ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI-134
List your MAIN job in the "I am employed as a _______ with _____" line. In the Income part list your TOTAL income, but include the pay stubs and employer letter for both. If your fiance is questioned about this at the interview, he can explain to the CO about the second job. There are many of us with more than one job or source of income, so I'm sure it's common.

Good luck!!
DodiFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-07-13 20:58:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionDS-156 and Evidence of Engagement

2. Evidence of Financial Support - VERY important to get this right for London... The US citizen must show two solid proofs of being over the poverty level. Otherwise get a joint sponsor and their proof of income plus proof of US citizenship or legal residence.


My tax return from last year shows $19,710 for my annual income due to a lay off and lower paying job for most of the year, but I also had child support of $7594 that wouldn't have been on the tax return(I'm including a 5-year child support payment history). Now, however, I am making $32k per year, so when I include my child support it's $39,594. I have 2 employer letters from my new job (supervisor & COO) as well as copies of ALL pay stubs from my very first one (I started here in late March).

Do you think this will be plenty to be able to support him, when I have 2 children also (the requirements are $27,562 for a family of 4), or will I need my co-sponsor? I've sent her information along as well, but I'm hoping not to need it. I just want to feel like I can do this on my own. I don't want to have to add a burden to others if I don't have to with the paperwork, but she's offered it, so I included it JUST IN CASE.
DodiFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-07-15 13:07:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionInterview - August!!!
You can use whatever assets/sponsors you like, but the CO will determine in the end what is most beneficial to your case. Your fiance will HAVE to fill out the I-134, as she is the petitioner and seen as the main sponsor, but once her income/assets are seen as insufficient the CO will immediately move on to yours, and then to the co-sponsor.

I'll say up front that I do not know what the asset requirements are to self sponsor. They won't look at your income since that will end as soon as you leave for the US, but your assets may help. The rule is, your assets need to equal 5 times the deficiency between the income and the requirements. (Example: If she made $5000 less than the income limit, you'd need 5 times that to qualify, or $25k in assets, without a co-sponsor.) Does this make any sense?

The co-sponsor will definitely help. He'll just need to prove that he meets the requirements for sponsoring the full number of dependents he already has (if any) and you combined. I make about the same amount as your co-sponsor, not including my child support, and I have 2 dependents, not including my fiance, so for a family of 4 my requirements are $27,562. I am dealing with a situation where my income last year was much smaller due to a lay off, but am making much more now, so we're hoping we don't need our co-sponsor.

It's always better to be safe than sorry and include them anyway. You'd hate to come down to the day of the interview and find out you needed them.

The I-134 has to be an original. If your co-sponsor can get his documents together and send them via USPS Express Mail International Guaranteed (Not Global Express Guaranteed, it's twice the price for about 2 days quicker service) you should have them by the end of next week. This would give you time to look them over prior to the interview date.

Good luck!! :thumbs:

Edited by Dodi, 15 July 2010 - 04:38 PM.

DodiFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-07-15 16:36:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionPOLICE STATEMENT
More than 6 months, since the age of 16.
DodiFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-07-15 16:06:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionFor I-134 Job Verification Letter
The I-134 only requires 1 year of tax returns, unless your embassy/consulate requires more.
DodiFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-07-15 12:39:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionOrdering a Police Report before Embassy Papers arrive
You need to order the ACPO Police Certificate, not the Met.

Click the link and it'll give you more info. You can get it in 3 to 10 days, depending on whether you pay for expedited delivery. I believe they're good for one year from the date of issuance.

Edited by Dodi, 15 July 2010 - 05:49 PM.

DodiFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-07-15 17:48:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI-134 Form, question 11
You need to choose that you DO INTEND to make specific contributions to their welfare. You're going to be providing for your fiance's needs, specifically whatever needs she may have that would force her to become a public charge if not met.

Make sure you select DO INTEND.
DodiFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-07-15 20:20:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionIV-15K question
I don't think you can download that one. It's in with Packet 3, but I think it's the one you can't download, you just have to wait for it, unfortunately.

The London Embassy website used to have a great K-visa section with a short list of the required forms, but they recently redid the entire site and generalized the visa section down to immigrant/non-immigrant. The forms are listed by section, however, so the ones in section IV are what you'll need.

