Letter from bank officer

[mox 298]

I know this question has been asked before, and I know the prevailing answer for my situation is "you don't need a bank statement if your income exceeds 125% of the poverty guidelines." However, I have not yet seen an answer that satisfies me completely, due to the wording of the I-134 instructions. I've pasted the relevant portion of the instructions below:

II. Supporting Evidence

As the sponsor, you must show you have sufficient income and/or financial resources to assure that the alien you are sponsoring will not become a public charge while in the United States.

Evidence should consist of copies of any or all of the following documentation listed below that are applicable to your situation.

Failure to provide evidence of sufficient income and/or financial resources may result in the denial of the alien's application for a visa or his or her removal from the United States.

The sponsor must submit in duplicate evidence of income and resources, as appropriate:

A.

Statement from an officer of the bank or other financial institutions where you have deposits, identifying the following details regarding your account:

1. Date account opened;

2. Total amount deposited for the past year;

3. Present balance.

B.

Statement of your employer on business stationery, revealing:

1. Date and nature of employment;

2. Salary paid;

3. Whether the position is temporary or permanent.

...

I've underlined 2 relevant portions of my concern. The first underline seems to be straightforward. Basically look at the list below and pick the evidence that meets your situation. Based on that, it seems as if I can get away with an employer letter (and pay stubs, although that is curiously not in the instructions).

It's the second underline I'm having a problem understanding. What does it mean that I need to submit "in duplicate?" Does that mean 2 copies of the employer letter, or that I need to supply 2 different methods of verifying my income? Since item C (not quoted above) is for self-employed people and doesn't apply to me, and item D (also not quoted) doesn't apply either, then if they're saying I need to provide 2 different methods of verifying my income, I really only have the Bank Officer letter as a second option.

Anyone care to shed some light on this? I do appreciate responses like "I didn't send a bank statement and we were approved," but I guess what I'm really looking for is some justification.

And the reason I'm asking is because I went to my bank the other day to get a letter, and even though I had a sample letter with me, they all looked at me like a deer in the headlights and finally decided the guy who had the authority to do that was out for the day. I'd like to avoid that again if I can justify in my own mind that it's not necessary.

[Okiebollweevil 0]

I know this question has been asked before, and I know the prevailing answer for my situation is "you don't need a bank statement if your income exceeds 125% of the poverty guidelines." However, I have not yet seen an answer that satisfies me completely, due to the wording of the I-134 instructions. I've pasted the relevant portion of the instructions below:

II. Supporting Evidence

As the sponsor, you must show you have sufficient income and/or financial resources to assure that the alien you are sponsoring will not become a public charge while in the United States.

Evidence should consist of copies of any or all of the following documentation listed below that are applicable to your situation.

Failure to provide evidence of sufficient income and/or financial resources may result in the denial of the alien's application for a visa or his or her removal from the United States.

The sponsor must submit in duplicate evidence of income and resources, as appropriate:

A.

Statement from an officer of the bank or other financial institutions where you have deposits, identifying the following details regarding your account:

1. Date account opened;

2. Total amount deposited for the past year;

3. Present balance.

B.

Statement of your employer on business stationery, revealing:

1. Date and nature of employment;

2. Salary paid;

3. Whether the position is temporary or permanent.

...

I've underlined 2 relevant portions of my concern. The first underline seems to be straightforward. Basically look at the list below and pick the evidence that meets your situation. Based on that, it seems as if I can get away with an employer letter (and pay stubs, although that is curiously not in the instructions).

It's the second underline I'm having a problem understanding. What does it mean that I need to submit "in duplicate?" Does that mean 2 copies of the employer letter, or that I need to supply 2 different methods of verifying my income? Since item C (not quoted above) is for self-employed people and doesn't apply to me, and item D (also not quoted) doesn't apply either, then if they're saying I need to provide 2 different methods of verifying my income, I really only have the Bank Officer letter as a second option.

Anyone care to shed some light on this? I do appreciate responses like "I didn't send a bank statement and we were approved," but I guess what I'm really looking for is some justification.

And the reason I'm asking is because I went to my bank the other day to get a letter, and even though I had a sample letter with me, they all looked at me like a deer in the headlights and finally decided the guy who had the authority to do that was out for the day. I'd like to avoid that again if I can justify in my own mind that it's not necessary.

