Do minors have to attend the US visa interview?
Yes. The US Embassy in India said every minor visa applicant must be present in person for the consular interview. The clarification was shared by the embassy in a “Visa Friday” video and a post on X.
The embassy said the consular officer must see each applicant during the visa process, including children who are very young.
Applying for a minor’s U.S. visa? Whether your child is a newborn or almost 18, they must appear in person for the consular interview. This is a reminder for parents and guardians: the in-person consular interview is mandatory at every age.
Watch the full video so you’re fully… pic.twitter.com/q3nKpprZCz
— U.S. Embassy India (@USAndIndia) August 14, 2026
Does the rule apply to newborns?
Yes. The embassy specifically said that newborns are also required to appear for the interview.
This means parents applying for a US visa for an infant cannot attend the appointment without the child.
What about teenagers?
The requirement also applies to older minors. The embassy referred to applicants ranging from newborns to 17-year-olds while explaining the rule.
Therefore, a child remains subject to the requirement until turning 18, unless a specific exception applies under the applicable visa rules.
Can parents attend the interview instead of the child?
No. A parent or guardian cannot fulfil the child’s interview requirement by appearing alone.
The minor applicant must be present when an in-person consular interview is required.
Why does the US require the child to be present?
The embassy said the consular interview is an important part of the visa process. It allows a consular officer to personally see the applicant before a visa is issued.
The embassy linked the interview process to its broader visa screening, border security and public safety requirements.
What should parents know about the visa photograph?
US visa photographs must follow the requirements set by the US Department of State.
For a standard visa photograph, the required size is 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm). The photograph should have a plain white or off-white background, show the applicant’s face clearly and meet the required image-quality standards.
Parents should check the latest official photo specifications before submitting the application.
What questions can children or parents expect?
The questions asked during a visa interview can vary depending on the applicant and visa category.
Common areas of questioning may include:
- The purpose of the trip to the US
- Who will pay for the trip
- Where the child will stay
- Whether the family has relatives in the US
- The applicant’s plans to return home
The answers should match the information provided in the visa application and supporting documents.
(Edited by : priyanka deshpande)
