Is it better for the P to not attend interview?

[dreamwarrior 0]

I'm debating whether or not to attend my wife's interview. There's a good chance that I would be called up to be interviewed after her, but I don't see the point of that unless we're seriously lacking evidence. We do have plenty of evidence and the big issue is that we have a toddler who likely will not enjoy sitting around one room for 2-3 hours. So I'm thinking I will accompany my wife to the interview and stay for the first 30 minutes, then go back with the baby to the hotel. I'm worried that if I do get called up and answer something wrong, we will get a blue slip. For example, my wife goes up and has a great interview. They get the pink sheet ready. But then call me up. I interview badly and they give us a blue. I feel that if she has a bad interview there is little that I can do to rectify the situation. What are your thoughts, VJ?

[TBoneTX 45,001]

*** Thread moved from Embassy/Consulate forum to Vietnam regional subforum -- topic requires country-specific answers. ***

[Dan_P 5]

I you are in hcmc, I would advise you to go to the interview. I have seen babies at the consulate when I went, toddler might not enjoy it, but so be it. The excuse that the toddler might not enjoy it so my husband and baby is in the hotel might not go over well with the co. if they ask where you are, and she says in the hotel, that might be a red flag in and of itself.

Imo, if you do not plan to attend the interview, then don't be in Vietnam at the time.

With that said, I think being at the interview would be beneficial, the co will know the difference between you being nervous and someone who is intentionally trying to deceive them.

Edited January 28, 2013 by Dan_P

[ScottThuy 140]

Only reason I can see that you would not want to be there is if you dont know enough about her to have a conversation about it. If that is the case neither should be there.

[quann 26]

Only reason I can see that you would not want to be there is if you dont know enough about her to have a conversation about it. If that is the case neither should be there.

ha, and +1.

[dreamwarrior 0]

I you are in hcmc, I would advise you to go to the interview. I have seen babies at the consulate when I went, toddler might not enjoy it, but so be it. The excuse that the toddler might not enjoy it so my husband and baby is in the hotel might not go over well with the co. if they ask where you are, and she says in the hotel, that might be a red flag in and of itself.

Imo, if you do not plan to attend the interview, then don't be in Vietnam at the time.

With that said, I think being at the interview would be beneficial, the co will know the difference between you being nervous and someone who is intentionally trying to deceive them.

Our 2yo is very hyperactive. I guarantee she will be crying uncontrollably before the day is over. If she cries while my wife is interviewing, consider that the end of the interview. Neither of us can concentrate while the baby is crying, although I can do it a little bit better than my wife. It's a huge risk just taking her which is why I'm considering not doing it. I don't see how me not being there is a red flag though, because I'm not required to be there. We have been there together one time already to get her CRBA. Luckily she was sleeping through the whole deal. The one benefit of me being there is that they've seen me there on 4 occasions already, so they might be familiar with our story. But yeah, the main thing is that my wife will not be able to concentrate if the baby has a problem, even if I take her out of the room it's going to be in the back of her mind...

[Dan_P 5]

Imo, in the eyes of the co, if you are in hcmc, and choose not to show up, i think this to be a red flag. I have seen kids crying through the whole interview and their parents having a hard time, so i am not sure if the co would take that excuse. If the toddler is too hyperactive, just like leave him with a friend or relative nearby and both of you attend the interview.

[dreamwarrior 0]

Imo, in the eyes of the co, if you are in hcmc, and choose not to show up, i think this to be a red flag. I have seen kids crying through the whole interview and their parents having a hard time, so i am not sure if the co would take that excuse. If the toddler is too hyperactive, just like leave him with a friend or relative nearby and both of you attend the interview.

You know I think I will attend the interview. My personality is a non risk taker but maybe this is one risk that I should take. I'm weary because I had a very difficult interview for our kid's CRBA...I thought I didn't bring my tax returns since they're not required for CRBA but in fact they were in my bag all along. Without her laptop, our kid is going to be the one climbing up and down and falling over the chairs, but at least they'll be able to see first hand how involved our family is.

[brr5 6]

I think you make a wise choice.

You know I think I will attend the interview. My personality is a non risk taker but maybe this is one risk that I should take. I'm weary because I had a very difficult interview for our kid's CRBA...I thought I didn't bring my tax returns since they're not required for CRBA but in fact they were in my bag all along. Without her laptop, our kid is going to be the one climbing up and down and falling over the chairs, but at least they'll be able to see first hand how involved our family is.

Edited February 1, 2013 by brr5

[callmekay 19]

I'm in the same boat if whether or not to attend the interview.

My fiance says that he would rather have me there to bring him home.

He's afraid that the paperwork he has wont be sufficient for his daughter to go with him and if I come over for interview and he doesn't get the pink then it's a wasted trip.

It would be difficult for me to be there for interview and then leave and come back if he doesn't get the pink slip.

Not only that but it's projected possibly he'll be getting ready for interview in the fall...my daughter is going to start school then and I will need to be available for the teachers and stuff. Time constraints and money is a huge factor.

of course im doing k-1 visa...not sure if the interview goes the same way for both k-1 and ir-1/cr-1 visas...

[ScottThuy 140]

of course im doing k-1 visa...not sure if the interview goes the same way for both k-1 and ir-1/cr-1 visas...

The interview is about the same, but how they look at things and much of the paperwork is different...

flights are not cheap and children are priority aren't they?

[callmekay 19]

The interview is about the same, but how they look at things and much of the paperwork is different...

flights are not cheap and children are priority aren't they?

yep yep! but once shes in school im free!!! well not really but my family will be able to proxy for me while i go bring her stepdad and stepsister home

My stepdaughter will be 8 when time comes for her to interview. Does anyone know if she is required to go to the interview???

[ScottThuy 140]

IR2 for stepchildren requires them to be there but my stepson was not asked many questions really. just stuff like are you looking forward to school in the US.