ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionQuestion about Thailand and the I-134 or the I-864
I am looking ahead to the next step in this process and I need some input from some of the more senior members if possible.

As far as I can tell, I am going to need the I-864 for Thailand, maybe someone can correct me if I am wrong?

The only problem I can possibly see, is that I took unpaid leave of absence for most of 2005 and had almost no income for that year, (I had enough assets to afford to do this). My individual income for 2003 and 2004 averaged more than 4 times 125% of the 'poverty level' for 3 people and my income year to date is about 5 times that same figure.

I've also owned a home for over 20 years, (well, the mortgage company still owns part!), and have retirement accounts etc.

Logic tells me this is not going to be a problem at all and I'm just looking for something to worry about, but then I also wonder why they want 3 years worth of tax returns... and if in fact they will need an I-864 for Thailand. (Maybe I'm just a worry-wort!)

Bill
TucsonBillMaleThailand2006-08-01 18:41:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionInterview Approved
Posts like this coninue to affirm that there is light at the end of the tunnel, thanks! and

Posted Image
TucsonBillMaleThailand2006-08-09 12:08:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionK-1 Visa is Approved!!!!!
Congrats~!

Bill
TucsonBillMaleThailand2006-09-25 22:33:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussioninterview over
Congratulations! Seeing posts like this help us all to see that there is a light at the end of the tunnel!
TucsonBillMaleThailand2006-10-03 08:53:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionsomeone can help !!!!!
Congrats~!
TucsonBillMaleThailand2006-10-06 21:13:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionadministrative processing in chennai
I am having trouble understanding your post, but then I'm not as far into the process as you seem to be. It would be helpful if you filled in your timeline.

You seem to be saying there was some delay after you got near the end of the process and futher background checks needed to be done, but now he has been cleared.

If this is the correct understanding, then I would think your fiance will be receiving a visa soon.

Bill
TucsonBillMaleThailand2006-10-08 17:14:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionpls i need urgent advice
I suggest your cosposor go to the local IRS office and get transcripts of the missing tax return. Call the locak office, and make sure that if he shows up in person he can get the trascripts. Explain the urgency of the matter.

Bill
TucsonBillMaleThailand2006-10-10 15:52:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionPackage AWOL
How frustrating! Hopefully you kept copies of everything and could email them to her in PDF format. I dont know if they would be accepted this way, but at least you could inclide a copy of your USPS receipt as proof that originals were sent.

I am curious what materials cost so much to replace, and why you had to send originals?

I am also curious if FedEx or DHL deliver where your beneficiary resides. For sake of expediance, if you can send copies, rather than persuing a long search or investigation for the missing package, if you could send again by another delvery service.

I hope this all works out well for you soon. I can imagine your frustration.

Bill
TucsonBillMaleThailand2006-10-10 13:24:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionAnother tricky question..

What kind of 'notification' did they send you? Surely producing it will be sufficient?


Right now it's email, but I have requested a letter. No resonse yet. We receiced written notice regarding the divorce after the email.

Bill

Edited by TucsonBill, 13 October 2006 - 01:08 PM.

TucsonBillMaleThailand2006-10-13 13:05:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionAnother tricky question..
My fiance was married for a short time to an immigrant to South Africa. To make a long story short, he lied to her, and had a wife in his native Singapore and was already married at the time he married her. When she found out, she left him, returned to Thailand, and insisted he obtain a divorce from his first wife if he wanted to remain married to her. Instead, the guy divorced her ex parte in SA and married someone else. She asked him several times for a copy of the divorce decree and he never provided one.

So.. Before we filed our I-129f we wrote to the South Africa Department of Home Affairs, explaining the situation in detail, requsting confirmation of a divorce, which we finally received in July, just before we filed our petition.

Now, over 2 months later, we received another notification from South Africa, from the department that handles bigamous marriages, stating that her marriage has been declared null and void, (it was confirmed that he had a wife already in Singapore).

