Should USC be present at the interview ?

[D&S 1]

I have red in the forum that some embassies have unwritten rules if the USC is not present at the interview. I called the embassy in Bulgaria and the officer was surprise that I am asking the question Could the USC be present?

She answer me that the interview is for the beneficiary not for USC.

Any opinion ?

[LC2016 15]

I have red in the forum that some embassies have unwritten rules if the USC is not present at the interview. I called the embassy in Bulgaria and the officer was surprise that I am asking the question Could the USC be present?

She answer me that the interview is for the beneficiary not for USC.

Any opinion ?

Hi! Well, I'm not really sure how most embassies or consulates do the interview process. However, my hubby to be had his interview around the 16th of last month in CDJ and the officer requested that I the USC had to be present. So I'm assuming that yes the USC has to be present.

Good Luck!!

Edited April 7, 2010 by Missing_My_Amor

[franklocks 0]

Well, I also do not know how the games are played in respective embassies. But I can tell you my wife was a blessing. She was there at the interview date but not allowed in the premises cos it wasnt here interview. But when the interviewer learned that she was around, he physically went out to get my wife in and that was the end of the story. My visa was granted. So if your spouse can be present that day, i will say, you guys should go for it.Cos you never know!

[Otto 83]

** Since the topic is Interview/Embassy Related, it may be more appropriate in the US Embassy/Consulate Discussion forum (instead of K-1 Proc.); moving thread there.

[BirdyGirl85 23]

I think it helps to go, it really helps to show that your relationship is real. I would like to go to Finland to be with my fiance during his interview, it just depends how much notice we will get before the interview, I have to request time off from my job three weeks in advance.

[Alcheringa 39]

If it is feasible for the USC to be present -- regardless of whether they are allowed to participate in the actual interview or not-- how could it hurt? It's a show of solidarity, and, let's face it, a very stressful day for the fiancé(e). In many cases, the couple did not necessarily assemble the petition side-by-side as a team so a visit gives a good opportunity to go over everything as well as reassure them on the big day.

In my case, there is nothing in the world that would prevent me from being there on the day of the interview. I took it one step further, and have been in the PI since before we submitted our packet. I've read all of the conflicting stories as well of this or that consulate feeling this or that way about it, but common sense prevails for me in that regard. If two people are truly in love and committed, they'll at least desire to approach this thing as a single unit.

Of course, that can be curtailed by finances, work, time, and other responsibilities. But I can't imagine it every being a negative thing to be there to support your loved one, even if you plopped yourself down on a curb outside of the embassy and waited for the verdict.

[Bernie C 24]

For K-1 interviews most consulates do not allow the petitioner to attend the interview.

However it is possible that their "presence" may be beneficial. I waited outside while my fiancee was interview, however I gave her my passport and told her to keep it in her hand. The CO saw it and asked if I was there. She replied yes. He also asked to see my passport, took it and looked through it. He then smiled and gave it back. (I think he smiled when he saw the four visa's for entry to Vietnam within a year!)

I have also read some posts from others who have been through certain consulates where the CO seemed to be very interested in the fact that the petitioner was "present".

There is no written requirement for the petitioner to be present and no gaurantee that it will help. In some consulates it is believed that the decision has already been made for approval or denial and that the interview can sway the decision one way or the other.

All depends on your specific case, what consulate you are going through, what was provided up front, etc...

There is no right or wrong answer here, if you are financially able to be there, I would personally recommend it. Its an opportunity to review and prepare together and spend some additional time together. We did mock interviews and practice questions together. I went with her to the medical exam and for vaccinations. Being there together was very important.

Even after we were approved we ran into a few issues with the consulate. If I had not been there to go and rectify them who knows what might have happened. The staff at the consulate was rude to her but didn't give me any problems, they answered my questions and got rhings straighted out.

Alot to consider, and unltimately the choice can only be made by you.

Best Wishes

[Shahsu 1]

Well, it all depends on the embassy, but it does not hurt to have USC with the benefincary. I am going to be there for my fiance for his interview on May 4th. So really, it is not a bad thing at all.

[Florianns Man 7]

I would love nothing more thn to be with my Fiancee in Kuala Lumpur during this difficult and stressful time, I just don't think it will be possible. I just spent 3 weeks with her a couple of months ago and used up most my vacation time. I also have a young son who I need to be with as much as possible and I need to have some time in reserve for him if needed.

My Fiancee is also very cost concious, I know how badly we miss each other and need to be together but she tells me that it won't be long and we will be together forever...

I hope the Embassy understands

[Vintage 0]

My fiance went to the first interview alone, and they requested that I go. So there you go.

[TBoneTX 45,469]

My fiance went to the first interview alone, and they requested that I go. So there you go.

At least your presence was "requested." In Ecuador, we were ordered -- on our own time & own dime, while being treated like criminals ourselves. Nothing short of blackmail. It is still happening.

To the OP: The USC's presence cannot ever hurt and will always help -- and it can make the difference (without your even knowing it) between visa approval or refusal.

[Shad and Dani 3]

I wouldn't worry about going in BG. I'm not sure if they will even let you get past the gate. It's not one of "those"..

[Eenerz 0]

I think it really depends on the country and the current relationship between the beneficiary's nation and the petitioner's nation. Having a quick peek through the forums, beneficiaries from G-7 nations rarely get this request (GB, Canada, Germany, France etc.) Perhaps this is the consulate/emabssy's method of ensuring that there is a real relationship and attempting to prevent immigration fraud?

[Nik+Heather 121]

These questions are highly consulate specific, so please be sure to seek out consulate specific advice. One place to find this is in the link at the top of the page called Reviews: Embassy - use the pull down menu to select your consulate and read the reviews there.

Depending on what you find, you'll then have to make a decision for your own situation. Some couples feel that it is important enough that both be there just for emotional support even if not "required" from an immigration perspective. For us, although it would have been nice to attend, we decided that my vacation time was better spent when he was here around the wedding instead of a $1000+ trip for what would be barely 48 hours of me on the ground there. Almost as much time spent in the air getting to and from!