A common question that K-1 fiance visa applicants have is: Does the U.S. citizen sponsor need to attend the interview at the U.S. consulate?
Many couples hear that the consulate official will want to see that there is a good faith relationship between the couple – and what better way to demonstrate that the couple has a good faith relationship than to both attend the interview? Right?
Actually not. The K-1 fiancee visa interview only requires the K-1 beneficiary (the foreign national) to attend the consulate interview. Further, most consulates do not allow the K-1 petitioner into the consulate for the interview – even if the petitioner accompanies the K-1 beneficiary to the consulate.
But wait
Recently, however, I have heard stories of consulate officials requesting the petitioner to interview at the consulate – even if the petitioner is in the United States. Such a request is quite burdensome for the petitioner as it often requires flying and significant time off from work. Such a request is also counter to the K-1 procedure. If you are a K-1 couple who has been requested to both attend a consulate interview, please do not hesitate to contact a K-1 fiancee visa attorney. It could save you a bunch of annoyance.