What is the real meaning of 'OPTIONAL' for NVC

[corinne from oz 0]

Hi,

As you can all probably tell by now, we are finalising all our documents (AOS&DS230) to send to NVC. Instead of sending the DS230 from Australia (from me, the beneficiary) and the AOS separately from the USA (from my husband, the petitioner), I am going to send all my DS230 documents to my husband. (Fedex of course and he will have it by Saturday). My husband will then add his AOS documents and send them both together in the one envelop. - IS THIS THE MOST EFFICIENT WAY TO DO IT AN GET IT REVIEWED QUICKER THAN SENDING SEPARATELY? OR, IS IT BETTER FOR MY HUSBAND TO SEND THE AOS NOW - so NVC can start processing it while my DS230 travels from Australia?

OPTIONAL - What does this really mean? Why would someone send documents if it was optional? I was just considering what another kind VJ wrote in response to one of my Posts. IF THE BENEFICIARY HAS MADE OVER THE POVERTY LINE FOR 2008, IS THE TAX RETURN AND W2's FOR 2008 REALLY ENOUGH? i WOULD THINK THAT SENDING ALL THREE YEARS WOULD BE REASSURING THAT THE INCOME HAS REMAIN CONSTANT FOR A LENGTHY PERIOD. ALSO, CAN WE SEND TWO YEARS INSTEAD OF THREE YEARS - IF its optional, would this really matter?

Is it likely they will send an RFE for previous tax years or employment letters or pay stubs even if the beneficary is over the poverty threshold for 2008?

Does the NVC look more favourably on those who like to disclose everything as opposed to the bare minimum documentation?

Welcome your thoughts....

Edited April 1, 2009 by corinne from oz

[Dakine 26]

Sending past 3 years isn't required but if you are a bit shaky with only one years then you have the options of sending additional evidence showing you are finacially secure.

Example if you barely qualify to meet the minimum poverty requirements for 2008 because of not being able to work as much for health or other reasons you can send in 2007 and 2006 if they show you made a lot more.

[OBX 51]

Hi,

As you can all probably tell by now, we are finalising all our documents (AOS&DS230) to send to NVC. Instead of sending the DS230 from Australia (from me, the beneficiary) and the AOS separately from the USA (from my husband, the petitioner), I am going to send all my DS230 documents to my husband. (Fedex of course and he will have it by Saturday). My husband will then add his AOS documents and send them both together in the one envelop. - IS THIS THE MOST EFFICIENT WAY TO DO IT AN GET IT REVIEWED QUICKER THAN SENDING SEPARATELY? OR, IS IT BETTER FOR MY HUSBAND TO SEND THE AOS NOW - so NVC can start processing it while my DS230 travels from Australia?

OPTIONAL - What does this really mean? Why would someone send documents if it was optional? I was just considering what another kind VJ wrote in response to one of my Posts. IF THE BENEFICIARY HAS MADE OVER THE POVERTY LINE FOR 2008, IS THE TAX RETURN AND W2's FOR 2008 REALLY ENOUGH? i WOULD THINK THAT SENDING ALL THREE YEARS WOULD BE REASSURING THAT THE INCOME HAS REMAIN CONSTANT FOR A LENGTHY PERIOD. ALSO, CAN WE SEND TWO YEARS INSTEAD OF THREE YEARS - IF its optional, would this really matter?

Is it likely they will send an RFE for previous tax years or employment letters or pay stubs even if the beneficary is over the poverty threshold for 2008?

Does the NVC look more favourably on those who like to disclose everything as opposed to the bare minimum documentation?

Welcome your thoughts....

In my opinion:

I believe that sending the I-864 and DS-230 together is the more effficent way to submit the documents. The case cannot be completed without both anyway.

You can put them in separate envelopes within a larger envelope or together in one (which is what we did and had no problem.)

With regard to the I-864, I think the more the better. My husband's income was significantly above the required level but we sent transcripts from 2005,2006,2007 and pay stubs for all of 2008. While it does technically state "optional" why not make the strongest case you can. The transcripts were easy to obtain and didn't slow us down at all. We will also bring the 2008 return and all supporting forms to our interview even though they were not specifically requested.

I think it is better to send more than not enough. Then you know you have done all you can instead of second guessing yourself after the packages have been sent in.

Good luck.

Edited April 1, 2009 by OBX

[AddyG 0]

I agree with OBX - the more evidence the beter. Submit as much as you have or can get!