What to expect in an embassy Fiancé interview?

After the U.S. citizen files the K-1 fiancée visa petition on behalf of his or her fiancé/e with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) along with all necessary forms and documents, the process of obtaining a K-1 visa has begun. The embassy fiancé interview is often times the most stressful part for both the U.S. citizen and their foreign fiancée because they are either unprepared for it or do not know what to expect. First of all, while it is not a requirement for the U.S. citizen fiancé to attend the foreign fiancée's interview, it may be helpful. However, if this is not possible, there is still no need to be stressed. Simply discuss with your fiancée your common facts and circumstances such as where and how you met, how you have kept in touch and visited each other, when and why you decided to get married, and what your plans are for the wedding and afterwards.

To further prepare for the interview it is essential that you both review all paperwork beforehand. Each of you should look over the questions and your answers on the forms and documents you have already submitted. Review your immigration history and the dates of your visits. Be prepared to explain and prove any changes or errors with documentation at the interview. Your fiancée should be aware that they may have to wait for several hours on the date of their interview. Remind them to be patient as many other applicants are often scheduled at the same time.

Upon arriving at the embassy, your fiancée will fill out a Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-156) in duplicate, as well as one copy of the supplement to form DS-156. Each dependent child also needs a completed Nonimmigrant Visa Application, in duplicate. Original documents, not copies, must be brought to the interview for both the applicant and any dependent children. Originals of primary documents, such as birth, death, marriage, and medical records are returned to the applicant after the interview. After a consular officer has reviewed the case and the documents, your fiancée will then be interviewed. Dependent children under the age of 14 do not need to attend the interview. If your fiancée is pregnant, the consular office will arrange to give the baby a separate K-2 visa if the child is born before the mother leaves for the U.S. However, to have this granted with as little delay as possible, it would be wise for your fiancée to already have written acknowledgement from you, the U.S. citizen fiancé, that states you are still willing to marry the applicant, or that you are the father of the child.

While your case is being reviewed, the embassy will take your fiancée's fingerprints and require that they make an oath. Once the interview begins, expect the consular officer to ask your fiancée questions about your relationship. The consular office does this because they are required by law to verify that your relationship with your fiancée is real and genuine and that your fiancée intends to marry within ninety days of their arrival to the U.S. As a result, your fiancée will be required to sign a statement regarding his/her legal ability to marry and their intention to marry. If they do not know the answer to a question or do not remember some detail that is asked, they should say they do not know or do not remember. At no time should they attempt to guess or lie.

If your fiancée is asked to provide more materials in the interview, your fiancée may ask the consular official for the request for additional materials to be in writing with an explanation stating what is needed and why. If everything is in order at the interview, your fiancée should receive a K-1 visa, and any dependent unmarried children under the age of 21 should also receive a K-2 visa on the same day or in some instances shortly thereafter. In the event a visa is not issued, your fiancée will receive a letter explaining why. Shihab & Associates Co., LPA has the expertise to closely analyze your case and prepare both you and your fiancée for the interview process. We will do our utmost to ensure that a visa will be obtained so that your marriage plans will not be postponed.