ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionCO-sponsor question

Thank you for that!

I have tried contacting the embassy about this several times, and their answer is always short and doesn't really answer everything. They don't allow phone calls with questions about visa questions, so I can only e-mail them, and they seem te often leave a few answers out when I do. :/

This is the answer I have gotten:



Another email


They know my case is a K1-visa, fiance visa, non-immigrant visa, but it seems they treat it like a immigrant visa?
They don't even ask for a lot of info from the co-sponsors, but we will be providing everything that the main sponsor, my fiance, is (employment letter, tax returns, pay stubs, bank statement)

And if what you're saying it true, and they ask us to use the I-864, then we should be OK to use two sponsors, correct?


I do not think anyone will know the answer to that question. I know, you want someone to come along and say "Yes, you will be fine." In this situation no one should do so. While it seems clear they are requesting the joint sponsor to user the I-864, it is not clear that they will accept two joint sponsors to support an Alien Beneficiary for a K-1 visa, even if you think the Embassy knows you are asking in regard to the K-1 visa.

The difficulty is there is no way to combine joint sponsors and cover the income requirement of all the dependents you have mentioned. Unless you locate a different more qualified single joint sponsor, you cannot be certain of the particular interviewing Consular Officer's review of the total financial picture.

Good luck.
Audy_RobMaleThailand2010-07-17 00:29:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionCO-sponsor question
No, only one person can be the joint sponsor for the I-134. I know somebody that will come by and say you can have many joint sponsors...etc... but what he means is they will only look at the one that is qualified no matter how many you submit.

You must select the parent with the hifgher income and have that income documented. Get pay stubs for current income this year, use one to three years tax forms or tax transcripts, the more the safer. You will need to provide the W-2s of the joint sponsor parent to show how much their income is, you cannot use the combined income of two joint sponsors.

Good luck.

EDITED to add: You do not say it is a K-1 Visa but your timeline shows I-129F filings. If it is a K-1 visa, you should use the I-134, not the I-864.

Edited by Audy_Rob, 15 July 2010 - 01:51 AM.

Audy_RobMaleThailand2010-07-15 01:50:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionDocuments for Packet 3

But what is the language that is supposed to go in the letter from the employer. I called my HR and they basically told me to give them the wording I want written in the letter and they will put it on the company letterhead. Only thing I have is basically a single line:

Mr newlife2010 s curretly a full-time paid employee at XXXXXXXX located at XXXXXXX as of xx/xx/xxxx.

This just sounds not quite right as a professional letter. Any other ideas or what other prople have put down.....

<on company letterhead>

To Whom It May Concern,

Mr. <enter name> was hired at <enter company name> on <enter date>. He was hired as a <Full/Part> time employee in the capacity of <enter Job Title>. His annual salary amounts to <enter annual salary>. Should you have any questions regarding this matter please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

<enter name, title of HR person>
<have contact info, email, telephone>
Audy_RobMaleThailand2010-07-17 00:36:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionDocuments for Packet 3

Well our case finally got to the embassy and they already send out packet 3. So now I am basically scrambling to get all the documents in order. One of the things I am getting is a letter from my employer.

Anybody else done this? Yes others have done it. It probably isn't critical
Is there a specific language that I need to have in there? Include date of start, position, salary, full or part time etc..
Also, the new delhi embassy list W2, tax return, and proof of citizenship as the only thing required for affidavit of support. But researching visa journey, I found that I should have some sort of financial statement from my bank also. Is this really required if the embassy doesn't list it. No, not necessary.

One to three years tax returns and W-2s or tax transcripts instead.
Pay stubs of about two months to document current pay to date
Maybe a letter from the employer
Audy_RobMaleThailand2010-07-16 00:20:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionQuestion 11 on the I-134

I read somewhere on these forums that for the UK (and maybe other places) they like you to tick the box "Intend" and write something like "Whatever sums necessary to ensure that the beneficiary does not become a public burden." I personally think this is a more accurate response, but obviously the VJ example has worked for most people or else they wouldn't still have it as the example.

