ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussionjoint federal & state tax returns docs
QUOTE (Jenn! @ May 21 2008, 03:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (wannabe_texan @ May 21 2008, 05:14 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Jenn! @ May 21 2008, 04:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Why would they want W2's? They're not checking for proof of ability to financially support, only proof of co-mingling of finances. A W2 would not be joint, so what would it show?


Yeah - that's what I was wondering too... but if everyone's sending them in, then that's what we'll do too - even though I don't understand what W2s/1099s contribute that the tax transcript doesn't already show...


It doesn't show anything. Maybe some people have gotten approved after sending in photos of their a$$ too, but that doesn't mean I would imply that it was a requirement. tongue.gif

I believe all of you are right and a W-2 isn't required. However I was an accountant, CPA, tax expert for most of my working years and without the W2 or 1099 the tax return is not completely valid in my mind (Yes, I am a little stuck up on that) -
So I have sent it always - 1) With my citizenship application; 2) With my wife's K1 (with the I134); 3) With my wife's AOS; 4) with my wife's removal of conditions and in another year with my wife's citizenship. Good Luck to all of you, especially the ones who sent photos of their a** like Jenn states laughing.gif
motuNot TellingColombia2008-05-26 12:54:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussionjoint federal & state tax returns docs
QUOTE (wannabe_texan @ May 21 2008, 01:54 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Sorry to ask a stupid q and I apologize if I'm thread-jacking... but do we have to include the W2's? I only ask, because my hubby is retired and doesn't have one, so the majority of the income is from my wages (CPR)? Obviously we've filed jointly and I have the tax transcripts, but I don't have a W2 for both of us - so will that look odd?

Thanks...

Include your W-2 and his 1099R (If he gets one from his pension). If you provide the same source documents that you provide to IRS - you are Ok - if you don't have one - thats not unusual. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-05-21 15:26:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussionjoint federal & state tax returns docs
I have just used copies of my forms (I file electronically so the forms and the copies are unsigned). Never had a problem. Don't forget to include W-2s. And you do not need to send in State forms - just the Federal forms (1040). Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-05-18 12:39:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionEnough evidance for remove of condition??
Your evidence doesn't seem to be 'thick' enough, but if your explanations are good enough for the adjudicator - you may be OK. Consider talking to an immigration attorney - some initial appointments are free - to get a sense of whether you need to hire one or not. Read up on this forum on similar cases and contact a few posters to get more specific info. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-05-26 11:45:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionEnough evidance for remove of condition??
You need to wait for your divorce decree and then apply for removal - if you apply now and the approval comes after the divorce, the removal of conditions is void. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-05-25 11:30:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionNo Action after RFE
If I remember it - others have done the same and the I751 is adjudicated at the same time as the N400 - I expect to do the same for my wife if we don't get the approval (or even if we do) in about 8 months. You are in good company, many others have done the same thing. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-05-27 10:25:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionTwo Biometric Appointments?
I have read that sometimes they send a second appointment if the prints were not good enough from the first appointment. I assume in your case, its just s glitch - go to the first appointment and tell them about the second one also. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-05-22 10:51:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionRFEs' on I-751
There have been a few on I751 that I saw recently - they didn't like the evidence sent and they wanted more evidence e.g. joint lease, 2007 tax return etc. But wait till you get your RFE - it will spell out what they want - just follow it - send them what they are asking for - its not uncommon. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-05-28 21:29:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionHaven't been here in a while
Hey - Long time no see. Good to know everything is going well for you and the family. Your list is pretty good - just make sure to send bank or credit card or utility bills covering the period - e.g. one statement from 1.5 years ago, one from one year ago and one recent. I didn't send any affidavits because we had lots of information of our joint status. You seem to be missing utility bills - send them if you have both names. We also sent bunch of pictures with family and friends from our trips to Colombia and India. Good Luck
And yes the fee is correct. Best of Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-05-26 11:38:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionWhat do you think?
You have very god evidence - I give you an A. laughing.gif Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-05-28 11:09:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion1 Year Extension
It extends your status for one year - so its from the date the greencard expired. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-05-31 11:14:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionAffidavit Typed or handwritten
Anything will do - though I would generally prefer them to write it in their own words, whether they do it by hand or on a pc its all perfectly OK. I filled out several forms by hand (hadn't found the online fillable ones and never had a problem). Having said this - I didn't send any affidavits - as they seem very weak in evidence to me (we had enough other joint evidence). Some people do, others don't - Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-05-31 15:37:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionRemoving conditions, want to leave the country for 2 months
Yes. The extension letter extends your legal stay for one year - so technically speaking - you do not need your greencard for all of that time for anything. You can enter USA, you can work or do whatever with the extension letter with your expired greencard - its perfectly legal and OK. Don't stress about it.
motuNot TellingColombia2008-06-01 14:22:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionRemoving conditions, want to leave the country for 2 months
Your extension letter and expired greencard is sufficient to travel. When you get your new greencard (I assume after you return) you can then start using that. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-06-01 11:42:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionEvidence for UK Arrest
I have read of others that went through similar situation and did the same explanation and were OK. Make sure and describe the scenario in detail so they can understand it clearly. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-06-01 11:51:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionLost my daughters greencard, where can I get a replacement?
You need to file I90 and pay several hundred dollars in fees - look at the instructions. Its a bummer to lose it. Good Luck http://www.uscis.gov...00045f3d6a1RCRD

