ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionVisa Interview gone wrong
OP, perhaps the consular officer was "disrespectful" toward you. I've certainly heard of this happening to others.

But I don't know how you conclude that their holding on to your passport is "disrespectful." They have procedures that need to be completed. They're doing their jobs. The fact that they held onto your passport means that they expect to be able to issue your visa in the not-too-distant future, which requires that your passport be in their possession.

Take my word as someone who was screwed at nearly every stage of this process: the process sucks. But seriously, unless you enjoy living life in a constant state of pissed-off-ness, you need to be more judicious about what you allow to offend you.
Stephen + ElishaMaleSouth Korea2009-10-21 17:43:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionVisa Interview gone wrong
Um, what?

They are not "depriving" you of your passport. In order to issue you a visa, your passport must be in their possession. If they intended to deny you a visa, they would not have kept your passport; as you correctly stated, they have no "jurisdiction" over it.

So, the fact that the US consulate held onto your passport can only be a good thing. It means that unless some problem emerges in the administrative review, they will (in all likelihood) issue your visa. In the meantime, carefully study the paper you were given and follow any instructions on it. If anything is unclear, post about it here for advice.

Good luck!
Stephen + ElishaMaleSouth Korea2009-10-21 09:17:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionabout the I-134
moving to US Embassy and Consulate Discussion
You are almost there and now you have to deal with the embassy. This is the place to post your experiences or questions related to this last step before moving to the US. Topics relating to I-134's, packets sent from consulate and medical & police certificates should be posted here.
Stephen + ElishaMaleSouth Korea2009-10-21 08:23:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionSending original documents..question
The reason the guides say to send original documents (to your fiancee, NOT to the embassy) is that the consular officer can ask to see the originals of any document you've provided. They usually don't, but they have the right to ask.

Send copies to the embassy?don't send originals unless specifically required by the instructions. Under no circumstances should you send your actual passport.

Edited by Stephen + Elisha, 02 November 2009 - 11:48 AM.

Stephen + ElishaMaleSouth Korea2009-11-02 11:47:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionPacket 3 vs interview documents
QUOTE (gene mccluney @ Nov 6 2009, 12:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Kevbev09 @ Nov 6 2009, 07:57 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I was looking through lists of required documents for both Packet 3 and the interview, seems like they want originals for both? Does that mean we have to get 2 originals of everything plus photocopies? I'm guessing they don't send the Packet 3 stuff back lol.. Just want to be sure since we're about to start gathering everything up.



Packet3 and the interview are the same thing. You take forms from packet 3 to the interview.

Not necessarily. Packet 3 instructions are consulate-specific. Some advise you to gather the documents and bring them to the interview; others require them to be submitted ahead of time.
Stephen + ElishaMaleSouth Korea2009-11-06 14:09:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI-134 form - self employed sponsor?
QUOTE (bond @ Nov 4 2009, 01:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi Stephen and Elisha!
my fiance posted some questions yesterday. Thanks for your fast answers. I didn't had any income last year. I will mention this on my I-134 form.
You wrote:
"Regardless of whether she has income, provide last year's tax return if she filed, or a statement that she was not required to file because her income did not exceed the filing threshold"

Do I write this down on a piece of paper and sign it? Or who should write this statement and sign it?

Your fiancee, i.e., the sponsor completing the I-134, should provide this signed statement.
Stephen + ElishaMaleSouth Korea2009-11-04 14:12:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI-134 form - self employed sponsor?
QUOTE (houserocker83 @ Nov 3 2009, 03:33 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi guys!
I have some questions about the I-134 form. My fiancee's dad will be my co-sponsor, since we both still study and don't have our own income yet.
Question 1:
Does my fiancee (who is the primary sponsor) has to fill out an I-134 form or just my fiancees dad (who is the co-sponsor)? My fiancee does not have any income.
Yes, the primary sponsor must fill out an I-134, as well as the co-sponsor. If she has no income, state such on the I-134. Regardless of whether she has income, provide last year's tax return if she filed, or a statement that she was not required to file because her income did not exceed the filing threshold.

Question 2:
My fiancee's dad is self-employed and makes about $100.000 per year. Is it enough when he provides a copy of his last income tax return or are any other documents required? He has also savings in his account and owns property. Can I just fill in on form I-134 for Question 7 the annual income or do I have to provide all information? I think the annual income in my case would be enough, just want to double check.
The tax information should be sufficient. If a sponsor qualifies on the basis of income alone, no asset information is needed.