For London you must check the box, "I intend" to avoid a 221(g) with the request that the USC fill ouyt the I-134 again this time checking "I intend"
Audy_RobMaleThailand2010-07-17 00:38:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionPlease help...Forms to send to Embassy.

Thanks so much, that's a great help. Do I take the I-134 with me too or send that in? Also the form says evidence of engagement. I have the ring receipt, a copy of that is ok?

Sorry to be a pain.

You can carry in the I-134.

Usually for evidence of engagement other people post that you only need a letter of intent to marry. But I think a copy of the ring receipt is great. I also used the ring receipt.

Good luck.
Audy_RobMaleThailand2010-07-15 02:03:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionPlease help...Forms to send to Embassy.

On the DS-156K form it says that some documents have to be attached, birth certificate, police certificate, evidence of engagement and financial support. I was under the impression that these needed to be taken to the interview with me. Is this the case? Or is this correct and I need to actually take this form with me to the interview?

Where does the DS-2001 (Applicant Readiness form) get sent or sent with?

Thanks!

Yes, send back the DS-230 Part I, DS-156, DS-156K and DS-157.

Send copies of the documents required by the DS-156K. That would be birth certificates, police certificates, etc... Do not send the Originals. Take the originals to the interview. You need to turn in the original police certificate but all the others such as a divorce decree or birth certificate you want to keep the originals, so kust take them by hand.

The DS-2001 says you have all of the forms and documents they ask for. Sending it back with the rest of Packet 3 which is all the forms and copies of documents listed above.

Good luck.
Audy_RobMaleThailand2010-07-14 00:02:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI134 question
Consulates can also be quite difficult if they choose, it is hard to generalize.

The joint sponsor does not need to be a relative. The joint sponsor does need to be a US Citizen, US National or a LPR (legal permanent resident). The joint sponsor needs to file an I-134 the same as you, the USC.

The joint sponsor must submit sufficient proof of the claims of income on the I-134 that will be submitted for them. The documents should include:

1) Proof of Citizenship or LPR (Green Card)
2) Income Tax Transcripts or Tax returns with all schedules and W-2s, 1099s. Three years is recommended when they are self-employed.
3) Records of current year's income, usually pay stubs for the past few months but if self-employed some type of records of income for the current year.

A final note, the income level required is not the Poverty Threshold, it is 125% of the poverty threshold for the household size. So your joint sponsor needs to earn 125% of the poverty threshold for a family size of himself, your fiance(e), all of his dependents but NOT including you.

Good luck.
Audy_RobMaleThailand2010-07-17 00:18:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionDS-!60
The K class visas do NOT use the DS-160. You must continue to use the DS-156, DS-156K, DS-157 and DS-230 Part I. Maybe not all of these forms apply to your Consulate.

I will give you the web link and paste the quote from the DOS web page that says the DS-160 is not fo K class visas.

http://travel.state....forms_4401.html

13. When I apply for a nonimmigrant visa using the online DS-160, are additional forms required?
No, with two exceptions. When applying at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate that is using the new DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, you will use only one (1) form. For Embassies and Consulates that have converted to this new process, the DS-160 has replaced all of the following forms: DS-156, DS-157, DS-158, and DS-3032, which are no longer necessary.
NOTE: The exceptions are Fiancé(e) Visas (K-1/2) which still require use of the forms DS-156 and DS-156K, and the Treaty Trader/Treaty Investor visa application, which is explained in #14 below.

Do not fill out the DS-160

Good luck.
Audy_RobMaleThailand2010-07-12 23:41:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionHow long does a CO takes to process a file

I was interviewed in June , I brought in a joint sponsor doc to the interview I was told to pay dhl for delivery, I waited a month no delivery was made so I contacted the embassy and I was told that my file is with a CO and is being reviewed and as soon as the review is complete,if everything is in order they will process the case to conclusion. Has anyone every been through this process and o long does it take the CO to review a file, please.

