US visa for children: Minors of all ages must attend interview, US Embassy tells Indian parents

Indian parents applying for a US visa for their children must ensure that the minor appears in person for the consular interview, regardless of age. The US Embassy in India has clarified that the requirement applies to all minor applicants, from newborn babies to 17-year-olds.

The clarification was issued by the US Embassy in India through a “Visa Friday” video shared on X. The embassy said consular officers must see every visa applicant in person during the interview process.

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This means parents cannot attend the appointment alone on behalf of a child. Even infants applying for a US visa must be brought to the interview, according to the embassy's clarification.

The same requirement applies to older minors. A child who is 17 and applying for a visa must also appear before the consular officer.

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The embassy said the consular interview is an important part of the US visa process. It allows visa officers to assess applicants and forms part of measures related to border security, national security and public safety.

“Keeping America's border secure is of utmost importance,” the embassy said, adding that the US Department of State remains committed to maintaining standards for national security and public safety through its visa process.

Parents and guardians applying for a US visa for a minor should plan to take the child to the scheduled consular interview, irrespective of the child's age.

The embassy's latest clarification means parents should not assume that an infant or a child below a certain age can skip the in-person interview. All minor applicants must be available for the consular officer to see during the visa interview.