won't get approved. (God forbid)

I flew out earlier this year (april) for his citizen ship ceremony and to introduce my son to him. He and I have been together for 3 years and I have made 3 trips to him so plenty of receipts, tickets, and picts to prove our mad love (relationship)

Thanks!

White Cow

Yes the American finance can go to the interview with the beneficiary, I did this. However we didn't plan it this way I just happen to be in England when the paperwork went through. I was able to go to the medical and the interview. It is not required you go to the interview, but I enjoyed going.

[Nik+Heather 121]

I think in general London is considered a relatively easy embassy to interview with. The presence of the US citizen is not required in London as it is (defacto) for some south american countries.

I had considered flying out there as well, for moral support as it seems like from the reviews the ones who had their fiance(e) by their side felt a lot more relaxed, but it would need 3 days off (which I don't have to spare), and $800. As far as I know there's not much the US citizen can do anyway except hand holding.

Be sure that your affidavit of support is filled out completely according to the instructions (London wants "DO INTEND" checked, and then some mention of complete financial support as you are getting married seems to be sufficient). This is the most helpful thing you can do.

[rebeccajo 14]

Do we have any couples who recently BOTH (USC/UKC) went to the interview?

We went together in late 2005. I recall reading (about a year or so ago) that London wasn't allowing USC's in for K1 interviews......

[DisneyLovers 18]

Do we have any couples who recently BOTH (USC/UKC) went to the interview?

We went together in late 2005. I recall reading (about a year or so ago) that London wasn't allowing USC's in for K1 interviews......

Paul attended my interview at the Embassy in London with me in may 2008, he was only asked to show his passport and was let straight in with me. We actually saw quite a few couples go in without pre-permission for the USC to enter, the guard who let us in said as long as they are the petitioner they can accompany you in.

Something unrelated but funny in a weird way is, Paul has gone to that interview and the AOS one with me and we've never been asked the normal grilling questions about our relationship even how we met, our IO at the K1 stage just talked about the police check changing and getting that sorted and the IO at AOS just talked on about the FEBlue program on Blue shield medical after looking at our insurance cards and about Pauls then recent promotion and if I was in a hurry to look for work. Paul and I were discussing this the other day and still are bemused for the non-grilling although we dont mind of course...

... now back to topic

[Nich-Nick 3,353]

I attended the interview July 29, 2008 with no prior permission. I just showed my US passport when we got to the front of the line and said "may I go in with him?"

To the OP...if you don't have the time or money, don't even think of needing to go. I just planned my summer visit around the that time. They won't even ask to see any proofs of your relationship if that is your worry. Just make sure you have good financial evidence and all the items on the checklist.

[elmcitymaven 9,711]

There were a few people (2? 3?) who were not admitted, but there didn't seem to be any rhyme or reason for this, since days later others said they had no problem getting in on the day.

[rebeccajo 14]

There were a few people (2? 3?) who were not admitted, but there didn't seem to be any rhyme or reason for this, since days later others said they had no problem getting in on the day.

Well, that's what I had wondered. The sentries outside must have been having a bad day.

Thanks to the others for confirming that it can be done.

In most cases, it really doesn't seem necessary (in order to gain visa approval) for the USC to accompany the UK beneficiary to the interview at the London consulate. But I enjoyed going. It is a wonderful memory for us.

[elmcitymaven 9,711]

I'm glad I was there too. I also got the impression that even if the government didn't expect me to be there, my husband certainly did.

[fozzie 41]

Save the money, the rest of th process is expensive enough as it is. I'm sure he's a big boy and can handle those mean IO's just fine.

[SteveWWW 0]

As far as I know there's not much the US citizen can do anyway except hand holding.

That's no small thing if the beneficiary needs it

[WHITE COW 0]

Thanks for the replys everyone. Nice to know its not manatory I have to be there. But still, so nerve racking this is...

[WHITE COW 0]

I think in general London is considered a relatively easy embassy to interview with. The presence of the US citizen is not required in London as it is (defacto) for some south american countries.

I had considered flying out there as well, for moral support as it seems like from the reviews the ones who had their fiance(e) by their side felt a lot more relaxed, but it would need 3 days off (which I don't have to spare), and $800. As far as I know there's not much the US citizen can do anyway except hand holding.