Edited by motu, 01 June 2008 - 05:34 PM.

motuNot TellingColombia2008-06-01 17:33:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionBiometrics experience/ concern
I have read many instances when thy had to go back to redo the biometrics. Curious - does he do extreme hard work with his hands or is it genetic or skin condition? Maybe he can wear gloves for a week or so before the next exam and keep his skin 'healed'. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-06-01 11:40:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionAre Tax returns necessary as an evidence?
A US tax return is an important US document - it shows that you are being a 'legal' and responsible resident or citizen - so if you do not include that as part of the proof of you living here as 'normal' married people then it could be taken negatively. At the minimum send in the extension copy showing what you paid with the extension). Think of the importance of taxes to the US agencies not as just another piece of proof to be surpassed by pictures or bills or affidavits from family and friends. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-05-14 10:46:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionTravelling to Canada on a 2 year greencard
You are in Detroit, you don't need passports to go to Canada - just carry your greencards - make sure and have a Molson or two and Mother's Pizza. Have Fun
motuNot TellingColombia2008-06-05 09:40:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussionfingerprinting on Saturday?
Yes its normal. They are open on Saturdays in most areas and definitely in Denver (that's where we live). Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-06-05 11:43:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionIRS Tax return transcripts?
I always send copies printed off Turbo tax - have never used IRS transcripts and have been always OK. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-06-03 12:31:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionReceived NOA from TSC
Yep you need to wait for the biometrics letter, it will have a different number on it and that's the one that you can track online. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-06-05 09:38:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionPHOTOS in the packet?
Hey Sara - you can get one of those photobooks - you select the pictures (yes you upload them to the website) and captions - so you can put names, dates, places etc. - I used one with about 20 pictures and (we got two for the price of one) - our cover picture is both of us in front of the Tajmahal. laughing.gif Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-06-08 19:26:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionRemoving Condition and Divorce
You seem to have some evidence but would the adjudicator accept it or not for proof of 'genuine' marriage - who knows. You could talk to an attorney and see what he says or you can file (after you get your divorce decree) and either get approved or rejected (and then you can overcome the objections including lack of proof if thats why it gets rejected). So your chances maybe 50 50. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-05-26 17:00:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionMissing anything?
I sent Bank statements, utility bills, credit card statements and health insurance statements form 1.5 year ago, 1 year ago and a recent one (three of each proof showing the span of time). Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-06-10 09:43:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussionphotos with I751
No passport pictures needed this time. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-06-09 09:57:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionCover Letter - need advice, large age difference?
Age difference can be a big issue if he is 93 and you are 25 - like it was for Ana Nicole and she had to fight till she died to get her share of the inheritance. For residency purposes if they see you two and it seems you two have a 'normal' relationship then the age won't matter. You better start transferring assets in your name to avoid legal issues later on! laughing.gif Just kidding. good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-06-09 14:29:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionWhat to do after citizenship
QUOTE (Ashish @ Apr 15 2008, 09:20 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
BTW If you are not paying FICA then what is the basis of your exemption?