It sounds like you might have been placed in AP for some additional review. This is often normal for some of the more difficult Consulates with high levels of attempted immigration fraud or in any case where the CO might suspect something is amiss.

The best bet is to post a question specifically on Jamaica or to go to the Regional forums and find people that have gone through from Jamaica. There are quite a few active Jamaican members if they can just know you are posting your concern or questions.

Good luck.
Audy_RobMaleThailand2010-07-18 01:17:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionDS-156
I think it is Embassy dependent because some Embassies/Consulates want the Electronic bar code generated with the DS-156. Fill out the DS-156 online and at the end, click submit. If you made any errors then it will tell you for a particular question number you used an illegal character for example. Finally it will be submitted and return in a different format in 15 seconds to maybe 45 seconds.

It will have a bar code added and a third page for additional trips and visas and so on.

It is best to just fill it out online if you do not know what your Consulate wants.

Good luck.
Audy_RobMaleThailand2010-07-18 00:55:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionDS-160

What is the DOS website?

DOS web site is Department of State website.

No K-1/K-2s should fill out and submit the DS-160.

http://travel.state....forms_4401.html

13. When I apply for a nonimmigrant visa using the online DS-160, are additional forms required?
No, with two exceptions. When applying at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate that is using the new DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, you will use only one (1) form. For Embassies and Consulates that have converted to this new process, the DS-160 has replaced all of the following forms: DS-156, DS-157, DS-158, and DS-3032, which are no longer necessary.
NOTE: The exceptions are Fiancé(e) Visas (K-1/2) which still require use of the forms DS-156 and DS-156K, and the Treaty Trader/Treaty Investor visa application, which is explained in #14 below.


Audy_RobMaleThailand2010-07-18 18:36:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionDS-160
DS-160 is not for K-1/K-2s. See DOS web site DS-160 FAQ item #13.
Audy_RobMaleThailand2010-07-18 15:22:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI129-F "originals"

Hi everyone,

I'm going through the post NOA2 steps on the K-1 Guide. Under What to send to your fiance(e) once the I-129F is approved (Receive NOA2) step #2 says: Send all originals of the documentary proof that you submitted for the I-129F to your fiance(e) for their interview at the embassy.

Could anyone clarify what "originals" in this particular case mean? I obviously can't send my passport or my Certificate of Naturalization. Any ideas or suggestions? Thank you.

This means that the Embassy could ask your fiance(e) for the original document of anything submitted in the I-129F. No, not your passport or Certificate of Naturalization.

They could ask for originals of Used airline boarding passes, hotel receipts, ATM slips, any documents you submitted to prove you had met in the previous two years to filing the I-129F.

Other documents might be your birth certificate although you did not seem to submit that. Additionally the divorce decree (if it applies) is also another form they might ask for.

Those are the documents they are referring to, they usually do not ask to see them but they can.

Good luck.
Audy_RobMaleThailand2010-07-10 23:49:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI 134 Question 7
You should give the estimated salary you will earn for the 12 months of Calendar 2010. Your tax forms or tax transcripts will verify your income for any previous years or parts of years.

Good luck.
Audy_RobMaleThailand2010-07-22 01:30:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionInterview questions you got wrong
I've seen two posting this week which might be the reason the OP created this thread.

One was a visa denial because the fiancee did not know the name of her fiance's high school.

The other was also a visa denial because the fiancee did not know her fiance's job title from his job in 1994.

I think denials based on missing these questions aren't really about the question. The denial is about something else deeper that the CO wants to deny the visa, but needs a solid reason. I am not sure denying a visa for missing the answer to these questions is a solid reason to deny a visa.

Good luck to any still facing the interview like my fiancee in Thailand.
Audy_RobMaleThailand2010-03-02 19:54:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI-134 Help please =)
None of the I-134 evidence requires notarization.

