Can Couples Attend the USA Visa Interview Together?

Yes, it is possible for couples to attend a U.S. visa interview together, but there are some important factors to consider:

1. Separate Applications:

• Each person must submit a separate visa application. For example, if a couple is applying for visitor visas (B-1/B-2), each person must complete their own DS-160 form, pay the visa fee, and schedule a separate interview appointment (though interviews may be scheduled together, as explained below).

2. Interview Procedure for Couples:

• While you will have separate applications, couples can attend the interview at the same time if they are applying together. During the interview, the consular officer will likely conduct the interview for each individual separately, but you can be in the same room or wait together.

• It’s common for couples applying for tourist visas or immigrant visas to attend the interview on the same day, especially if both applicants are part of the same family unit.

3. Immigrant vs. Non-Immigrant Visas:

• Non-Immigrant Visas (e.g., B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa): If both individuals are applying for a non-immigrant visa (like a tourist visa), the officer may ask questions relevant to each applicant’s individual circumstances. However, being together during the interview process is common.

• Immigrant Visas (e.g., Marriage-Based Green Card): If you are applying for a spouse visa or family-based immigrant visa, it’s typical for the couple to attend the interview together, especially if the visa is based on the relationship (e.g., spousal visa). The officer may ask joint questions about your relationship and intentions to establish the legitimacy of the marriage or relationship.

4. The Interview Process:

• For non-immigrant visa applications, both individuals will generally have to answer questions regarding their travel plans, ties to their home country, and reasons for visiting the U.S. The officer will assess each person’s eligibility individually.

• For immigrant visa applications based on marriage, the officer may interview both applicants together or separately, but the focus will generally be on verifying the relationship and ensuring the marriage is bona fide.

5. Important Notes:

• Separate Forms and Documents: While attending together, each individual will still need to submit their own DS-160 form, provide separate passport-sized photos, and bring any required documents such as financial evidence, relationship proof (for spouse visas), or travel documents.

• Visa Denial or Approval: The decision on each applicant’s visa is made individually, so while you can attend the interview together, one person may be approved and the other may not, depending on each applicant’s circumstances.

Conclusion:

Couples can attend a U.S. visa interview together, but they must each have their own application, and the consular officer may interview each person separately. The key is that the applicants should be prepared for the interview individually, with all required documentation, and should not assume that one approval guarantees approval for the other.