Hope that helps.
DodiFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-07-15 14:53:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionPolice certificate questions
The ACPO will cover all of the UK, however you will need a separate one for Australia. Hope that helps.
DodiFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-07-16 23:06:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionDOS via Phone
I would definitely call again in the morning, and EVERY morning until you get an answer one way or another that something has been done. It could be that they're taking forever to update their system. It could be that someone used your file to hold up their coffee cup. Either way - KEEP ON THEM.

Good luck! :thumbs:
DodiFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-07-20 10:35:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionk1 questions
I've included 3 months worth, but some people just put in a month or two. If you've got a tax return from last year that backs up your income you won't have to worry as much. Those of us who have been affected by the economy and lay offs and made much less on our tax returns last year than we're currently making now will need to show more pay stubs to prove the income is sustainable and will continue after our fiance arrives.
DodiFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-07-21 08:23:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionQuestion 7 on I 134
For gross income, if it's gone up since your 2009 tax return, then figure it up for this year. If not, use the 2009 tax return AGI.

List yourself as self-employed, because you are. You get a 1099, not a W-2.

As self employed, you might want to also include a letter from your bank stating when your account was open, and all deposits/withdrawals for the past year, as well as some bank statements to back it up.

Good luck! :thumbs:
DodiFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-07-23 16:42:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI129 K1
Call the DOS instead. It's a US number, doesn't cost a fortune like most consulates, and much easier to get through.

202-663-1225 (Press 1 for Main Menu, then 0 for Operator)

They generally have the same information in their systems that Manila will have, and can tell you if Manila received it, and if they've sent out packet 3 yet, etc.

Edited by Dodi, 23 July 2010 - 04:40 PM.

DodiFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-07-23 16:39:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI 134 is this enough?
I think I answered you in the K1 forum, but I'll answer again just to make sure.

Yes, you will still need to show your tax return from last year, but you can also send in a letter from your employer stating when you started your job, your job description, that you're a regular (not temp) employee in good standing, and your salary or wage. Submit this along with as many pay stubs as you can and you should be fine. I also sent a letter from my bank showing how much I'd deposited and withdrawn in the past year, as well as 3 months of bank statements just to back everything up.

Hope this helps, and GOOD LUCK!! :thumbs:
DodiFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-07-23 16:52:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI 134 question
The I-134 only requires ONE year of tax returns. (Read the instructions at the bottom.) The most important thing is your sustainable income, especially in this economy, so yes, pay stubs will help. Provide BOTH the tax return (to show what you DID make last year) and your employer letter showing date of hire, job description, and salary, and that you're a regular (not temp) employee in good standing along with your pay stubs. Your bank letter/statements showing regular deposits won't hurt either.

I have a similar problem, but not because of travel - I was laid off from my job last year and it took forever to find something else, even taking a drastic cut in pay, so I have a much lower income last year than I do now. My employer letters (one from when I started, and a more recent one showing I've been through my 90 day introductory period and am still in good standing) along with all of my pay stubs since I've been here will prove I've got enough income to support him.

Good luck!! :thumbs:
DodiFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-07-23 15:44:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionAnswer DS 157, Question 13
I'm pretty sure they're looking at everything since you were 16. And they want to know what charities you donate to regularly, what extra-curricular activities you participate in. Example: "I'm a member of the [Insert country here] Democratic Party and regularly attend functions, luncheons, and work on campaigns for the candidates. I'm a member of the ACLU, I donate to the United Way, etc."

It's not asking for work history, that's a different section altogether.
DodiFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-07-23 10:25:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionPacket 3 On Its Way
Repeating from other thread:

The Embassy doesn't send you a letter when they get your case, but they send out Packet 3 straight away it would seem. Or that's what the DOS told us last week. Our case was rec'd at London on 7/16 (Friday) according to the DHL tracking information I pulled up, but wasn't logged in until the following Wednesday, 7/21 according to the DOS rep I spoke to. They told me that Packet 3 was sent out on the same day. We still haven't gotten it yet, but it's been less than a week, and it notoriously takes a little while to get it even if they say it's been sent out.

Call the DOS and ask them where your case is. They will have pretty much the same information the Embassy does, but it doesn't cost a small fortune to call them. They can tell you if/when your case was sent to/rec'd at the Embassy and whether Packet 3 was sent.

