The United States Department of State made some changes to the rules about interviews for people who want to get a visa. These new rules. Now people who are applying for a visa and are under 14 years old usually have to go to an interview in person. There are some exceptions to this rule but not many. The United States Department of State nonimmigrant visa applicants who are, under 14 years old will have to go to an interview. The United States Department of State nonimmigrant visa rules are a bit different now.
1. Kids of All Ages Have to Be
- Every single child no matter how old they are has to be at the interview in person. This means babies, little kids and teenagers all have to go to the interview window.
- No Parent Substitutions: The child's parents or the people who take care of them have to go with the child. They cannot go to the interview for the child by themselves. Children of all ages must attend the interview and their parents or legal guardians have to be, with them. The child must be there too.
2. Do not confuse the Visa Application Center with the Visa Interview
There are two appointments that you need to go to. The first one is at the Visa Application Center where you give your biometrics and photos. The second one is the Visa Interview at the United States Embassy or Consulate.
- The rules for biometrics can be different. For example the Visa Application Center may have relaxed rules for toddlers and infants when it comes to biometrics. However the Visa Interview at the United States Embassy or Consulate is very strict. The child must be there, in person.
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3. Parents Should Get Ready
When a child goes for an interview the child's parent or legal guardian has to be with them.
- The people doing the interview will check some documents so you need to bring the child's birth certificate, a valid passport the DS-160 confirmation page and papers that show the parents legal status or visa status.
- They will ask the child some easy questions. For kids the people doing the interview do not ask a lot of questions. They just want to make sure they know who the child is and what the family plans to do when they travel.
4. Do not assume an interview waiver
Policy shifts are happening at the U.S. Department of State. They stopped giving interview waivers to people because of their age. This used to be available for kids under 14. Adults over 79.
- Now there are rules about who does not need an interview. Unless you are someone like a diplomat or you are renewing something and it meets very specific criteria the U.S. Department of State says that almost all minors have to go to an interview in person. The U.S. Department of State has rules that're very strict about interview waivers, for the U.S. Department of State.
5. Check Your Appointment Instructions Carefully
You need to read the instructions that come with your appointment carefully.
- Look at the confirmation page and the rules for your appointment.
- Do this before you go to the embassy or consulate.
- Also remember that rules can change.
- So make sure you check the instructions, for the consulate you are going to.
- Check what they say about parents who are coming with you.
- You want to know if they are allowed to enter with you.
- Check the rules for the consulate you are visiting to see what you need to do.
6. Plan for the Whole Family
Group Scheduling: Make sure all family members are connected under the appointment profile. This way the interviews will happen together on the day.
- Logistics: Get ready for the security screening lines. These lines can be really long. Also be prepared for the waiting room times. If you have kids do not forget to bring things like snacks, quiet toys and formulas. The waits, at the consulate can be very long. It is a good idea to be prepared.
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