Archive · 15 Aug 2026
US Embassy: Minors Must Attend Visa Interviews at Every Age
When a family wants to get a visa to visit the United States, everyone must take part in a special process.
The U.S. Embassy in India reminded families that children must be part of this process too, even babies.
Kids cannot be left out of the visa interview, no matter how young or old they are.
Even a newborn baby has to appear in person for the interview, and so does a teenager.
A parent or guardian cannot go to the interview instead of the child.
The interview is a meeting at the embassy where an officer checks each person who wants a visa.
The embassy says interviewing everyone helps keep America's borders safe and secure.
So if you are 17 or younger and need a U.S. visa, you have to show up for the interview yourself.
The U.S. Embassy India reminded parents that minors of every age, including newborns, must appear in person for visa consular interviews.
A parent or guardian cannot fulfill the in-person interview requirement on a child's behalf.
The rule applies from a child's first days through the day before they turn 18, and age is not a valid reason to skip it.
The embassy described the consular interview as one of the most consequential steps in the entire visa application process.
The embassy said the interviews serve border security, national security and public safety, with the Department of State committed to high visa vetting standards.
- Who
- Minors applying for U.S. visas, from newborns to 17-year-olds, and their parents or guardians; the reminder was issued by the U.S. Embassy India.
- What
- The U.S. Embassy India clarified that every minor must appear in person for the consular visa interview, and that no one can attend in the child's place.
- When
- The reminder was posted on August 14, 2026.
- Where
- India, where the U.S. Embassy India issued the clarification about U.S. visa applicants.
- Why
- To uphold high visa vetting standards and support border security, national security and public safety.
- Issuing authority
- U.S. Embassy India, U.S. Department of State
- Requirement
- Minors must appear in person for the consular visa interview
- Age range covered
- A child's first days through the day before their 18th birthday
- Substitute attendance
- Not allowed — a parent or guardian cannot attend in the child's place
- Purpose
- Border security, national security and public safety
- Announcement date
- August 14, 2026