Be sure that your affidavit of support is filled out completely according to the instructions (London wants "DO INTEND" checked, and then some mention of complete financial support as you are getting married seems to be sufficient). This is the most helpful thing you can do.

When you say I must have "do intend" checked- is that the area on the I-134 where (#11) where I check that I do intent to make specific contributions to the person named in #3? I read in an immigration book that I should check do not intend. eck! So I should proably redue this and resend it to my fiancee right away.

A question on a similar note (and maybe I should really start a new thread for this) the dates of the items I sent him (I-134, check stubs, letter from employer, bank letter and stmt are from last Dec) We had some issues that held us up so we were not able to send the checklist in until this week.

Is it advisable that I resend these items so its closer to interview or can I send them addtional items (bank stmt, letter from employer) to suppliment everything else my fiancee has?

[Nik+Heather 121]

As far as I know there's not much the US citizen can do anyway except hand holding.

That's no small thing if the beneficiary needs it

Also, I don't contest that moral support for your chosen life companion isn't important or worthy. However, since USC's presence won't affect the outcome of the visa process, and some of us would have to choose between time off to attend the interview and time off for the week after the wedding....and considering that summer airline prices for a trip, I think that Nik may end up having to undergo a few hours of stress without me. Actually, it's more the vacation time than the money...but $850 for a long weekend is a lot too!!

I think in general London is considered a relatively easy embassy to interview with. The presence of the US citizen is not required in London as it is (defacto) for some south american countries.

I had considered flying out there as well, for moral support as it seems like from the reviews the ones who had their fiance(e) by their side felt a lot more relaxed, but it would need 3 days off (which I don't have to spare), and $800. As far as I know there's not much the US citizen can do anyway except hand holding.

Be sure that your affidavit of support is filled out completely according to the instructions (London wants "DO INTEND" checked, and then some mention of complete financial support as you are getting married seems to be sufficient). This is the most helpful thing you can do.

When you say I must have "do intend" checked- is that the area on the I-134 where (#11) where I check that I do intent to make specific contributions to the person named in #3? I read in an immigration book that I should check do not intend. eck! So I should proably redue this and resend it to my fiancee right away.

A question on a similar note (and maybe I should really start a new thread for this) the dates of the items I sent him (I-134, check stubs, letter from employer, bank letter and stmt are from last Dec) We had some issues that held us up so we were not able to send the checklist in until this week.

Is it advisable that I resend these items so its closer to interview or can I send them addtional items (bank stmt, letter from employer) to suppliment everything else my fiancee has?

Yes, I know the guides say you can put do not intend, but recently London has been wanting to see DO intend, so may as well be safe and do it. Also, you'll want to update your pay stubs (they want to see recent, as they are showing current employment), send along your 2008 Tax return + W2s, and send a notarized updated letter of intent. I wouldn't think that a second employment letter is necessary if you are showing updated paycheck stubs. I would think the same reasoning would apply to bank statements/letter (new statements + Dec. letter). Probably no need to overnight those things, as unless you have asked for a super early date, there will be lots of time for regular mail to arrive before the interview. Sorry, but at least you know before the interview!

[Gemmie 142]

When you say I must have "do intend" checked- is that the area on the I-134 where (#11) where I check that I do intent to make specific contributions to the person named in #3? I read in an immigration book that I should check do not intend. eck! So I should proably redue this and resend it to my fiancee right away.

My fiance put "do not intend" and our interview went fine. BUT we did have a co-sponsor who ticked "intend" with room-and-board.

A question on a similar note (and maybe I should really start a new thread for this) the dates of the items I sent him (I-134, check stubs, letter from employer, bank letter and stmt are from last Dec) We had some issues that held us up so we were not able to send the checklist in until this week.

Is it advisable that I resend these items so its closer to interview or can I send them addtional items (bank stmt, letter from employer) to suppliment everything else my fiancee has?

They only took a copy of the 2008 tax returns for me and the 134 forms.. I did have bank statements, letter of employment, and tax returnds /W2's for about 3 years.. I would recommend getting this year's tax returns if nothing else as they're the first thing they'll want to see, I reckon.

On topic, I did want my fiance to come to the interview but he left the UK about a week before the date. I was really nervous, but managed it all by myself (proud )... he did get to help out by messaging me London directions from Google and calming me down, and the interview was pretty painless except the waiting which would've been the same if he were with me... so all in all, it was £400 well-saved.