So.. Technically now I suppose she has never been married. I am looking ahead to see what we'll need to file in Packet 3 and she again has to disclose previous marriages, so would we just attach a continuation sheet explaining that since we filed the petition the previous marriage has been delcared void? I don't think this will be a problem, but you never know...

Anyone have any ideas on this?

Bill
TucsonBillMaleThailand2006-10-13 12:05:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionWoooohooooooo He is coming He passed his K1
Congrats~!
TucsonBillMaleThailand2006-10-13 13:24:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionQuestion about tax returns

TucsonBill,

The requirement on the tax return is a copy with W-2's. Some go one step further to provide IRS transcripts, but this is not necessary. If you go that route, I have read that they must be ordered.

Home value - if your income is adequate, you do not need to provide this information. If you choose to provide it as "buffer" to your case, market value is sufficient. Equity is the target here. The living trust may complicate things, depending on who is a party to it.

In a nutshell, I would carry the whole thing on annual salary alone, if adequate. In my opinion, the KISS method is always best.




I use Tax Act every year to e-file my taxes, but it also permits me to print out the actual tax returns and across them it just says COPY on like a 'watermark' which still allows you to see the return. I see some have ordered transcripts, is this what I need? Should I do both? Get transcripts and attach them to my computer copies? Do I need the w2's? Does anyone know if I can just go in to my local IRS office and get transcripts or MUST they be ordered? I also have my Social Security statement of earnings, will tehy accept this?

Bill

PS regarding the value of my home, do I need an appraisal or will a market value analysis do? (On the form where I list my assets). Also my house is owned by my Living Trust, do I need to send then a copy of my trust?

Bill


The only reason I want to include my assets is because my income was down last year due to a leave of absense during which my assets were more than sufficent to sustain me, and I have a letter form my employer regarding the leave of absense. I just want to be doiubly sure. My Living Trust is mine, I am the grator and the sole trustee.

Bill
TucsonBillMaleThailand2006-10-14 12:22:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionQuestion about tax returns
I use Tax Act every year to e-file my taxes, but it also permits me to print out the actual tax returns and across them it just says COPY on like a 'watermark' which still allows you to see the return. I see some have ordered transcripts, is this what I need? Should I do both? Get transcripts and attach them to my computer copies? Do I need the w2's? Does anyone know if I can just go in to my local IRS office and get transcripts or MUST they be ordered? I also have my Social Security statement of earnings, will tehy accept this?

Bill

PS regarding the value of my home, do I need an appraisal or will a market value analysis do? (On the form where I list my assets). Also my house is owned by my Living Trust, do I need to send then a copy of my trust?

Bill

Edited by TucsonBill, 14 October 2006 - 11:02 AM.

TucsonBillMaleThailand2006-10-14 10:58:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionLiving Trusts
Ok,

The deal is I have averaged about $60,000 a year, but last year I only made $10,00 because I was on leave of absence, and I have a letter from my employer to this effect. Year to date I have about $60,000 because my income went up since I went back to work. During the time I was on leave, my assets were more than sufficient to sustain me.

I set up a Living Trust for estate planning purposes years ago. Virtually all my assets, except my retirement plan, are owned by my trust. Hard to beleive this would be 'confusing' but you never know. I'm surprised that more people in this forum don't have one.

Bill

Edited by TucsonBill, 14 October 2006 - 02:53 PM.

TucsonBillMaleThailand2006-10-14 14:52:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionLiving Trusts
I plan to list my assets for the 'Packet 3' and I want to know if they need a full copy of the Living Trust, an original??? Or, like most financial institutions, just a copy of the title and signature page. I am the grantor and the only trustee.

Bill
TucsonBillMaleThailand2006-10-14 12:24:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionQuestion asked during my baby's interview
Thanks! And again, CONGRATULATIONS! I can only imagine how excited you must be!

Bill
TucsonBillMaleThailand2006-10-16 18:57:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionHow to handle Packet 3
Thanks again all.