I did both, made copies of both and submitted. Better to give them too much than too little.

[YuAndDan 153]

Similar question asked earlier.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...=114577&hl=

For K-Visas the I-134 is used.

If income is above 125% then listing assets is NOT required.

One thing about I-134, the directions included with I-134 are very old, USCIS has no reason to update them since USCIS has no application for that form.

The consulates tend to treat the I-134 like a mini-I-864 as so prefer the same financial evidence as the I-864.

In our case this what the I-134 included.

• I-134 signed and notarized.

• SIMPLE Tax transcripts from the IRS for past 3 years, (Redundant for the (1040,W2,1099) but are free from the IRS http://www.irs.gov/faqs/faq1-6.html

• Photo copy of IRS form 1040, and W2s for past 3 years (Not necessary if you provide the transcripts)

• Letter from my employer stating annual salary, job responsibility, and that is full time, on company letterhead.

• Photo copies of past month or so of pay stubs up to a few weeks before the interview.

My income was well above the povertyline so I did not include any asset data (LIKE BANK STATEMENTS or property values).

If your income exceeds 125% or (100% for military) of the povertyline when counting yourself, prospective immigrant and any dependents, then don't bother with assets (401K, Bank balance, Stocks etc..), it is just extra un-needed data to provide, the consular officer is most concerned with INCOME.

Edited March 7, 2008 by YuAndDan

[YuAndDan 153]

Most consulates spell out what they want included with the I-134 in the Packet 3 letter.

Financial documents from the petitioner – a US citizen: please note, that Affidavit of Support (form I-134) is not required, but may be requested. The document must be notarized. Please submit financial documents to show that the applicant will not become a public charge in the United States. Such documents may include, but are not limited to:

• Most recent year tax returns (form 1040) or tax transcripts from IRS
• Copy of bank account (Again good if you need to use it as an asset)
• Earnings and leave statement (For may this is listed on pay stubs)
• W-2 forms (Part of the Return above)
• Letter from employer

http://moscow.usembassy.gov/consular/consu...cord_id=fiancee

[mox 298]

If income is above 125% then listing assets is NOT required.

This seems to be the common wisdom, but the instructions are unclear and I've yet to find a definitive source.

One thing about I-134, the directions included with I-134 are very old, USCIS has no reason to update them since USCIS has no application for that form.

The consulates tend to treat the I-134 like a mini-I-864 as so prefer the same financial evidence as the I-864.

I've seen you post this answer before (I really need to template some of my answers too ), do you have a source for the I-134/I-864 treatment? Not trying to challenge you on this, I'd just like to know for my own edification and peace of mind. Seems to me like USCIS need to update their damn forms if for any other reason than the confusing instructions.

[mox 298]

Most consulates spell out what they want included with the I-134 in the Packet 3 letter.

Financial documents from the petitioner – a US citizen: please note, that Affidavit of Support (form I-134) is not required, but may be requested. The document must be notarized. Please submit financial documents to show that the applicant will not become a public charge in the United States. Such documents may include, but are not limited to:

• Most recent year tax returns (form 1040) or tax transcripts from IRS
• Copy of bank account (Again good if you need to use it as an asset)
• Earnings and leave statement (For may this is listed on pay stubs)
• W-2 forms (Part of the Return above)
• Letter from employer

http://moscow.usembassy.gov/consular/consu...cord_id=fiancee

And yeah, I actually meant to quote the consulate's list on my initial post, but forgot to. These instructions are also somewhat vague. In fact, they seem to strengthen the case that at least in the case of Moscow you should be providing a bank statement. (Again, I know lots have done without it and been approved. I guess I'm just ####### for definitive answers. I know, I know...how on earth did I get this far? )

Edited March 7, 2008 by mox

[YuAndDan 153]

If income is above 125% then listing assets is NOT required.

This seems to be the common wisdom, but the instructions are unclear and I've yet to find a definitive source.

One thing about I-134, the directions included with I-134 are very old, USCIS has no reason to update them since USCIS has no application for that form.

The consulates tend to treat the I-134 like a mini-I-864 as so prefer the same financial evidence as the I-864.

I've seen you post this answer before (I really need to template some of my answers too ), do you have a source for the I-134/I-864 treatment? Not trying to challenge you on this, I'd just like to know for my own edification and peace of mind. Seems to me like USCIS need to update their damn forms if for any other reason than the confusing instructions.