Question 3:
My fiancees dad got his U.S. citizen through naturalization. Is it enough if I write down his naturalization number on the I-134 form or do I have to provide any copies of specific documents like birth certificate and certificate of naturalization number?
Write his certificate of naturalization number in the appropriate place on the form, and provide a copy of the certificate (or all pages of his US passport).

Question 4:
Can I leave Question 11 on the I-134 form empty or write "K/A". Question 11: "I intend or do not intend (I can mark on of it) to make specific contributions to support of the person(s) named in item 3."
Follow the example in the VJ guides: "N/A - K1 process for permanent residence"

Question 5:
Are there any other important documents missing?
Doesn't look like it!

thanks for the help

Edited by Stephen + Elisha, 03 November 2009 - 03:48 PM.

Stephen + ElishaMaleSouth Korea2009-11-03 15:45:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionLondon Embassy
moving to US Embassy and Consulate Discussion...
Stephen + ElishaMaleSouth Korea2009-11-08 11:44:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionPlease I need some advice
QUOTE (JK1988 @ Nov 4 2009, 10:17 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (JK1988 @ Oct 20 2009, 07:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (canadian_wife @ Oct 20 2009, 04:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Well, I'm not a lawyer but if the paper you got that has your fingerprints on it say you have a 10 year ban than you have a 10 year ban - regardless of what you think.

It's lawyer time to figure out this mess. You're in for a long, complicated road

Good luck.


thank you for everythhing!!



Oh!!! guess what? I was approved good.gif !! my interview was yesterday

Did the issue of the removal come up at the interview?
Stephen + ElishaMaleSouth Korea2009-11-04 10:27:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionPacket 3 Questions Warsaw Poland Embassy
Warsaw pre-appointment (Packet 3) and pre-interview (Packet 4) instructions and forms: http://poland.usemba...as/packets.html

Specific information on the medical: http://poland.usemba...-jul-2-2009.pdf
Stephen + ElishaMaleSouth Korea2009-11-04 10:06:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionTransfer K1 visa between embassy
embassy question - moving to US Embassy and Consulate forum
Stephen + ElishaMaleSouth Korea2009-11-06 09:26:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionWhich line for fiance visa at embassy?
Under State Department guidelines, K visas are processed by Immigrant Visa Units at consulates abroad, even though they are technically nonimmigrant visas. So, in most cases, you will report to the Immigrant Visa Unit at the embassy/consulate.

Hopefully someone with experience at Lagos can confirm this is in fact the case there.

(moving to Embassy and Consulate Discussion)
Stephen + ElishaMaleSouth Korea2009-11-10 12:55:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionK1 Visa (About vaccine records)
Question about medical - moving to US Embassy and Consulate Discussion forum...
Stephen + ElishaMaleSouth Korea2009-11-11 13:00:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionForms DS 156 and 156k
Also, double check the required forms at the Montreal consulate website or the VJ Embassy Info page. Montreal requires the DS-160 now, which is completed entirely online. That's supposed to replace the DS-156 and DS-156K, but apparently Montreal still requires them.

As others have stated above, the DS-156 should be filled out and printed using the online form at http://evisaforms.state.gov. The DS-156K can be obtained from the State Department forms page linked above, but be aware that the version available from the State Department doesn't allow you to save your entries in the form. If you want a save-enabled version, you can download one from the link in my signature (below).

(questions regard Packet 3/4 forms, moving to US Embassy and Consulate Discussion)
Stephen + ElishaMaleSouth Korea2009-11-12 14:09:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionMedical Exam Snag
moving to:US Embassy and Consulate Discussion
You are almost there and now you have to deal with the embassy. This is the place to post your experiences or questions related to this last step before moving to the US. Topics relating to I-134's, packets sent from consulate and medical & police certificates should be posted here.
Stephen + ElishaMaleSouth Korea2009-11-13 10:07:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionofficially in AP hell
QUOTE (Free Jerusalem @ Nov 6 2009, 09:34 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
why would i call the DOS though? i thought once the case is at the specified consulate, the nvc has nothing to do with it? thanks

The posters above are referring to the Department of State visa office in Washington (202-663-1225), not NVC.
Stephen + ElishaMaleSouth Korea2009-11-06 14:05:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionAffidavit of Support Question
QUOTE (hayati @ Nov 7 2009, 09:11 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Bottom line, should I be concerned that the consulate will deny us based on this?

Your most immediate concern should be how you're going to convince the consulate of your US domicile. As you're living in Egypt, you're going to need concrete evidence showing that you're in the process of relocating to the US. Hopefully you're already aware of this and have taken it into consideration.