There is strange twist to all this I am going to post in the Fiance Visa forum.

Anyone else who has brought their fiance's child to the USA, especailly if from Thailand, I would especially like to know if there are any 'special' reqirements for this.

I guess I'll find out as I move along and will be sure and share my experience with this forum.

Bill
TucsonBillMaleThailand2006-10-26 15:46:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionHow to handle Packet 3

Hi Bill,

I've been actively involved in another website similary to visajourney.com, only it's in Thai. From there, I was told that the medical record is good for only 1 year. This record must be presented in AOS cycle too. So medical exams should be done after your fiancee is informed about the interview date as it will be valid when she files for AOS (if it's not, she has to have medical exams done again which may cost a lot in USA.)

After your fiancee receives packet 3, she has to return (this will be told in packet 3)
- signed checklist
- DS 230 part 1
- 2 immigrant visa style photos
- Photocopy of passport photo page

Your fiancee will be scheduled for an interview after the embassy receives those forms and stuff.

On the interview date, your fiance must bring
Set 1 (documents of your fiancee)
1. Passport with 1 immigrant visa style photo (write full name on the back of it)
2. DS 156
3. DS 156K
4. DS 157
5. Thai ID + 1 copy
6. house registration + 1 copy
7. birth certificate + 1 copy
8. name change certificate + 1 copy
9. divorce decree + 1 copy
10. police clearance certificate
11. medical record
12. reciept for 4000 baht visa fee

no.5-9 --- no need to translate -- Embassy also accepts original Thai version

Set 2 (Affidavit of Support)
1. I-134
2. W-2 or Tax Return last year (or for the past 3 years -- I'm not sure)
3. statement from bank
4. statement from employer

Set 3 (proof of relationship)
1. emails
2. phone bills
3. passport stamps
4. pictures of you and your fiancee together
5. anything you can think of

I hope this will help clarify things for you step by step. :thumbs:


Thanks,

All of this information helps alot! Thanks all! What I was originally looking for was someone who had brought a child here from Thailand also. Pao as a child from her a previous, (very short lived) marriage that actually wound up being anulled becuase it turned out the guy, (a farang), was already married and had never gotten a divorce. (Bad mistake she made right out of college).

Anyway, I think my question regarding this matter has already been answered, in that she needs to complete two sets of all these forms, one for herself, and one for her daughter. Will there be a sperate checklist for her daughter?

Bill
TucsonBillMaleThailand2006-10-26 15:01:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionHow to handle Packet 3

Thursday, October 26, 2006
7:50am Novato (GMT-8)

Hello Bill, et.al.:

I am glad to see this timely thread. On 10/18, Bangkok Embassy acknowledged receipt of Pung's (my wife's) NVC package. We followed Yodrak's recommendation, and Pung sent DS-230 Part I with checklist on Friday, 10/20. Now we are checking Embassy interview list daily; FYI it is at http://bangkok.usemb.../IVschedule.htm

I notice that Embassy received Randy's fiance's NVC package on 9/30, but didn't deliver Packet 3 until 10/24. In my estimation, that is slow processing within IV Unit (see my post http://www.visajourn...howtopic=37187).

These experiences indicate to me that Bangkok Embassy is currently slow at processing Packet 3 and setting interview dates. And therefore, following Yodrak's recommendation may speed up setting interview date by about 3 weeks. This is of immediate usefulness for Bill, because he still is in window of opportunity to take advantage that shortcut.

So, 3 of us are in same stage of process. I suggest that we continue this thread to pass useful info throughout remainder of our VisaJourney.

B.T.W., my research indicates that Yodrak's shortcut has been used successfully by others on VisaJourney.

Best regards,
Chris


I followed the link to your previous post and read what you had to say about the "atrocious grammar" in the notice you received from the US Embassy, and I notice that your grammar in post itself is a little off :lol:

I chat with Pao so much online, that I find myself doing the same thing! It makes me wonder, if after she actually gets here, how much I'll start talking like she does :lol:

Regarding the 'shortcut' - you mean going ahead and getting the police report and the medical out of the way befrore she even gets the packet, right?