Good luck.
Audy_RobMaleThailand2010-07-27 00:25:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI-134
No, if the USC is above the 125% then the other lines do not need to be filled out. Just make sure the current income and one to three years tax returns or transcripts are included.

Good luck.
Audy_RobMaleThailand2010-07-27 00:32:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionWhich form do i need for affidavit, I 134 or I 864?
Some things to know about Lonon.

For the I-134 Question 11, the London Embassy wants the USC to check the box "I do intend." They will not accept N/A K-1 nor will they accept "I do NOT intend."

The joint sponsor should also check the same answer. Neither should list definite time frames or amounts as it is a lifelong committment. SImply write on the lines "I do intend" to provide housing, food, <other>, etc...

Good luck.
Audy_RobMaleThailand2010-07-30 00:14:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI-134, retired joint sponsor
1) The correct answer to question 1 is line 22 or equivalent of the tax form. However, if x$ is sufficient, easy to do0cument by check stubs from SS and pension, then that will work, he can just list x. (I also listed much less than my actual income for a different reason.) He should still include at least one years tax transcript or tax forms.

Important, make sure your father's documentation includes proof he is a US citizen, US National (copy of birth certificates for this) or Legal Permanent Resident (copy of both side of green card for LPR).


2) Retire/Retirement - They know what it means. No difference.
Name of Concern - N/A will suffice.

Good luck
Audy_RobMaleThailand2010-08-01 23:58:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionAffidavid of Support - Co sponsor
For many Consulates/Embassies it is acceptable to use a joint sponsor. There are some Embassies that will not accept joint sponsors for a K-1 visa. I cannot see anyplace where the country of the fiance(e) is mentioned.

Only one of the parents can be a joint sponsor for a K-1 visa. Documents need to show the income of the mother OR the father, not both.

Good luck.
Audy_RobMaleThailand2010-07-31 02:11:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionDS230 Part II
K-1s do not require DS-230 Part II. This form is used for many visa types.

Good luck.
Audy_RobMaleThailand2010-08-01 22:44:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionPaper Work Help Please!!

Does anyone have the link or info on how to apply for Police certificate to New Zealand, is it a form or contact Embassy?

From the DOS web site for Reciprocity with New Zealand:

http://travel.state....1.html?cid=3637


Police Records
New Zealand Police Headquarters will not accept requests for police certificates/records directly from individuals.

For Nonimmigrant Visa Applicants: Available through the Department of the Courts. The applicant should request the “Wanganui Computer Record” in writing, giving his or her full name, date and place of birth, sex, and nationality. The request must be signed and should be addressed to:

Privacy Officer
Department of the Courts
P.O. Box 2750
Wellington, New Zealand

Faxed requests are unacceptable. It takes approximately five working days from receipt of request for the Department of the Courts to issue a report.
Audy_RobMaleThailand2010-08-01 22:52:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionProving income with an I-864 as a "consultant" paid off payroll
Basically you are self-employed and should treat your documentation as such. Prepare up to three years of tax transcripts or tax forms (if tax forms include the 1099s and Schedules such as Schedule C).

I do not think you need to create invoices although you could, it would not hurt. But you might want to provide bank statements showing regular deposits and hopefully copies of the checks from the employer. Normally people will say bank statements aren't required but in this case I think it will be helpful to document your varying income flow.

Good luck.
Audy_RobMaleThailand2010-08-02 15:06:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI-134 if Unemployed?
Yes, as the USC fiance(e) you are the sponsor, so you need to supply an I-134 as well as the joint sponsor. No, you do not need to provide proof of unemployment or lack of income.

Good luck.
Audy_RobMaleThailand2010-08-01 22:26:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionDS-156 Question

This is regarding Question#2 My fiance ;a citizen of Philippines was working abroad in Taiwan when her passport was about to expire. She went to the office of MECO(Manila Economic and Cultural Office) in Taipei to apply for a renewed passport. She was able to do so without any problems. In answering Question #2;was place of issuance in Taipei,Taiwan or Manila,Philippines ?? This really has me puzzled !

