US visa alert for minors: Embassy issues key update for parents, clarifies if kids must be present for interviews
Parents scheduling a US visa appointment for a minor must ensure that the child is physically present during the consular interview.
The US Embassy in India has issued an important update concerning visa interviews for minor applicants. Parents of children seeking a US visa must understand that the child cannot accompany them to the consular interview. Regardless of the child's age, from newborn to 17 years old, the child must be present in person during the interview.
This requirement is intended to ensure the consular officer can personally verify each applicant before a visa is issued, emphasizing the importance of the interview in safeguarding borders and national security. Parents must be aware that not attending the interview with their child, regardless of the child's age, is not an acceptable excuse and will result in a visa denial.
The photograph accompanying the visa application must also meet strict specifications, including size, composition, and appearance. Parents are advised to prepare meticulously for the interview, practice responses about why the visit is necessary, who will cover travel and lodging costs, and the child's family situation in the U.S. All answers should be clear and consistent, backed by supporting documents like travel plans or financial records.
Written by urgent.news from Hindustan Times - World News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.