Edited by Stephen + Elisha, 07 November 2009 - 10:36 AM.

Stephen + ElishaMaleSouth Korea2009-11-07 10:36:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionAffidavit of Support Question
moving to: US Embassy and Consulate Discussion
You are almost there and now you have to deal with the embassy. This is the place to post your experiences or questions related to this last step before moving to the US. Topics relating to I-134's, packets sent from consulate and medical & police certificates should be posted here.
Stephen + ElishaMaleSouth Korea2009-11-07 10:30:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionk1 visa
moving to Embassy and Consulate Discussion forum...
Stephen + ElishaMaleSouth Korea2009-10-27 09:54:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI-134 last question: intend to make specific contributions
Take a look at the I-134 in the Example Forms section.

moving to:
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion
You are almost there and now you have to deal with the embassy. This is the place to post your experiences or questions related to this last step before moving to the US. Topics relating to I-134's, packets sent from consulate and medical & police certificates should be posted here.




Stephen + ElishaMaleSouth Korea2009-10-21 14:48:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI-134 Supporting Evidence A
QUOTE (NYC-KK @ Nov 4 2009, 01:09 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (ImWaiting @ Nov 4 2009, 11:41 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (NYC-KK @ Nov 4 2009, 11:18 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
The instructions for filing the I-134 specify that they want statements from officers of banks and other finanical institutions where one has deposits. Does this mean that one has to ask officials at these institutions to write and sign personalized letters, or is it sufficient to attach the usual computer-generated statements that these institutions provide?


Most banks will have a formatted letter. For me Citibank only ask reason of my request and directly forwarded letter to Rio de Janeiro and send copies to my home address. My attorney also suggested, if letter is not going to be attached as part of/and proof, is recommended to show 6 month of bank statements.. I did both, rather have more than less..

vp



Thanks. I'm a bit confused, however, because some members have said that if income is sufficient, then don't worry about getting a letter from the bank. Maybe I should get the letter anyway? That is easy. It would be harder to get one from the Teachers Retirement System where I have a Tax Deferred Annuity Plan and the City of New York where I have a 401K. So I would prefer to bypass those letters and just use computer-generated monthly statements. What do you think?

If your income is sufficient to meet the requirements on its own, feel free to leave the bank account and other asset information blank and omit the monthly statements. You only need to provide this information if you're using it to meet the requirements.

Edited by Stephen + Elisha, 04 November 2009 - 02:11 PM.

Stephen + ElishaMaleSouth Korea2009-11-04 14:10:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionApplication 'suspended' at interview today in London :-(
QUOTE (JimVaPhuong @ Sep 11 2009, 03:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
9 FAM 40.41 leaves it up to the discretion of the consular officer. Unlike many consulates, London apparently treats K visas strictly as non-immigrant visas. Many other consulates would never issue a K visa without an affidavit of support, since the K visa WILL lead to immigration. Once a K visa holder is in the US and applies for the AOS they will NOT be allowed to self sponsor unless they ALSO become a self-petitioner under VAWA. Otherwise, the USC who petitioned for them will be their primary sponsor. The immigrant's income and assets MAY be used to help their USC sponsor meet the minimum income/asset requirements, but the immigrant can't be their own primary sponsor if their AOS is based on the petition of a USC or LPR relative.

It would be difficult for a CO to make a determination if a beneficiary's income and assets would be enough to help his USC sponsor qualify when it comes time to file the I-864 without knowing something about the financial situation of the USC sponsor. For example, without knowing the USC sponsor's household size, they couldn't even determine what threshold needed to be met. If the beneficiary has sufficient income and assets on their own to meet the minimum requirements, then an I-134 (or other acceptable affidavit) that provided only household size and zero income/assets would probably be enough. At the very least, it would tell the CO that the USC sponsor was aware of their obligations under the INA.

Adam, if the only people in your US household will be you and your new wife, then the minimum income requirements are currently $18,212. If you have 3X this amount in assets (cash, or property that can be liquidated within 12 months without significant hardship or penalty) then you might be able to get the CO to issue the visa without a co-sponsor once you get a signed I-134 from your fiancee, even if the I-134 lists no income or assets. There are no strict rules or requirements for the I-134 because it's up to the discretion of the CO, since they are trying to determine if you will satisfy the requirements AFTER you arrive in the US, marry your fiancee, and apply for AOS. There ARE strict rules for the I-864, which your wife will have to sign when you apply for AOS, and those are the rules most consulates apply to the I-134.


good.gif

Jim, as usual, your advice is spot on.
Stephen + ElishaMaleSouth Korea2009-09-11 15:15:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionApplication 'suspended' at interview today in London :-(
Adam, I would contact the embassy again and ask to speak to the section chief.