The place of issuance should be clearly written inside the passport on the name page. But in your case it should be Taipei, Taiwan.

Good luck.
Audy_RobMaleThailand2010-08-03 00:54:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI-134 Questions

Actually according to: http://travel.state....994.html#Income the poverty guideline for the I-134 is 100%.

See where it says:

Do the same income requirements apply to all immigrant visa applicants even if they use the I-134?

No. The 125 percent minimum income requirement, the most recent year's tax return and other requirements only apply when an I-864 is needed. Applicants using the I-134 will need to show that their sponsor's income is 100 percent of federal poverty guidelines as required under Section 212(a)(4) of the INA.

Yes, I am very familiar with the FAQs thank you. The K-1 visa is NOT an immigrant visa. The K-1 is a non-immigrant visa. You are still expected to meet the 125% of threshold level unless the active military duty applies.
Audy_RobMaleThailand2010-08-03 00:56:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI-134 Questions
The I-134 requires 125% of the poverty line threshold unless the USC is on active military duty and is applying for an alien spouse or child. Normally if you are applying for a K-1 visa, you need the I-134 so that case will not occur.

The amount of income to use for this calculation is total pre-tax income which is the equyivalent of line 22 of the 1040 tax form.

Yes, the Consular Officier is given wide latitude to make the decision. It is his responsibility to ensure that the alien fiance(e) will not likely become a public charge of the US. In that regard the Secretary of State has issued memorandums to Embassies informing them that they do not need to accept the 125% alone if they believe the alien is at the risk.

If you want to document your employment history, you can provide tax forms or tax transcripts even though they do not meet the 125% of the poverty threshold.

Good luck.
Audy_RobMaleThailand2010-08-01 22:50:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionPolice Record in Quito Ecuador
From the Department of State's Reciprocity page for Equador at the following link:

http://travel.state....1.html?cid=3553

Police Records
The Certificade de Antecedentes Personales is available to Ecuadorians who are over the age of 18, who are physically present in Ecuador, who possess a Cedula de Identidad or passport and who apply in person at the Jefaturas y Subjefaturas Provinciales de la Policia Judicial.

The applicant’s passport size photo is glued to the certificate and is covered with a seal. Those who are said to have no record will have a stamp ‘Negativo’ with the date on the form and will have a validity of three months from the issuance date. A negative certificate does not necessarily mean the subject has no police record, since police records can be purged upon the subject’s request without judicial permission.
Audy_RobMaleThailand2010-08-01 22:55:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionblue slip
It does not need to be a family member. If you have close friends, co-workers or other acquaintenaces, you are allowed to approach them and see if they would joint sponsor your fiance(e).

They need to be at least 18 years old, a US Citizen or US National or Legal Permanent Resident and meet the financial requirements.

Good luck.
Audy_RobMaleThailand2010-08-05 00:27:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionAffidavit of Support
The Bond is not really a possibility to achieve qualification. If the government considers the bond, it really means you will be denied. It is just a statement of how far you would be willing to go.

If you are considering using assets for qualification rather than actual income, you will need roughly 5 times the required income for your houysehold size. If the household size is 2 members, the required amount is about $18,000, so you would need $90,000 in assets such as cash, stocks, bonds, home equity free and clear, etc...

Good luck.
Audy_RobMaleThailand2010-08-05 00:32:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionhelp on I-134, financial support
It would be best if you could line up a joint sponsor in the US. Without current income, this could be a a real issue and is usually a problem for Americans who wish to repatriate with their K-1 fiance(e)'s. Even though your taxes show you met the minimum and you have assets, a joint sponsor might be required to get the approval. Many Embassies/Consulates give greater weight to current income flow.

If the assets you have exceed 5 times the income level needed or about $91,000 in cash, stock, bonds, real estate etc..., then you could qualify based on assets.