Bill

Edited by TucsonBill, 26 October 2006 - 12:51 PM.

TucsonBillMaleThailand2006-10-26 12:50:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionHow to handle Packet 3
Hi all,

Ok - now that I have confirmation of my NOA2 I'm really confused about the next step. My fiance will be bringing her 7 year old daughter with her to the USA.

Do each of the packet 3 forms have to be completed for both my fiance and her daughter? 2 complete sets of forms?

Can the medical exams be done right away or do they need to be 'current' within so many days of the interview? In what order are these forms sumbitted? hehe - is there a 'step by step' guide somewhere for packet 3?

As I understand it, some of the forms she can submit as soon as the Embassy receives our file, but others she has to take to her interview with her... confused by this next step.

Bill
TucsonBillMaleThailand2006-10-25 09:58:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionPETITION FORWARDED TO EMBASSY!!!!!!!!
I didn't even know we had an embassy in Cuba - :lol: Isn't that supposed to be Darth Vader's evil empire over there or something? (J/K of course) :P

Congrats~!
TucsonBillMaleThailand2006-10-27 18:37:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionADD MY NOA2!!!!!!!!!!!!WE WERE APPROVED
Congrats~! Best wishes for a speedy journey from here on out!

Bill
TucsonBillMaleThailand2006-10-28 13:20:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionNew to VJ - K1 Packet 3 Question

..snip.. I don't think you will get an appointment either. Med exam can only be done when you have the package4 AKA appointment letter.


Um, I don't know about the process in China, but I have been told that for Thailand my fiance can go ahead and get her medical exam now, and its good for one year, and can even be used within that time frame for her AOS once she gets to the USA.

Bill
TucsonBillMaleThailand2006-10-30 14:52:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionQuick Question on Packet 3
Thanks again Yodrak, I am thinking it must ben the BNK number because the A number is only for my fiance, and she has a 7 year old daughter also, and I doubt they will both have the same alien number. I just want to be sure. - Thanks.

Bill,

You should not need to download the medical forms, authorized Panel Physicians in Thailand should have them.

The A# is the USCIS number assigned to the alien, used by the USCIS to keep together all of the alien's cases that are processed by the USCIS.

Don't know offhand if it's the NVC assigned case number that goes on the medical reports or another number assigned by the consular section in Bangkok. I'll try to remember to look at Rodjanaa's medical forms when I get home tonight.

Yodrak

Yodrak and others have told me that in Bangkok we can download the medical forms and get the medical out of the way before the packet actually arrives in Bangkok. This is my question:

Where they ask for the "alien case number" that is the number that the new number that the NVC gave me, correct? there is also an A number on the NOA2 - just want to be sure that it is the new case number assigned by the NVC that goes on these forms.

Bill


TucsonBillMaleThailand2006-11-03 13:01:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionQuick Question on Packet 3
Yodrak and others have told me that in Bangkok we can download the medical forms and get the medical out of the way before the packet actually arrives in Bangkok. This is my question:

Where they ask for the "alien case number" that is the number that the new number that the NVC gave me, correct? there is also an A number on the NOA2 - just want to be sure that it is the new case number assigned by the NVC that goes on these forms.

Bill
TucsonBillMaleThailand2006-11-03 12:14:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionBangkok anyone?
Hi all,

I've been in Bangkok for the past week and we returned the necessary packet 3 items EMS (express delivery) on Tuesday. I have been reading about getting interview dates and just wonder if anyone here has recently gotten their interview date... I'm trying to get some idea of when she'll be scheduled for.

I've also noticed that some have sent emails requesting interview dates and I am curious if I need to do that.

I leave back for the states today and will be writing more soon.

