Do young children need to attend the consular interview?

As a general rule, very young children are typically exempt from the consular interview when the EB-5 visa is processed together with that of their parents or guardians. The rationale is to simplify the procedure in cases where personal presence is not essential to verify documents and information.

This is not an absolute guarantee. The consular officer retains the prerogative to request the child’s presence in specific cases, for clarification or to confirm information. In addition, the requirements and the age range eligible for exemption can vary from one consulate to another, and each case is reviewed individually.

Therefore, the safest approach is not to assume. Before the interview, check the instructions from the consulate responsible for processing your visa, as they set out the rules applicable to that post, including those regarding the presence of minors.

If you have questions about the specifics of your case, it is worth confirming the current guidance with the consulate or a specialist, rather than relying on promises of a guaranteed outcome.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.