interview

[dnlljns 0]

If I'm in the US and the fiance is in South Africa, is it beneficial or necessary to fly to South Africa for the interview? Just wondering how understanding the consulate is since it is far and expensive. I'm hoping to not go so that I can use that money toward other fees.

[Pitaya 2,577]

If I'm in the US and the fiance is in South Africa, is it beneficial or necessary to fly to South Africa for the interview? Just wondering how understanding the consulate is since it is far and expensive. I'm hoping to not go so that I can use that money toward other fees.

Welcome to the forum.

It is always beneficial for the USC to be with their fiancé(e) for the interview. If the interviewing embassy/consulate does not allow USC to attend, it certainly adds moral support for your future partner. Some interviewing embassies/consulates allow attendance, some do not, some require it, others it is strongly encouraged. Check the "Embassy Info" tab at the top of the forum page and find the specific info for South Africa.

I was not able to be in attendance at my wife's interview in Guangzhou, China per consulate policy. However, I did fly to Guangzhou and I was able to include a Evolution of Relationship letter in my passport, which I gave to her to present to the CO at her interview. I have to believe that the CO, knowing that I was in Guangzhou supporting my then-fiancee at this important interview, strongly demonstrated that we have a genuine relationship. From personal experience, I understand about the money and distance involved in such a trip. If you can do it, do it.

YMMV.

Happy trails on your visa journey.

Edited December 4, 2012 by A&B

[fiona8884 1]

I have the same question but its for my husband in Jordan....we have a 6 month old son and do not wish for him to travel internationally till one yr per reccomendation of his pediatrician anyways my husband hasnt met his son yet but it is verueexpensive to fly to Jordan on top of everything else and I was not requested to be there...can me not being there really affect their decision since we are already married have a child etc etc...

[Miss M 54]

dnlljns - is your husband interviewing in Johannesburg? If so, that consulate does not allow the US spouse into the consulate on the day of the interview. My USC husband came with me as we were living in South Africa together at the time, but they would not let him into the building. The security guard told us that only the interviewee would be allowed into the building.

So in my opinion, it isn't necessary since you would most likely be turned away at the door anyway.

[Ismail+Cassie 36]

Welcome to the forum.

It is always beneficial for the USC to be with their fiancé(e) for the interview. If the interviewing embassy/consulate does not allow USC to attend, it certainly adds moral support for your future partner. Some interviewing embassies/consulates allow attendance, some do not, some require it, others it is strongly encouraged. Check the "Embassy Info" tab at the top of the forum page and find the specific info for South Africa.

I was not able to be in attendance at my wife's interview in Guangzhou, China per consulate policy. However, I did fly to Guangzhou and I was able to include a Evolution of Relationship letter in my passport, which I gave to her to present to the CO at her interview. I have to believe that the CO, knowing that I was in Guangzhou supporting my then-fiancee at this important interview, strongly demonstrated that we have a genuine relationship. From personal experience, I understand about the money and distance involved in such a trip. If you can do it, do it.

YMMV.

Happy trails on your visa journey.

Hey good info what exactly is "Evolution of Relationship"?

[Blessing+faith 1]

If I'm in the US and the fiance is in South Africa, is it beneficial or necessary to fly to South Africa for the interview? Just wondering how understanding the consulate is since it is far and expensive. I'm hoping to not go so that I can use that money toward other fees.

Only the person who needs to be interviewed will be allowed in the building, it wont matter to them if the other half is standing outside or not..my advice use the money for something more beneficial.

[dnlljns 0]

dnlljns - is your husband interviewing in Johannesburg? If so, that consulate does not allow the US spouse into the consulate on the day of the interview. My USC husband came with me as we were living in South Africa together at the time, but they would not let him into the building. The security guard told us that only the interviewee would be allowed into the building.

So in my opinion, it isn't necessary since you would most likely be turned away at the door anyway.

It would be cape town

Only the person who needs to be interviewed will be allowed in the building, it wont matter to them if the other half is standing outside or not..my advice use the money for something more beneficial.

i think the office would be cape town. my friend who went through this was allowed in with her fiance (I think) but it was colombia

[Miss M 54]

We were living in Cape Town too, and although we paid all our fees at the Consulate in Cape Town, the actual interview is held in Johannesburg. The Consulate in Cape Town only handles non immigrant visa interviews.

Each embassy is different but I can definitely attest to Johannesburg not allowing spouses/fiancees to attend interviews.

See this link for confirmation regarding Cape Town - http://southafrica.usembassy.gov/immigrant_visas.html