May a third party (spouse, sponsor, etc.) accompany an applicant to an interview for a Nonimmigrant or Immigrant Visa?
The State Department says that on the Immigrant Visa side, the petitioner may accompany the beneficiary if a petitioner is in the Consulate city at the time of the interview. The interviewing officer will speak to the petitioner only if he/she determines it is necessary to assess the case. Applicants under 17 years old MUST be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian on the Nonimmigrant Visa side. Other third parties are not permitted to accompany the Nonimmigrant Visa applicant.