202-663-1225 (Press 1 for Main Menu, then 0 for Operator.)

Good luck! :thumbs:
DodiFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-07-27 09:39:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionPacket 3 On Its Way
I was told by the DOS yesterday that our file had been logged in London (DHL shows it being received there on Friday 7/16) but that Packet 3 had not been sent. Apparently they were licking the stamp while I was on the phone, because this morning DOS informed me that they sent it out yesterday!!! :dance:

Everything is moving along very quickly!!! I'm so happy right now!! We're getting there!! :D
DodiFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-07-22 08:42:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionLondon Embassy speed?
So long as you have the LND case number that was on the letter you can call too. They are open till 5pm Eastern time, 10pm UK time.
DodiFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-07-27 10:57:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionLondon Embassy speed?
You CAN call the embassy directly, but it costs a small fortune (£1.20 per minute). Their number is 02074-999-000.

The DOS is the US Dept of State. They have the same information. The NVC (who sent you the letter saying the case was sent to the embassy) is a section of the DOS. The DOS will have all status updates on your case once it's entered into the NVC system. They can tell you where your case is, and it doesn't cost that much.

The way to get a tracking number for your case, if you know what day it was sent:

1. Go to www.dhl.com - click on Track by Reference Number

2. Use Refernce Number: EXP <Day before date sent> 2010A

Example: I was told by the NVC that mine was sent on 7/14, so I entered EXP 13 2010A

3. Select the proper destination country from the pull down menu.


Sometimes this will give you more than one waybill being sent on the same day to that country. Just follow them both! You'll have no way of knowing which is yours, unfortunately.

Hope this helps! :thumbs:
DodiFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-07-27 10:48:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionLondon Embassy speed?
The Embassy doesn't send you a letter when they get your case, but they send out Packet 3 straight away it would seem. Or that's what the DOS told us last week. Our case was rec'd at London on 7/16 (Friday) according to the DHL tracking information I pulled up, but wasn't logged in until the following Wednesday, 7/21 according to the DOS rep I spoke to. They told me that Packet 3 was sent out on the same day. We still haven't gotten it yet, but it's been less than a week, and it notoriously takes a little while to get it even if they say it's been sent out.

Call the DOS and ask them where your case is. They will have pretty much the same information the Embassy does, but it doesn't cost a small fortune to call them. They can tell you if/when your case was sent to/rec'd at the Embassy and whether Packet 3 was sent.

202-663-1225 (Press 1 for Main Menu, then 0 for Operator.)

Good luck! :thumbs:
DodiFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-07-27 09:37:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionLondon Embassy speed?
I sent over a 3 lb 7 oz file to him full of everything I thought he MIGHT need.

It was a 4-section classification folder, with everything tabbed and indexed and instructions on top of each section. Here's a run down:

Section 1: All of the forms downloaded from the London Embassy website, filled in over the phone, printed in duplicate with Sign-Here tags; Original and copies of my Birth Certificate, Divorce Decree, Marriage Certificate (previous), new notarized Affirmation of Intent to Marry letter.

Section 2: I-134 and all supporting documentation for myself and (just in case) Co-sponsor - Documentation for each: 2009 Tax Return with W-2's, Employer letters, Pay Stubs, Bank letter, and Bank Stmts.

Section 3: Proof of Ongoing Relationship - 3 page Evolution of Relationship letter, 7 photographs of us as a family, Copies of our passport pages showing stamps for our visits, Copies of boarding passes and trip itineraries to each other, copy of my wedding dress receipt (proof of intent to marry), copy of a christmas card he sent me that says "To my fiancee".

Section 4: copies of forms submitted with I-129F (just for reference).

I know he might not need all of this, but it's better to be over-prepared than miss something.

Hope that helps!!
DodiFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-07-17 17:34:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionLondon Embassy speed?
You can't download their actual checklist. I downloaded everything BUT the checklist. That comes in the actual Packet 3. Everything else was downloaded, filled in and printed in duplicate and stuck in the file I posted to Peter on Tuesday. (It's guaranteed to be there Monday.)

Hopefully he'll get Packet 3 the end of next week and we'll be one step closer! :dance:
DodiFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-07-17 11:42:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionLondon Embassy speed?
My case made it to the London Embassy today, so we're trying to gauge how soon my fiance needs to schedule his medical exam. I've ready recently that they're sending out Packet 3 within 2 to 3 days of case receipt. He'll be ready to send the checklist back immediately upon receipt, so how soon have they been scheduling interviews after they receive the checklist? 3 to 4 weeks out?

