U.S. petitioner accompanying foreign fiance to K1 interview?

[B & C 1]

This may well be one of those incredibly simple questions, but I can't seem to find a definitive answer on it. So here it goes, is it possible for me as the U.S. petitioning citizen of my foreign fiance to fly across the ocean to attend his K1 visa interview? And are the chances of a successful interview vastly increased by my doing so?

I have ptsd and have an extremely hard time flying, but I will if it puts our case in a much better light to the interviewer. But I'd rather know before it happens so I can plan accordingly whether or not it's worth the mental hassle.

[amykathleen2005 441]

It depends on the embassy really. I don't know about Slovenia's policy on letting others into the interview. As Slovenia is not exactly a high fraud consulate I don't think that it would make that much of a difference if you were there or not.

[On the Road Again 2]

This may well be one of those incredibly simple questions, but I can't seem to find a definitive answer on it. So here it goes, is it possible for me as the U.S. petitioning citizen of my foreign fiance to fly across the ocean to attend his K1 visa interview? And are the chances of a successful interview vastly increased by my doing so?

I have ptsd and have an extremely hard time flying, but I will if it puts our case in a much better light to the interviewer. But I'd rather know before it happens so I can plan accordingly whether or not it's worth the mental hassle.

That is correct it depends on the embassy. I know in Bogota it is important the that both parties show up for the interview but it's not a requirement. I have heard of fiances being told that the visa was not going to be issued and to return with the fiance in Bogota. I know some Embassy's you cannot go to the interview. You need to do some research.

[ArabLoveMorocco 1]

I have been told that the embassy in Casablanca, Morocco does not let anyone in into the interview except for the applicant. So it really depends on the embassy.

Good Luck.

Edited January 1, 2011 by ArabLoveMorocco

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

This may well be one of those incredibly simple questions, but I can't seem to find a definitive answer on it. So here it goes, is it possible for me as the U.S. petitioning citizen of my foreign fiance to fly across the ocean to attend his K1 visa interview? And are the chances of a successful interview vastly increased by my doing so?

I have ptsd and have an extremely hard time flying, but I will if it puts our case in a much better light to the interviewer. But I'd rather know before it happens so I can plan accordingly whether or not it's worth the mental hassle.

Depends on the consulate. In Ukraine, YES. I stood with Alla at the window when we had our non-interview interview (no questions asked) I was there for HER not for any other reason. I do not think it makes a difference in MOST consulates. Ask around for advice from people that used the same consulate.

[B & C 1]

Ok thanks, I didn't know it varied between embassies! I'll do a little research and see if it's worth the nervous breakdown or not. Thanks a lot!

[thelastpetitioner 218]

technically every petitioner is given the right to go to the interview with the beneficiary,however,in reality it is different.

you can email your embassy and ask them directly,and get an email from them stating that you can enter the embassy for the interview as well

[baron555 934]

This may well be one of those incredibly simple questions, but I can't seem to find a definitive answer on it. So here it goes, is it possible for me as the U.S. petitioning citizen of my foreign fiance to fly across the ocean to attend his K1 visa interview? And are the chances of a successful interview vastly increased by my doing so?

I have ptsd and have an extremely hard time flying, but I will if it puts our case in a much better light to the interviewer. But I'd rather know before it happens so I can plan accordingly whether or not it's worth the mental hassle.

Only if the Embassy will allow you to attend. Moscow does not, Kiev does.

[Tahoma 2,298]

Every Embassy is different, so you need to find out about your specific Embassy.

The U.S. Embassy Manila (USEM) generally allows the petitioner to attend the interview. In my opinion, when the petitioner attends the interview at the USEM, it can make a difference in the outcome of the visa approval, especially if the petitioner's income is flirting with the poverty line.

[Casprd 167]

This may well be one of those incredibly simple questions, but I can't seem to find a definitive answer on it. So here it goes, is it possible for me as the U.S. petitioning citizen of my foreign fiance to fly across the ocean to attend his K1 visa interview? And are the chances of a successful interview vastly increased by my doing so?

I have ptsd and have an extremely hard time flying, but I will if it puts our case in a much better light to the interviewer. But I'd rather know before it happens so I can plan accordingly whether or not it's worth the mental hassle.

As others have said, it depends on the Consulate, and you will receive lots of responses saying it doesn't matter, but even if you can't go in to the interview, your fiance can take your passport in to the interview with him (that is what we plan for Guangzhou) It may or may not help, but it certainly can't hurt and if you don't go and there is a problem then you will wonder if it would have made a difference. If you can afford it and have the vacation time, make the trip.

[JenAndBabs 1]

It helped us at our interview, however I was not allowed to go in with my fiance. When my fiance told the CO that I was outside, the CO sent for me. It helped to show the reality of our relationship, and it helped that I could be there to understand the instructions the CO gave us.

But I think good preparation and plenty of evidence of your relationship (plus evidence of past visits) are probably just as good.

Jen and Babs

[jkelly07 120]

i go along with,jan and babs,if you go to the interview, your usc is with you and thay don't let him in,take his us passport with you and tell the officer that he or she is just out side the door if you want to i can bring him here,if you want to talk to him, he come all the way here to be with me at rhe interview and give me support, good luck ,

[Al422 221]

Moscow won't even let you into the waiting room, so your presence will truly make no difference. Again, check the embassy you will be going to for the rules there.

But even if you can't get to the waiting room, there is still the psychological support to your fiance. I don't know either of you, so these are all things you need to research and figure out if your presence would be of any value.

Since I can't even get into the waiting room for my fiance and she has been to Moscow many times, I determined it would be best to conserve my vacation days (and money) for her arrival here.

[On the Road Again 2]

i go along with,jan and babs,if you go to the interview, your usc is with you and thay don't let him in,take his us passport with you and tell the officer that he or she is just out side the door if you want to i can bring him here,if you want to talk to him, he come all the way here to be with me at rhe interview and give me support, good luck ,

In Colombia at the US Embassy in Bogota you can enter and are welcomed. I was first in line and was greated by the CO when I was at the embassy window.

Edited January 22, 2011 by On the Road Again

[TBoneTX 47,011]

It helped us at our interview, however I was not allowed to go in with my fiance. When my fiance told the CO that I was outside, the CO sent for me. It helped to show the reality of our relationship, and it helped that I could be there to understand the instructions the CO gave us.

This is stated very well. Avoid relying totally on embassy websites to guide your decision; the VJ reviews from your country are more valuable. Also, remember that consular personnel rotate every few years, and policies and standards can change. One might not want to skip the trip only to learn that a new Section Chief has an unspoken policy that visas will be refused or put on 221g status unless the USC is present for the FIRST interview.