WHy do they say I shouldn't come to the interview?

In reviewing the papers they sent David for his interview, it mentions many many times that only the applicant should show up, that family aren't welcome.  But I know that you guys all went with your spouses - so do they make a big deal about it? Is it a new suggestion, or did you read that as well but think "Screw that, we're going together!"?

I can't beleive what I just read in your post. We are close behind you when it comes to the interview. I definately want to be present, especially if there is an issue. I would be a nervous wreak having to "wait outside".  Afterall this is through the American Embassy and we are Americans and we are paying for this whole process. What about our affidavid of support.....do they not want to meet us.

Please.....I hope this isn't so either! Looking forward to hearing what others have to say about this....... 

Marlespro,

I'm very surprised at your post.  On a couple of occasions, I've emailed the embassy to clarify that I could attend, and they said of course.  Also, I sent an email to confirm that the interviewing officer can witness the I 864 as I will be attending with my husband, and they said yes, the interviewing officer can sign, so long as I'm present.

I would strongly urge you email the embassy at LondonConsular@state.gov and clarify this issue.  I don't know the circumstances of your case, but perhaps when they said "family members" they meant family other than the sponsor.  Perhaps there's a misunderstanding, because, if I remember correctly , when you fill in the document checklist for interview readiness, there is a space that asks who will be attending with the sponsored immigrant.

Please check this out.  When you email the embassy, they respond pretty quickly.

Good luck and let me know what you find out.

Hmm- news to me. I read that it wasn't necessary for the spouse to go - but not that they were advised not to go 

Let me quote:

"Unless you are a handicapped person or a child who requires assistance, please do not bring friends or relatives to the physicians office or the Embassy, as space is available only for persons who have an appointment."

I wonder if by "family" they mean extended family? Surely they can't mean me?
Even if they do, I'm going - I suppose we'll just see if they kick me out.

  They will have to kick me out too! I think you are right....maybe they mean extended family and/or children, etc.

I think we will be ok.  My concern was what seems to be the always changing goal post, so when I saw your message, I thought here we go again and read it just as you did. I probably over reacted....due in part because I have emailed them twice in the past 2 weeks and all they can tell me about the interview or "my husband's interview" as they put it is.....its sometime in mid September but they can't give me the date yet? 

Deep breath for both of us! 

spouses are in most cases a very essential part of the interview day. I believe what theyre trying to say, in that profoundly vague embassy-eese of theirs, that extended family and children shouldnt come. There is PLENTY of room for spouses. There was one family during Martin's interview that had several kids with them but they were on work visas and the kids needed their documents done too. Other than that there werent any other kids or extended family members around. Just spouses. Lots of them.

Dont hesitate to go. I think the interviewers like seeing the spouse there as it means they are emotionally involved and care about the process and outcome. It lends to a more genuine looking case (not that any of our cases ARENT genuine of course).

Just go. Theyre not going to kick you out of your own Embassy lol.

Thanks for that Sarah - that is the assumption I'm going on as well. I just wondered if they had put this wording in recently (and therefore meant it?) or if it was on everyone else's material, and really just to keep excess family away... I'm not worried about being turned away really, they'd have one hell of a fight on their hands if they tried! Plus, aren't I even more proof that he's married to an American?

I can confirm what Sarah (MarsBar) said! You should DEFINITELY go!

When I went - with Brooke - everyone else was also with their spouse and they often asked them questions as well as the applicant.

What they mean is they don't want people taking their whole family with them.

There is absolutely no problem with you going! There was NO ONE there when we went who didn't have their US partner with them!

Thanks a million for that!!!

When I went with Adrian, they had to have my signature.  And that was on the 17th of August.  I am sure it meant extended.  I wouldn't worry about it.  Just go.

I hope everything works out for ya.

Mel

Now understand, this was for my hubby interview for his finace visa.

I was over there taking a pre-wedding honeymoon.  And wasn't going to just sit in the hotel room.  His letter didn't say anything about not bringing people with you, but when we went to go through the Embassy securtiy, the wouldn't let me in.  They said that there was only enough room for people on the appointment sheet.  I would expect it to be different for married couples. 

My hubby said that the visa room was huge and had no idea what they were talking about with the 'there is no extra room.' 

We still get a laugh out of the fact that I was denied entry to my own Embassy.