Interview accompany

[China Spouse]

I was wondering if it makes a difference if the sponsor is at the interview.  I am not sure that I can get time off to go.

I have read posts on this site saying that the sponsor was interviewed also if they were there, but the interview invitation really is for the applicant and does not state that the sponsor needs to be there.

Does anyone have experience with this?  Those that have gone and those that have not.  What is the official policy on this and is it a deciding factor?

Thanks

[Kedeisha]

the sponsorer does not have to attend but if u live together like some folks do then it would be a good idea but to take a trip home for the interview no as u may not be interviewed at all

[steaky]

You better ask Toby about this question.   He (sponsor) and his wife (sponsored person) recently done their interview in Hong Kong.  They brought a translator for witness.  You can also conduct a search for his previous post in this subject.

[canadianwoman]

The sponsor does not need to go. If you are living in Canada, no visa officer will expect you to come to China for the interview. If you are living with the applicant in the city where the interview will be held, it would be better to go with her to the embassy.
The advantages: it shows the two of you are together, and it gives a favorable impression that you support the applicant.
The disadvantages: if the sponsor is there, the VO may interview him/her as well - and this gives an opportunity for mistakes to be made. The VO can ask the same questions and compare the answers, and if there are discrepancies, that can be used as a reason to reject the PR. The VO can phone a sponsor and interview him/her, but they don't usually.