Look at my additional post: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...t&p=1642504

Instructions specifically from Moscow. I can point you to many other consulate websites directions. Again they expect the same evidence as the I-864 because the K-Visa holder will later need to use I-864 when adjusting status.

[Kazan' Tiger 1]

I have an additional question... What if one does keep any monumental sum in a bank? I don't keep any more than $200 in a bank ever. Therefore, I was not planning on submitting this as the list states (note keyword "may"):

Such documents may include, but are not limited to:

• Most recent year tax returns (form 1040) or tax transcripts from IRS
• Copy of bank account (Again good if you need to use it as an asset)
• Earnings and leave statement (For may this is listed on pay stubs)
• W-2 forms (Part of the Return above)
• Letter from employer

As I am not using assets, I'll submit everything else, but a bank statement showing a balance of $100 seems silly!

[mox 298]

As I am not using assets, I'll submit everything else, but a bank statement showing a balance of $100 seems silly!

The instructions on the I-134 want total deposits over the last 12 months too, not just a current balance. So it does make sense to me from the perspective of verifying that you really are employed and depositing an income into your bank account. Of course there are a lot of people who don't deposit their checks, but if you do then I can see this as a valid way of proving (or at least strongly implying) you really do have a job that meets the poverty guidelines.

[Kazan' Tiger 1]

I can show paycheck stubs, but I am one that does not put paychecks in the bank. Total deposits for a year in my bank account would not even add up to even one month's worth of paychecks. It would not support anything.

As I am not using assets, I'll submit everything else, but a bank statement showing a balance of $100 seems silly!

The instructions on the I-134 want total deposits over the last 12 months too, not just a current balance. So it does make sense to me from the perspective of verifying that you really are employed and depositing an income into your bank account. Of course there are a lot of people who don't deposit their checks, but if you do then I can see this as a valid way of proving (or at least strongly implying) you really do have a job that meets the poverty guidelines.

[shikarnov 7]

As I am not using assets, I'll submit everything else, but a bank statement showing a balance of $100 seems silly!

The instructions on the I-134 want total deposits over the last 12 months too, not just a current balance. So it does make sense to me from the perspective of verifying that you really are employed and depositing an income into your bank account. Of course there are a lot of people who don't deposit their checks, but if you do then I can see this as a valid way of proving (or at least strongly implying) you really do have a job that meets the poverty guidelines.

Personally I think it's ridiculous that we have to prove anything. We're citizens of this country, and the assumption should be that we're telling the truth unless the government has reason to suspect differently, and subsequently has evidence to prove otherwise. This entire process is very dictatorial in nature.

My bank (Wachovia) couldn't provide me with a simple report saying that my total deposits were for the past year. Apparently only the past few months are kept on their computers. They said I could turn over all my paper bank statements to the government and let them sift through those documents to compile a total. Can you imagine? I made them write a letter stating the fact that their computer system doesn't provide that information readily. I did get the average balance over the past year though, the date the account opened, and the current balance. That'll have to be sufficient for Big Brother, because they're not getting their grubby paws on my line item bank statements without a warrant.

I'm starting to understand the Libertarian viewpoint that government is bad. This entire process has been utterly ridiculous, and unnecessarily complex, invasive, and difficult.

Z

[YuAndDan 153]

As I am not using assets, I'll submit everything else, but a bank statement showing a balance of $100 seems silly!

The instructions on the I-134 want total deposits over the last 12 months too, not just a current balance. So it does make sense to me from the perspective of verifying that you really are employed and depositing an income into your bank account. Of course there are a lot of people who don't deposit their checks, but if you do then I can see this as a valid way of proving (or at least strongly implying) you really do have a job that meets the poverty guidelines.

In that case you could use bank statements, and highlight the payroll deposits.

Keep in mind this not listed on the I-134, because that would be listing the same thing twice, income cannot be counted also as an asset. Also the deposit amounts are "Take-Home" pay, and the I-134 uses Gross income BEFORE deductions and taxes, so the numbers on the statements will be less than the numbers on your returns W2, employer letter, and pay stubs.