I, like many others - and there are thousands of employees in city/state/federal agencies that fall under this - have 'alternative pension programs' - We paid our portion to our fund - (yes the same 8% that others pay for Social Security) - though it may vary from city to state to federal. Our employer (mine was the state of Colorado) - paid the matching portion (just like under SS) - but our pension administrator has lower costs for the state. Then the pension administrators takes care of the funds and have defined benefits (in my case) which are far superior to SS benefits. And since, we do not pay SS - we are not eligible for Social Security and other benefits - and there are hundreds of thousands of people like me, perhaps millions. There are people in private sector who salivate when they hear about our retirement program - the downsize is you may not make as much money as in the private sector. I thought retirement was something that didn't matter and after a few years of working, I realized that I could retire and collect pension as early as age 50! I did retire at age 55! Good Luck to all of you
motuNot TellingColombia2008-04-15 14:21:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionWhat to do after citizenship
QUOTE (Ashish @ Apr 13 2008, 12:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
It might be irrelevant to you but AFAIK anyone who earns legal wages in the US has to pay SS.

Whoa! Are you saying I earned 'Illegal wages'? Why did I pay all those taxes then! Damn! I wish I had known earlier and never paid those taxes. rofl.gif
My whole point was that the SS notification is not valid for some of us. People actually receive SS even if they never become citizen - I have a friend who decided not to become a citizen and is receiving SS benefits - remember they used to issue permanent greencards - not this new method of 2 year and 10 year cards?
motuNot TellingColombia2008-04-14 10:56:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionWhat to do after citizenship
QUOTE (Verika @ Apr 12 2008, 10:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
You should read this:
http://www.newcitizen.us/after.html

You missed my reason - SS is irrelevant for me. I have not paid into SS (I have a private pension plan) and will not be eligible for any SS benefits and I am okay with that (my benefits are about 5 times that of SS). As it is, we will probably live in USA only part-time and may be move out completely once we decide where we want to live. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-04-13 10:52:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionWhat to do after citizenship
QUOTE (Ashish @ Apr 12 2008, 10:15 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
When I took the oath ceremony the emphasis was really on informing Social Security. The did talk about getting a passport, and registering to vote but both these were kind of optional. However they again and again stressed on going first to the Social Security office and informing them of your change in status.

I have been a citizen since 1986 - I was never told that and I never informed SS - because they are irrelevant for me - my retirement is from a private institution. The SS card doesn't say anything about being a citizen on it either, does it?
motuNot TellingColombia2008-04-12 13:50:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionWhat to do after citizenship
QUOTE (Sherlock @ Apr 11 2008, 12:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
OK, after we get the naturalization certificate, we apply for the passport. That part is straightforward.

Is there any other org that we're supposed to update with new status? Drivers license? Social Security? Anyone?

No - nothing really changes except that now - you can vote and travel as a US citizen (many countries let you fly in and stamp you for 30 or 90 days visit, without any questions being asked). The next time you fill out some forms, you can start marking US citizen instead of LPR. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-04-11 13:52:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionWhy am I paying for ANOTHER set of biometrics!?
I think its perfectly sane to get another set of fingerprints and run it against the database - they might, possibly catch a few criminals. Also keep in mind that some people file after 5 years of residency (or more) and so the photographs may not be that recent. (I waited for 10 years to file for citizenship and I know of a couple people who have been here almost 30 - 35 years and have not filed for citizenship yet.) When my wife applied for a day-care job - even they needed her fingerprints for county records (she had to go for a third time already - once for AOS, once for removal of conditions and then for the day-care job! She may need to repeat in another year for N400.)
motuNot TellingColombia2008-05-10 10:48:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionVery complicated situation
QUOTE (diadromous mermaid @ May 19 2008, 08:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Well, for one they'd have to show filing tax returns jointly, and he'd have to remember to file those US tax returns despite living and working in Canada.

