The US Embassy in India has reminded parents and guardians that children of all ages must appear in person for their US visa consular interview, whether the applicant is a newborn or a 17-year-old.
In a “Visa Friday” video shared by the embassy on X, officials stated that there is no age-based exemption from the in-person interview requirement for minor visa applicants.
“It is mandatory for the visa officer to see all applicants of every age during the interview process,” the embassy said, specifically noting that both newborns and young adults who are 17 must appear at the interview window.
US visa interview mandatory for minors of every age
The embassy's reminder is aimed at parents and guardians who may assume that very young children can skip the interview because of their age.
According to the embassy, the consular officer must see every visa applicant in person during the interview process. This means parents applying for a US visa for a child cannot simply attend the appointment on the minor's behalf.
{{/usCountry}}According to the embassy, the consular officer must see every visa applicant in person during the interview process. This means parents applying for a US visa for a child cannot simply attend the appointment on the minor's behalf.
{{/usCountry}}The requirement applies across the age range mentioned by the embassy, from newborn babies to teenagers nearing adulthood.
Why does the US require minors to appear?
The US Embassy in India described the consular interview as one of the most consequential parts of the visa application process.
Officials said the interview helps visa officers vet potential travelers and forms part of broader US border security, national security and public safety measures.
“Keeping America's border secure is of utmost importance,” the embassy said, adding that the Department of State is committed to maintaining high standards of national security and public safety through its visa process.
What parents should know before the appointment
Parents and guardians applying for a child's US visa should therefore plan for the minor to attend the scheduled consular interview, regardless of whether the child is an infant, a young child or 17 years old.
The embassy's message was direct: age alone does not mean a minor applicant can skip the in-person consular interview.