Is it important to be present with fiancé during K1 interview?

[Purigorotta8 3]

My fiancé has set an appointment for late April at the US Consulate in Ho Chi Minh. I understand that I'm not required to be there with her, will being present significantly help the case?  I wanted to take a week off my new job to fly to Vietnam and show consulate that I'm present with my fiancé. Will it hurt our case if I'm not present ?

Edited March 9, 2023 by Purigorotta8

[Crazy Cat 39,304]

Whether required or not, being present is always a positive.    

[JasonGG 267]

For some countries, it does not matter.  In Vietnam, I think it makes a difference, especially if the CO has any doubts.

 

At the very least, your fiancé will be much less anxious if you are with her.  In Vietnam, you can be at her side (or feet away) through the entire interview process.

 

Check my timeline for our experience at the consulate in 2018.  I’m glad I went.

Edited March 9, 2023 by JasonGG

[craig5977 58]

I think it helps in a positive way. If nothing else for moral support plus it adds much more validity to the relationship. I attended my wife's and was glad I did.

The more visits always help. Good luck with everything!

[TBoneTX 43,081]

If the petitioner is on the premises or within range during the interview, it enables the CO to call the petitioner in, to answer questions or clear up confusion.  This can avert a 221(g).

 

If you're allowed inside the building, hand your U.S. passport to your fiancée to give to the person who collects documents, or she should keep it to show the CO directly.  Remember to get it back afterward.

[Stein 260]

I don't know if K1 is different than CR-1 but I definitely went with my wife for CR-1 and they not only let me inside but I ended up answering 80% of the questions from the immigration official.  She literally answered 2-3 questions.  I was unique in the sense that our interview was almost a year after Vietnam closed the border due to COVID so there were no other CR-1 petitioners there.  I was the only one as I was living there from the time we married until she immigrated.