According to the State Department Foreign Affairs Manual, the I-134 is not required for the K-1 visa but may be asked for if the consular officer deems it useful. From the links you've posted, it sounds like the consular policy at London is the same.

It sounds as if one of two things happened:

  1. You did not establish to the consular officer's satisfaction that you would not become a public charge (i.e., didn't demonstrate enough assets and/or sustained income that would continue after entry to the US). This should have been explained to you if it were the case.
  2. The officer you got made a unilateral decision that an I-134 is required. Since this appears to be contrary to the FAM and London policy, a chat with the section chief is in order.
Either way, it sounds like you were given short shrift. Contact the IV section at the embassy and ask to speak to the section chief.


Stephen + ElishaMaleSouth Korea2009-09-11 12:30:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionBank Statements/PAystubs
QUOTE (Stephen + Elisha @ Aug 28 2009, 07:25 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (masteryfic @ Aug 28 2009, 06:25 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Stephen + Elisha @ Aug 28 2009, 12:30 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Your paystubs show your full SSN? Wow, I thought most payroll processors had gotten away from that... mine only show the last 4 digits, the rest are asterisks.




paystubs? what paystubs?


Oops! That's what I get for posting at 12:30 am.

But, while we're on the topic of bank statements, those don't routinely display SSN either...

Paystubs are in the title of the thread, that's where I got that. I knew I wasn't (that) crazy!
Stephen + ElishaMaleSouth Korea2009-08-29 21:06:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionBank Statements/PAystubs
QUOTE (masteryfic @ Aug 28 2009, 06:25 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Stephen + Elisha @ Aug 28 2009, 12:30 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Your paystubs show your full SSN? Wow, I thought most payroll processors had gotten away from that... mine only show the last 4 digits, the rest are asterisks.




paystubs? what paystubs?


Oops! That's what I get for posting at 12:30 am.

But, while we're on the topic of bank statements, those don't routinely display SSN either...
Stephen + ElishaMaleSouth Korea2009-08-28 06:25:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionBank Statements/PAystubs
Your paystubs show your full SSN? Wow, I thought most payroll processors had gotten away from that... mine only show the last 4 digits, the rest are asterisks.
Stephen + ElishaMaleSouth Korea2009-08-27 23:30:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionJamaican Embassy and Forms
QUOTE (leslyjo85 @ Sep 20 2009, 03:31 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I received my packet from the embassy with the DS 230, 156 and 156K, 157 and the AOS....they seem to be expired forms or the old style forms....i downloaded the current forms which are pretty much the same from the US Embassy site....here is my question...will the Jamaican Embassy accept the new AOS that does not require notarization or must I use the old one...will they accept the downloadable forms from the US govt site or will they only accept the "old style" forms??? Please help!!

I don't see how they could reject the current valid form.

That said, if you're extremely concerned about it, most consulates have an email address or phone line you can call with questions like this. When in doubt, it's always safest to ask the people who have the last word on the issue.
Stephen + ElishaMaleSouth Korea2009-09-20 15:00:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionK1 Requirements - Police Clearance Validity
moving to:
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion
You are almost there and now you have to deal with the embassy. This is the place to post your experiences or questions related to this last step before moving to the US. Topics relating to I-134's, packets sent from consulate and medical & police certificates should be posted here.
Stephen + ElishaMaleSouth Korea2009-10-13 10:03:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionDS-157
topic concerns interview packets and forms contained therein - moving to US Embassy and Consulate Discussion
Stephen + ElishaMaleSouth Korea2009-11-04 09:50:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionUS Consulate in Guayaquil, Ecuador
For those would would like to communicate their grievances concerning the Guayaquil consulate to the proper authority, the following contact information may be of benefit:

The Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs is Janice L. Jacobs. She is ultimately in charge of all consulates and embassy consular services worldwide. The Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Visa Services is Tony Edson. As the title suggests, he oversees visa issuance matters at consular posts throughout the world.