We're trying to make some plans and I'm trying to kick his butt into gear to get things rolling on his end. (Typical male. I guess they're the same around the world... dragging feet on everything!) He's scheduled his Tdap and MMR shots for this week, and is supposed to pick up his medical records then. The ACPO police certificate should be there by the end of next week as well, he ordered it early last week. My packet full of forms and evidence should be there Monday at the latest, so we're all set!!!

It's getting exciting!!!
DodiFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-07-16 16:34:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI-134
This should be sufficient. You MIGHT want to think about sending pay stubs to JUST TO BE SAFE. Some consulates are asking for pay stubs as well to prove sustaining income because of the economy and the large number of people being laid off from their jobs.

Note: The I-134 only requires ONE year of tax returns. The I-864, required for the AOS, requires three. Unless specifically required by your consulate for some strange reason, this is in the instruction packet with the I-134. If you have them, however, it's just added documentation, which doesn't hurt, but it's not required.

Edited by Dodi, 26 July 2010 - 04:33 PM.

DodiFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-07-26 16:32:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI-134
He'll still need to fill the form out COMPLETELY, marking any answers that are not applicable to him with "NA", but they want everything in detail.
DodiFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-07-26 13:24:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionco-sponsor?
Your co-sponsor will need to fill out an I-134 COMPLETELY, just like the USC fiance did, and will need to include all supporting documentation, as well as a copy of their birth certificate or info page from her passport to prove citizenship.

Hope that helps, and good luck! :thumbs:
DodiFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-07-30 21:24:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI-134 HELP!
Ok, if you're still living at home and are claimed as a dependent on his taxes, then he'll claim you and your mom. No, he won't claim himself as a dependent, I was just listing him as a member of his household.

No, he does not claim your fiance, that's an implied, impending dependent (say that 5 times fast!), because he's not yet here.

So he'll just need to make more than the requirements for a family of 4, which is about $27,562 (I might be off by a little there, I can't remember off the top of my head today. Too close to 5pm on a Friday for me. :))

Edited by Dodi, 30 July 2010 - 04:40 PM.

DodiFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-07-30 16:37:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI-134 HELP!
If you're not claimed as a dependent on his taxes (or will not be this year) and are living outside the home, going to school, you are not his dependent.

He would just list himself and your mom. :)

Hope that helps! :thumbs:
DodiFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-07-30 16:31:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionPetitioner present at Beneficiary Interview: Plus or Minus
As another poster said earlier, even if you're not allowed in (which most in Manila that I've read have been) she could show your passport to the CO and inform them that you are there, supporting her through the interview process, and THAT could score some points to prove you love her enough to go there.

You might consider calling the consulate/embassy the day before to make sure they're aware you'll be attending with her and will be allowed in.

Edited by Dodi, 30 July 2010 - 04:48 PM.

DodiFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-07-30 16:47:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionPacket 3 & Medical
My fiance received Packet 3 yesterday from London - ONE WEEK after they logged our case in!! - and returned it the same day with next-day express postage!!

Medical exam is now scheduled for 8/11/10 at Knightsbridge. Apparently they're scheduling 2 weeks out right now, so anyone else scheduling a medical, be prepared for a 2 week wait at the moment.

Now just to wait for the interview!!!

Less than 2 months from I-129F receipt at Vermont to sending back P3 and waiting for the interview!!!! Things are moving along at quite a clip now!! :dance: :dance:
DodiFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-07-29 08:47:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI-134 Affidavit of Support
Thank you, Jim. I appreciate your answer and the information to back it up. I will concede the point.
DodiFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-07-28 08:45:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI-134 Affidavit of Support
That person was obviously wrong too. Can you not even READ the form itself?

"4. This affidavit is made by me for the purpose of assuring the U.S. Government that the person(s) named in item (3) will not become a public charge in the United States.

5. I am willing an dable to receive, maintain, and support the person(s) named in item 3. I am ready and willing to deposit a bond, if necessary, to guarantee that such person(s) will not become a public charge during his or her stay in the United States, or to guarantee that the above named person(s) will maintain his or her nonimmigrant status, if admitted temporarily, and will depoart prior to the expiration of his or her authorized stay in the United States.