Good luck.
Audy_RobMaleThailand2010-08-05 23:34:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI - 134

Last year was a slow year because of the economy. I made only $19,000 after expenses, and I have currently have two children as dependents.
However; I won't be able to claim them as dependents on my 2009 taxes. Even though, they live with me know. Are they still considered dependents?

You need to list on the I-134 your current annual income as if the income from Jan 1 to new is extrapolated to be your full income for 2010. Then you need to back it up with 1099s, bookkeeping certified by an accountant, receipts of income or something else tangible.

You cannot pick or choose what years you wish to show. You should complete 2009 as quickly as possible. More in the case of self-employed would they be likely to request more documentation of financial history even if a previous year was close or below the poverty line.

Good luck.
Audy_RobMaleThailand2010-08-11 01:17:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionDS 156K asks for I 134
Yes you can do that. They will be pleased to see that someone actually has all their documents before requesting an appointment.

For the I-134 you MUST bring in the version with the USCs original signature. Otherwise you will get a 221(g). If there is a joint sponsor make sure you have the original signature of their I-134 also and their birth certificate copy or green card copy.

Good luck.
Audy_RobMaleThailand2010-08-16 23:07:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionWhats wrong with the U.S. Embassy in Sierra Leone
Bangkok has also gotten stuck issuing K-1 interviews all because of a ten day shutdown during a period of political crisis and strikes during May. It noe takes 8-10 weeks to schedule an interview from receiving Packet 3 and no one seems to know once it is scheduled, how long out the interview date is.

No one knows because no interviews have been scheduled yet.

Good luck.
Audy_RobMaleThailand2010-08-18 00:40:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI-134 and Applican't Statement Attachment
Something like photos sent might be Consulate dependent, but it seems in most cases the alien fiance(e) needs to carry the photos (2 photos are required) to the interview. One is used in making the visa.

Question 7: Do not list. They are talking about a cash value policy. You do not have it.

Question 11: You should answer this question. No answer or N/A might result in a 221(g).

Affidavit of Support. Include pay stubs to show current income and 1 to 3 years tax returns with W-2s or tax transcripts.
Audy_RobMaleThailand2010-08-19 00:22:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionDAS from Colombia
The DOS will not look in to nor care about immigration matters that occurred between two other countries not pertaining to the US. It is not material.

Good luck
Audy_RobMaleThailand2010-08-19 23:18:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionFiancee with Hepa-B
I am not a doctor. But I think you need to make sure your fiance(e) has been vaccinated against Hep-B "before" unprotected sexual relations. I think what the doctor was saying is you are a carrier and not actively infected but you can infect someone. There is a vaccination course for Hep B which is two innoculations over 6 months.

Good luck.
Audy_RobMaleThailand2010-08-21 01:56:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionAnother I-134 question
First of all, your is one since you are not supporting the fiance(e), your joint sponsor is supporting the fiance(e). So your I-134 household size is 1. But it does not matter since you do not write down the household size anywhere.

The joint sponsor would list 3 even though each parent could be self-supporting, they are two intermixed in terms of the tax filings to claim 2, not 3. So joint sponsor should list 3.

In addition to papers showing the financials are in order for the joint sponsor make sure you have a copy of their birth certificarte or green card copied front and back. To be a joint sponsor you must be a US Citizen, US National or LPR domiciled in the United States.

Good luck.
Audy_RobMaleThailand2010-08-21 02:01:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI-134- Number of dependents question
I think if your grandfather's spouse is self-supporting and not filing taxes jointly, then she would not need to be counted. To say listed isn't correct. You don't actually make an accounting or total of dependents on the I-134 form. You present the facts and the CO will come to the decision as to how many are in the household size.

You want to do a rough count so you know that the sponsor or joint sponsor qualifies. Make sure the joint sponsor submits a birth certificate copy or copy of green card front and back. This is because the joint sponsor must be a US Citizen, US National or LPR domiciled in the United States.

Good luck.
Audy_RobMaleThailand2010-08-22 21:38:00