To Attend the K-1 Visa Interview with Beneficiary or Not?

[MyLifeForYou 12]

I am new to this website and need some guidance. My question is regarding the interview at the embassy for my fiancé's K-1 Visa: Should I attent the interview or not?

I have read comments stating that I should be present, while others indicate that I won't be allowed into the interview room and my presence there could cast some doubt on our relationship, in that I might be trying to "​control" or "manipulate" my fiancé's performance and/or answers.

Our interview will be in Beirut, Lebanon. We are preparing for the red flags our case will undoubtedly raise: I am 15 years older than he is and I have been married before. Can anyone give us some advice on whether I should plan on attending the consular interview or if I should let my fiancé handle it on his own. We know every detail about each other and have front loaded our petition with ample evidence.

Thank you in advance to anyone who can lend advice.

[LionessDeon 2,060]

http://www.visajourney.com/reviews/index.php?cnty=Lebanon&page=2&dfilter=5&topic=

http://www.visajourney.com/consulates/index.php?ctry=Lebanon&cty=Beirut

I didn't see any info on if spouses or fiance's are allowed to attend or not. Never heard of the manipulation/control thing. It really just depends on the customs of Lebanon. Age difference can be an issue when the woman is older than the man, no longer of child bearing age, which is not usually the cultural norm....anywhere it seems. Read the Lebanon embassy reviews, they don't seem too bad. If you've proven a bonafide relationship I wouldn't stress out. Good Luck!

[MyLifeForYou 12]

http://www.visajourney.com/reviews/index.php?cnty=Lebanon&page=2&dfilter=5&topic=

http://www.visajourney.com/consulates/index.php?ctry=Lebanon&cty=Beirut

I didn't see any info on if spouses or fiance's are allowed to attend or not. Never heard of the manipulation/control thing. It really just depends on the customs of Lebanon. Age difference can be an issue when the woman is older than the man, no longer of child bearing age, which is not usually the cultural norm....anywhere it seems. Read the Lebanon embassy reviews, they don't seem too bad. If you've proven a bonafide relationship I wouldn't stress out. Good Luck!

Thank you so much for your words of wisdom and encouragement. I appreciate you taking the time to help us out.

[LionessDeon 2,060]

Your welome. I'd check out your country portal too. Look back through the posts and see what other's have experienced there.

[Deagle 511]

You are not allowed to attend your spouse's interview in Lebanon, I tried to do that they refused, unless they request you to be there. In general it's a good rating for the american embassy in Lebanon. I've been following some cases from the last year and this year and all are going well so far. If you need any help or question regarding your case in Lebanon don't hesitate to ask me. Good luck.

[MyLifeForYou 12]

You are not allowed to attend your spouse's interview in Lebanon, I tried to do that they refused, unless they request you to be there. In general it's a good rating for the american embassy in Lebanon. I've been following some cases from the last year and this year and all are going well so far. If you need any help or question regarding your case in Lebanon don't hesitate to ask me. Good luck.

Wow, this is a fabulous piece of information - thank you so much for taking the time to post and let me know. The trips to Beirut can get expensive and I am attempting to make an interim visit between us filing our I-129F and the consular interview, which is why I was needing to plan accordingly if I am to attend. Your information really helps and again, I appreciate your time. I might be in contact with you to ask more questions when I have some concrete ones, if you don't mind.

Thank you again and good luck wherever you are at currently in your immigration journey!

[Ebunoluwa 6,136]

I am in favor of being on the premises for the interview.

Upon entering you can inform the CO that your fiance is waiting outside and would be happy to attend the interview if allowed.

Even if not allowed it shows you are supportive and there with him.

If issues arise you can start to troubleshoot from there.

[Deagle 511]

If you wish and makes you feel better about it, try to email the embassy and tell them your spouse is gonna have an interview and you wish to attend it. Most likely they will say no and that was the case with me and 4 other people who also asked. One case they asked the husband that his wife must attend with him in a second interview. Actually the security measures in the American embassy in Beirut are so strict. You can't even stand around the embassy if you have nothing to do. Feel free to contact me at anytime. Good luck

[MyLifeForYou 12]

I am in favor of being on the premises for the interview.

Upon entering you can inform the CO that your fiance is waiting outside and would be happy to attend the interview if allowed.

Even if not allowed it shows you are supportive and there with him.

If issues arise you can start to troubleshoot from there.

I believe your advice is excellent and agree that being on the premises (or nearby) for the interview is a great idea. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your views. Best wishes to you!

[MyLifeForYou 12]

If you wish and makes you feel better about it, try to email the embassy and tell them your spouse is gonna have an interview and you wish to attend it. Most likely they will say no and that was the case with me and 4 other people who also asked. One case they asked the husband that his wife must attend with him in a second interview. Actually the security measures in the American embassy in Beirut are so strict. You can't even stand around the embassy if you have nothing to do. Feel free to contact me at anytime. Good luck

Thank you again for this additional information. I find it interesting that the other four couples that asked were also told the same thing. And yes, I believe what you say about the security measures at the embassy. I think that I will plan on being in Beirut at the time of my Fiancé's interview, just in case they ask me to attend. And I will follow your advice and e-mail the embassy in advance to inquire about my presence.

Thank you again for all of your time and help!

[Parivaar15 1]

I went to my now husband's in Mumbai. I was let into the building and the Consulate officer asked me one question about my job and than asked me to sit down. 5 minutes later we were walking out with a paper that said approved and some instructions. It actually looks good I think. Shows a certain level of seriousness. I'm 10 years older than my husband, so he and I (him mainly) thought it would help our situation if I was there.

Beruit is a whole'nother ballgame. Sorry I couldn't be of any more help.

Edited March 3, 2016 by Parivaar15

[MyLifeForYou 12]

I went to my now husband's in Mumbai. I was let into the building and the Consulate officer asked me one question about my job and than asked me to sit down. 5 minutes later we were walking out with a paper that said approved and some instructions. It actually looks good I think. Shows a certain level of seriousness.

Your point is very good and I agree with you. I believe that it does look good for me to be present, even if I am not admitted to the interview. I appreciate your opinion and thank you for taking the time to contribute. Contratulations on your outcome!

[TBoneTX 47,690]

*** Thread is moved from the K-1 Process forum to the Embassy/Consulate forum -- topic involves that phase. ***

[babybabeto14 10]

Hi friend from Lebanon,

I just read this post. I understand the red flag situation. We were kinda in the same boat. I personally went to Lebanon for my fiancés interview,

They didn't let me in, so I stayed in the car during the time. But they will ask if you are in the country. I feel it helped us. It shows a lot of support

towards the relationship. Feel free to message me if you help.

Good luck !

[MyLifeForYou 12]

Hi friend from Lebanon,

I just read this post. I understand the red flag situation. We were kinda in the same boat. I personally went to Lebanon for my fiancés interview,

They didn't let me in, so I stayed in the car during the time. But they will ask if you are in the country. I feel it helped us. It shows a lot of support

towards the relationship. Feel free to message me if you help.

Good luck !

Hello there!

Thank you so much for taking the time to respond to my inquiry and share your experience with us. I find it helpful to know that even though you were not allowed to enter the embassy that you stayed nearby and were in the country for his interview. I also believe that will show additional support on my part. Once again, we sincerely thank you for your kindness and willingness to help us out!