He will be filing tax returns even if he lives in Canada - that is 'normal' - he may be able to exclude all income (for US purposes) but he will have a joint tax return.
Many US citizens (and I will do it too in a few years) live in Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama etc. - they are still subject to US taxes and file them - so they always have these, especially if your income e.g. retirement income is from US sources, it is taxed by the IRS and you need to file US taxes to make sure you are not over-paying. And supposing you have no income from US sources (you moved all your assets to a foreign country and do not receive US income. or your retirement is so low that its not taxed) - you can still file a US tax return showing 0 income and 0 taxes. Its not a requirement that you must have income to file tax returns. You can do it to show joint status regardless of income level. Joint tax returns are not a show stopper, my friend's wife will have joint returns with her husband - he is retired military and is taxed on his retirement - it's substantially higher and he continues to file and will have to for a long time. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-05-20 10:39:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionVery complicated situation
I think some people are confusing the evidence requirements for AOS/Removal with evidence for citizenship - its very minimal - just a marriage certificate, Joint Bank account and Joint Tax return. So, Go for it - Check out the evidence requirements for citizenship here. http://www.uscis.gov...00048f3d6a1RCRD
I believe you can do it very easily just like my wife's friend is doing. I do not see any problem with her plan. It's your decision so look at all sides - Good Luck.
motuNot TellingColombia2008-05-19 20:59:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionVery complicated situation
QUOTE (motu @ May 18 2008, 10:13 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My wife's friend is doing the same thing - she has applied for residency

Sorry - meant to say Citizenship. But I hope you understood.
motuNot TellingColombia2008-05-18 12:41:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionVery complicated situation
My wife's friend is doing the same thing - she has applied for residency and is waiting for biometrics - after that she will move to Colombia - she is using her brother's residence as her permanent address in USA. She will fly back for her citizenship interview when that happens - in the meantime she is going to not stay out for too long. She is going to come back after 6 months if the interview hasn't come through by then - stay a couple months then leave again and so on and so forth - thats her plan. I assume that you can do the same. Just read up on requirements so you do not stay out too long and have to restart the time clock. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-05-18 11:13:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionQUESTION about citizenship through marriage
QUOTE (Ilona @ May 20 2008, 09:25 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Does anybody know, when you send them your Tax Returns are they supposed to be for the past 3 years, the bank accounts- for the past 3 years or only for that period that you were waiting for the conditions to be removed,since they have all that paperwork already? Same thing for the lease-do I send just the current one or again for the past 3 years?
Thanks to all that will answer and I am looking forward to share this journey with the people in this forum!:)

Just send bank statements for the period in question e.g. one form 2 years ago, one form one year ago and one recent (something like that); I made sure and sent three years tax return (even though they have them from before) I just wanted this packet to be complete. You can send lease statements for the period or just the last one - depending on how much other proof you have. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-05-20 10:29:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionTax forms?
Just send copies of the 1040 (no schedules unless your income comes from a sources other than wages - then you should include schedule C or whatever other applicable schedule) also include W-2s or 1099s. I file electronically so the form and the copies have no signatures - this has never been a problem. Entiende? Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-05-21 10:22:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionUK/US citizenship
There are also some very interesting laws in some of the other countries - my Iranian born friend who became a US citizen - his US citizenship is not recognized by Iran - he has to carry his Iranian passport and be subject to all their rules including military service! The basis is - even though you may renounce all other citizenships when taking the US oath - the other countries do not recognize that as applying to your citizenship of your native country.
motuNot TellingColombia2008-05-17 11:07:00