The more that you attach to the I-134 the more questions the VO can ask. I am of the firm belief "Keep it Simple", provide them solid evidence of income (Returns, pay-stubs, employer letter), and continued employment (Pay stubs, and employer letter)

[YuAndDan 153]

Personally I think it's ridiculous that we have to prove anything. We're citizens of this country, and the assumption should be that we're telling the truth unless the government has reason to suspect differently, and subsequently has evidence to prove otherwise. This entire process is very dictatorial in nature.

My bank (Wachovia) couldn't provide me with a simple report saying that my total deposits were for the past year. Apparently only the past few months are kept on their computers. They said I could turn over all my paper bank statements to the government and let them sift through those documents to compile a total. Can you imagine? I made them write a letter stating the fact that their computer system doesn't provide that information readily. I did get the average balance over the past year though, the date the account opened, and the current balance. That'll have to be sufficient for Big Brother, because they're not getting their grubby paws on my line item bank statements without a warrant.

I'm starting to understand the Libertarian viewpoint that government is bad. This entire process has been utterly ridiculous, and unnecessarily complex, invasive, and difficult.

Z

The consulate wants evidence that the prospective immigrant wont just enter the USA and then become dependent on public assistance. Later when adjusting status the spouse sponsor MUST sign a contract that the immigrant will be supported by the sponsor, (I-864).

I am of like mind about too much government, dems are for MORE government, conservatives are for LESS government.

[mox 298]

The more that you attach to the I-134 the more questions the VO can ask. I am of the firm belief "Keep it Simple", provide them solid evidence of income (Returns, pay-stubs, employer letter), and continued employment (Pay stubs, and employer letter)

Agreed, which is why I'm asking the question at all. I'm not quite as extreme in my objections as Shikarnov, but it does unsettle me to have to provide more than is absolutely necessary. Not because of government intrusion (although I *am* wary of that also) but because of what you said--the more you give them, the more questions they can ask. The last thing I want is for them to be grilling my girl--whose English is about 60%--on stuff she's going to have no idea how to answer.

I am of like mind about too much government, dems are for MORE government, conservatives are for LESS government.

The last 8 years have certainly thrown a spanner in this argument.

[ben2 0]

I know this question has been asked before, and I know the prevailing answer for my situation is "you don't need a bank statement if your income exceeds 125% of the poverty guidelines." However, I have not yet seen an answer that satisfies me completely, due to the wording of the I-134 instructions. I've pasted the relevant portion of the instructions below:

II. Supporting Evidence

As the sponsor, you must show you have sufficient income and/or financial resources to assure that the alien you are sponsoring will not become a public charge while in the United States.

Evidence should consist of copies of any or all of the following documentation listed below that are applicable to your situation.

Failure to provide evidence of sufficient income and/or financial resources may result in the denial of the alien's application for a visa or his or her removal from the United States.

The sponsor must submit in duplicate evidence of income and resources, as appropriate:

A.

Statement from an officer of the bank or other financial institutions where you have deposits, identifying the following details regarding your account:

1. Date account opened;

2. Total amount deposited for the past year;

3. Present balance.

B.

Statement of your employer on business stationery, revealing:

1. Date and nature of employment;

2. Salary paid;

3. Whether the position is temporary or permanent.

...

I've underlined 2 relevant portions of my concern. The first underline seems to be straightforward. Basically look at the list below and pick the evidence that meets your situation. Based on that, it seems as if I can get away with an employer letter (and pay stubs, although that is curiously not in the instructions).

It's the second underline I'm having a problem understanding. What does it mean that I need to submit "in duplicate?" Does that mean 2 copies of the employer letter, or that I need to supply 2 different methods of verifying my income? Since item C (not quoted above) is for self-employed people and doesn't apply to me, and item D (also not quoted) doesn't apply either, then if they're saying I need to provide 2 different methods of verifying my income, I really only have the Bank Officer letter as a second option.

Anyone care to shed some light on this? I do appreciate responses like "I didn't send a bank statement and we were approved," but I guess what I'm really looking for is some justification.

And the reason I'm asking is because I went to my bank the other day to get a letter, and even though I had a sample letter with me, they all looked at me like a deer in the headlights and finally decided the guy who had the authority to do that was out for the day. I'd like to avoid that again if I can justify in my own mind that it's not necessary.

Not sure of the correct way, can only speak from experience. I did the K1 through the lawyer, and she told me to just print out the balance from the bank's website, which is what i did. That worked out fine. My income is way above the poverty line though, so that might make a difference as well.