Bill
TucsonBillMaleThailand2006-11-22 18:31:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionCOMPLETE Bangkok Packet 3 Forms
Hi,

Pao was nice enought to scan her packet 3 forms as the forms on the US Embassy website are not complete. I Have posted TIF and PDF scans of all the packet 3 documents as of 11-07-2006 in both high resolution TIF and in PDF formats:

http://members.visi....Bangkok-TIF.zip

or

http://members.visi....Bangkok-PDF.zip

Bill
TucsonBillMaleThailand2006-11-25 13:10:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionPacket 3 forms for Thailand
Hey all, I have some information that may be useful. When Pao got her packet 3 from the US Embassy in Bangkok, we noticed that the forms were different than those posted on the embassy US Embassy website. The checklist is not included on the website, or the instructions in Thai, or the new requrement regarding sending the photographs or the passport photos in. Pao scanned both front and back of every document included in the actual packet received and I have posted them in TIF (high resolution scans) and in PDF format here:

http://members.visi....Bangkok-TIF.zip

or

http://members.visi....Bangkok-PDF.zip


These are the current packet 3 documents as of 11-07-2006

Hope this helps some of you.

Bill
TucsonBillMaleThailand2006-11-25 14:31:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionIncome Requirement

Bill,

Thanks for providing those files, I haven't seen a K-visa application packet from the consulate in Bangkok for a while now so it will be interesting to see what's changed and what hasn't.

Anyway, because there are so many files and they are numbered, not named, I haven't yet had the time to inspect all of them. Look for one that has a title something like 'Evidence That May Be Provided To Meet The Public Charge Provisions Of The Law. It's a 2-pager if I recall correctly. This document is what so many people incorrectly think that I-134 is.

I think that prudence dictates your fiancee should have a complete copy of your latest tax return, or the IRS tax transcript, to go with your sponsorship package at her interview. I expect that it will be asked for. I do not know what might happen if she does not have it as I have never run across anyone who has not provided one in Bangkok. I expect that with adequate other documentation someone could get away without the tax return, but I have no idea what a particular consular officer might consider to be adequate in lieu of a tax return.

Yodrak


Yodrak, I see the form you are talking about. it specifically says "at least 2 of the following" and a tax return is only one of the 4 items mentioned. It also specifically references the I-134 and the I-134 specifically states that the tax return is only 'required' for self empolyed persons.

Just to be safe, I got transcripts from my last 3 years of tax returns and gave them to Pao and instructed her to present them IF they askedfor them. As I read the instructions, the letter from my bank and the letter from my employer should be all they need. I also gave her copies of my IRA account balances, copies of the deed to my house along with a recent market valuation and included all this on the I-134, but in my case, I think its all overkill. I qualify on my income alone, (at least I believe I do).

At any rate, all the instructions I read seem to indicate that the tax return is optional, not required.

The only thing 'new' is that they want you to return the biographic data forms, pasport style photos and copies of the photo page of the Thia passport along with the checklist. As I understand it, they will be able to start issuing visas the day of the interview as opposed to mailing them or having the applicant return to the Embassy to pick up the visa, as has been the practice in the past. The way I read the new instructions, Pao should get her visa on the spot the day of the interview now.

Bill
TucsonBillMaleThailand2006-11-27 18:29:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionIncome Requirement

Bill,

I-134 does not set forth the requirements for meeting the public charge provisions of the law for a non-immigrant visa. DS-2000 (formerly OF-167) does. I-134 is not even a requirement itself, it's use is optional at the discretion of the consular officer (granted, if a sponsor is required an I-134 is requested almost without exception).

Did the consulate in Bangkok not request your most recent tax return? If they did not it will be the 1st case I've heard of.

Yodrak

....
The I-134 does not require you to show tax returns unless you are self employed. Read it.

Bill


Yodrak,

I scanned each and every document contained in the packet 3 that Pao received and posted it on the Thailand thread. The I-134 was included in the packet and it was the only form that requested a copy of tax returnes but ONLY for self empolyed persons. The entire packet 3 contents, (including the envelope they came in, which I did not post here) were scanned, and posted.