6. I understand that:
a. Form I-134 is an "undertaking' under section 213 of the Immigration and Nationality Act and I may be sused if the person named in item 3 becomes a public charge after admission to the United States; and

b. Form I-134 may be made available to any Federal, State of local agency that may receive an application from the person named in item 3 for Food Stamps, Supplemental Security Income, or Temporary Assistance to Needy Families;

c. If the person in item 3 does apply for Food Stamps, Supplemental Security Income, or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, my own income and assetrs may be considered in deciding the person's application. How long my income and assets may be attributed to the person named in item 3 is determined under the statutes and rules governing each specific program."

At the signature portion:

"I acknowledge that I have read "Sponsor and Alien Liability" on Page 2 of the instructions for this form, and am aware of my responsibilities as a sponsor under the Social Security Act, as amended, and the Food Stamp Act, as amended..."

Sponsor & Alien Liability from Instructions:

"Under section 213 of the Act, if the person you are sponsoring becomes a public charge, the agency that provides assistance may be able to sue you to recover the cost of the assistance.

In addition to that provision, your income and assets may be combined with the income and assets of the person you are sponsoring in determining whether that person is eligible for Food Stamps, Supplemental Security Income, and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families."(With applicable citations removed)

This clearly states that the sponsor CAN BE SUED if the immigrant becomes a public charge. It is an AFFIDAVIT, and when executed it becomes BINDING. There is nothing you can show that would prove otherwise. Someone else's post here with no backup documentation doesn't mean anything.

What embassies don't require I-134? Every embassy/consulate that I've read about requires it.

Edited by Dodi, 27 July 2010 - 12:41 PM.

DodiFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-07-27 12:40:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI-134 Affidavit of Support
You need to go read the instructions and the form itself. The signature is binding.

However, even just taking into account your statement - if they file for a K1, they're going to have to file for AOS as soon as they get married. They'd need the I-864 then anyway.
DodiFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-07-27 12:21:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI-134 Affidavit of Support
A divorce would not nullify the I-134. This is a legally binding document, and I believe the life of the document is 5 years, or until the immigrant becomes a citizen, whichever happens first.

To become a public charge would mean that the immigrant has applied for and been granted 'Means Tested Aid', which is basically welfare or public assistance of any kind.

An I-134 is NOT a 'Tiger with no teeth' as the federal and/or state government can hold the sponsor financially accountable if the immigrant becomes a public charge. They can seek reparations from the sponsor if this were to happen.

If it is as unlikely as you say for this to happen, then your sponsor should have no problems, however, this isn't something to be taken lightly. It CAN happen. If you were to fail to provide for your fiance due to a loss of job, if you were to become ill or hurt and be unable to provide for her, if you were to separate from your fiance and she were to seek public aid for ANY reason the government CAN and often WILL come after the sponsor for reparation.

Edited by Dodi, 27 July 2010 - 11:16 AM.

DodiFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-07-27 11:15:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionLondon Email Codes
Does anyone have a current code to email the London Embassy? I can't find a thread that updates regularly with the code. Would it be a good idea to start one?
DodiFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-08-05 13:26:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionWeight worries
Although being overweight is a health risk, you're not going to have a problem from the Knightsbridge doctors. They're mostly checking to see if you have communicable diseases or major disorders, etc.

You will be fine. Weight isn't an issue.
DodiFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-08-04 13:35:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionLondon wait after P3
I think it was Ted1234 who said he got his scheduled 4 days later. It wasn't HELD 4 days later, but they'd set the date then.
DodiFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-08-05 15:21:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionLondon wait after P3
My fiance sent his P3 paperwork back to the London Embassy a week ago. I know it was received there on the 29th accordint to the Royal Mail website, but it's still not been logged in according to the DOS, therefore no interview has been scheduled. Some people are saying they got an interview date 4 days after the paperwork was returned, so what gives?

Anyone else having luck with London?
DodiFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-08-05 13:25:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionDS 156 necessary for K-1 visa
We did both, just to be on the safe side, since some are requiring it and some aren't. The e-form I just submitted, but the separate paper forms were sent in on 7/28. Hopefully ONE of them gets through quickly.
DodiFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-08-06 12:08:00