The mailing address for both of them:

Bureau of Consular Affairs
United States Department of State
2201 C Street, NW
Washington, District of Columbia 20520

And, the ace in the hole, the Bureau of Consular Affairs executive suite fax number: (202) 647-9622

Both should be styled The Honorable <full name> in addressing the letter, and the appropriate salutation for each is Dear Ambassador <last name>:
Stephen + ElishaMaleSouth Korea2009-11-10 13:43:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI-134
QUOTE (Brian.Mitchell @ Oct 27 2009, 12:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (cking2 @ Oct 27 2009, 09:54 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I think that for some reason people like to send in more than what is asked. Just like when your pulled over by the cops, only answer the questions asked. blush.gif haha

It is amazing how clear the instructions are and then someone starts talking about 3 years of tax returns. I simply don't think it is needed folks. Where does that come from??

-ck


The only thing that I would say to this is --- when I emailed the embassy they didn't want the bank deposits (On the instructions) and they asked for last years tax returns (I am not self employed and they knew that). I guess it is sort of a dynamic process depending on where you are being processed. It is funny to me that the government makes these instructions and rules, but then they don't even follow them.

The I-134 instructions are written by USCIS. But the form is used by Department of State consular officers—who are not even required to use the form. It is simply a useful tool for them to collect information to determine that the public charge requirements are met. They have wide latitude in making this determination, and the individual consulates' policies govern which evidence they want to see.

Bottom line for the I-134: find out what your consulate requires and provide accordingly. There is no simple, one-size-fits-all set of guidelines like there is with the I-864.
Stephen + ElishaMaleSouth Korea2009-10-28 14:17:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionTax Return for the past 3 years.
If you're sending returns, you need to send the whole return—not just the front page. And it has to be a copy certified by the IRS. IRS charges $57 for a copy of a return.

Go with option c. Tax return transcripts are available free of charge from the IRS. Info here: http://www.irs.gov/i...=232168,00.html
Stephen + ElishaMaleSouth Korea2012-02-09 15:45:00
CanadaQUICK HELP
Canada-specific question - moving to Canadian regional subforum
Stephen + ElishaMaleSouth Korea2009-11-12 14:11:00
CanadaMedical Appointment
In regard to abbreviations, VisaJourney has an extensive FAQ, Wiki, and Immigration Dictionary that explain the many acronyms and abbreviations that occur throughout the immigration process.

moving to Canada regional subforum for the medical question...
Stephen + ElishaMaleSouth Korea2009-11-10 13:21:00
CanadaPolice Certificate in Canada?
Per the State Department website:


Applicants who are physically present in Canada should contact their local police service or Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) office regarding criminal record check procedures. Applicants may obtain a certificate of no conviction issued by any Canadian police service so long as it notes that Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) or the national criminal records repository was searched using the applicant's name and date of birth. Applicants should ensure that the search includes all names that they have previously used, including maiden names, prior married names, or names used before Canadian naturalization. (Note: Because records checks based on name and date of birth only are sometimes less thorough than those based on fingerprints, U.S. diplomatic offices reserve the right to request that certain applicants obtain fingerprint-based searches from the RCMP.)

Link: http://travel.state....l?cid=9013#docs
Stephen + ElishaMaleSouth Korea2012-02-09 14:30:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussiondo we have to pay fee twice if my husband and i file jointly the I 751?

so the instructions page says that me and my husband file jointly the form I 751 if we are still together(wich we are), the fee is $505, does this means that we have to pay twice($505 my fee=form plus $505 his fee=form)? and the biometrics too pay twice??? :unsure:

please anyone that can comment it'll be appreciated.


No. All "file jointly" means is that you both have to sign the form. One form, one fee. Posted Image
Stephen + ElishaMaleSouth Korea2012-01-23 14:23:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionQuestion about photocopy of the passport
Passport copies are not one of the required pieces of initial evidence for the I-751. You'll need a copy of your green card (front and back).
Stephen + ElishaMaleSouth Korea2012-01-24 03:07:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussionremoving conditions at retirement.
  • You need to file for removal of conditions within the 90 days prior to the expiration of her 2-year green card.
  • Being retired will make no difference at all. There's no affidavit of support/current income requirement in the removal of conditions process like there was during the visa and green card process. The evidence for removal of conditions centers around proof of a bona fide marriage: joint residency, intermingling of assets, etc.

Stephen + ElishaMaleSouth Korea2012-01-25 13:41:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionSeperation Before Removal Of Conditions

Conditional expiring in March? Didn't you do ROC 6 months prior?

You can only file for removal of conditions within 90 days of the expiration of the conditional residency.
Stephen + ElishaMaleSouth Korea2012-01-24 13:47:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionUSCIS processing update should be soon
May 2, 2011 as of November 30 for VSC... blech!
Stephen + ElishaMaleSouth Korea2012-01-25 14:04:00