I'll look again, but I dont see any document, other than the I-134 instructions, that mentions anything about tax returns.

Was this tax return request supposed to be in packet 3?

Bill

Edited by TucsonBill, 27 November 2006 - 05:49 PM.

TucsonBillMaleThailand2006-11-27 17:47:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionIncome Requirement
what I mean is, have your tax returns and letter of explanation in 'reserve' - ie have her take them and the letter, but dont show it unless they ask. All the I-134 asks for is the letter from your employer, stating your income, and that your position is permanent. Just give her the tax returns with the letter IN CASE they ask.

I would not volunteer it upfront, because the I-134 does not ask for it.

Bill
TucsonBillMaleThailand2006-11-27 16:53:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionIncome Requirement
If you can get a letter from your current employer stating that the job is full time and permanent, and it states a salary that is above what is reqired, I think you will be fine. I would include a letter explaining your situation in prior years.

Take a moment and read the I-134 closely, they dont even require tax returns unless you are self employed, (that does NOT mean they wont ask for them). All the I-134 asks for is a letter from your employer stating your income and if your position is permanent. I'd get the employer letter and submit that, but give your tax returns and letter to your fiance when she goes for her interview just IN CASE they ask for it.

The I-134 does not require you to show tax returns unless you are self employed. Read it.

Bill
TucsonBillMaleThailand2006-11-27 16:38:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionCuban Fiance Gets His Visa!!! OH MY GOD!!!
Posted Image

Bill
TucsonBillMaleThailand2006-08-09 12:15:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI-134 Affidavit-are bank statements a must
I use BankOfAmerica and they knew exactly what a sposor letter was, had a standard format for it and everything. Took me like 3 days to get it after I went to the bank and requested it. I'd advise it.

Bill
TucsonBillMaleThailand2006-12-03 17:02:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionSlightly out of the ordinary I-134 question.
Call a realestate agent, tell him your getting married soon and may be selling your house, but that your fiance lives in another country and you're sponsoring him yada yada.. and get the agent to do a market analysis and send you a signed letter with the market value of your home.

If you have IRA's, pension plans, other real property, include all that too.

If you show your house valuation, send along one of your most recent payment stubs if it shows the balance on our mortage, or get a payoff statement from your mortgage company.

Edited by TucsonBill, 03 December 2006 - 05:00 PM.

TucsonBillMaleThailand2006-12-03 17:00:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionQuestion about the I-134

Bill,

My experience with the consular section in Bangkok was that one I-134 sufficed for both my wife and her child.

Yodrak

I notice that on thee I-134, it asks about any children who will accompany my fiance, and I listed her daughter. I was assuming that since the daughter is listed on the mothers I-134 I did not need to do a separeate one for her, can anyone confirm this?

Bill


Thanks Yodrak, it sounds like I'm OK with what I've done.

Bill
TucsonBillMaleThailand2006-12-05 00:50:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionQuestion about the I-134
Thanks guys,

Bill
TucsonBillMaleThailand2006-12-03 20:55:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionQuestion about the I-134
I notice that on thee I-134, it asks about any children who will accompany my fiance, and I listed her daughter. I was assuming that since the daughter is listed on the mothers I-134 I did not need to do a separeate one for her, can anyone confirm this?

Bill
TucsonBillMaleThailand2006-12-03 17:21:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionMedical exam questions
I suggest she try the electrocoagulation treatment before she goes for her medical.

http://content.karge...ArtikelNr=18856

Bill
TucsonBillMaleThailand2006-12-05 13:27:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionDoes the I-134 require that you attach a tax return?
I was not talking about consulates, I was talking about the I-134, and I stand corrected on one issue, and that is 'if you are self employed'. Otherwise, the I-134 does not necessarily require a tax return.

mugz

Edited by TucsonBill, 05 December 2006 - 10:59 PM.

TucsonBillMaleThailand2006-12-05 22:58:00