HCMC I-134 Quick Question

[STL_HCMC 0]

Hi Everyone!

Perhaps the answer is clear as day.

Regarding the section of the I-134 listing the amount of savings on deposit in banks in the United States, I'm seeking your input for which way to go:

- My bank letter was successfully obtained, but is dated about 2 months ago. It is obvious that the amount stated on that letter as the present balance as of writing is different than the balance in the account as of today (i.e. lower) when writing this.

My question: on the I-134 that I will have notarized at the US Consulate in HCMC next week, should I list the current balance of the account, or list the balance that was certified by my bank in the letter dated 2 months ago?

Thanks for the direction! The world has started spinning a little faster since receiving the interview date!

NOTE: we are using a co-sponsor AND most of my savings isn't on deposit in a bank in the United States (don't like the hassle of transferring money from VN to USA), but on deposit in my fiancee's account (not joint) in HCMC.

STL_HCMC

[menyoo 0]

Hi Everyone!

Perhaps the answer is clear as day.

Regarding the section of the I-134 listing the amount of savings on deposit in banks in the United States, I'm seeking your input for which way to go:

- My bank letter was successfully obtained, but is dated about 2 months ago. It is obvious that the amount stated on that letter as the present balance as of writing is different than the balance in the account as of today (i.e. lower) when writing this.

My question: on the I-134 that I will have notarized at the US Consulate in HCMC next week, should I list the current balance of the account, or list the balance that was certified by my bank in the letter dated 2 months ago?

Thanks for the direction! The world has started spinning a little faster since receiving the interview date!

NOTE: we are using a co-sponsor AND most of my savings isn't on deposit in a bank in the United States (don't like the hassle of transferring money from VN to USA), but on deposit in my fiancee's account (not joint) in HCMC.

STL_HCMC

That was what I did a coupon months ago. I got my bank letter first, then I put in the I-134 the axact balance stated in the letter, then certified.

[justin728jn 0]

does the consulate specificly requires a saving account statement or a checking acct. statement will do fine? I have zero in my saving and it always been zero, should i start transfer the fund from my checking to saving? or does it really matter?

[nhatrang 0]

I did not know this great forum and i am using an immigration lawyer to help with my K1. He is doing a great job though but the forum is SO HELPFUL.

My bank letter and notarized I-134 were sent to US Consulate HCMC back in Feb 2006. My lawyer said I just need to give my fiancee my latest Bank Statements and paystubs before her interview. I make sure the balance is very close to what I stated on the I-134.

Nhatrang

It should not matter checking or saving. My total on the I-134 is the sum of both checking and saving. You just need to provide them with the bank statements.

Nhatrang.

[Kevin&Loan 0]

Here is what included in my Affadavit of Support for Loan and I had no problem from the Consulate:

1. Tax Transcripts for the last 3 years (I called INS and requested the transcripts --- it was free and it took less than a week to receive it)

2. Letter from my company that has my length of employment, current salary, title

That was it. No problem at all. I did not even get the letter from the bank. If you are above the minimum income requirement, you only have to give the Consulate what I gave them. Just my 2 cents --- Good luck

[STL_HCMC 0]

Thanks for the input everyone. I think I'll put the amount on the I-134 and submit statements from the bank. We are using a co-sponsor, so I don't know how much they will look at my I-134.

STL_HCMC

[songsparrow 0]

Yeah, I had the same thoughts about mine. My account balance changed for the better since my letter from the bank. It would be great to add that on to the affidavit, but I still used the bank letter total on the I-134 so its all official. But I will throw in my latest bank statement as a type of secondary evidence. Even if its not proven by the bank officer and notarized. Its kinda a little extra food for thought I'd say.

[chuckandkim 0]

My 2 cents,

STL_HCM,

It's great that you are getting busy preparing for the interview's package. Fun but stressful process, so many things need to be collected and organized, unbelievable

The I-134's Purpose: To show the C.O. a full view picture of your financial stability, can you or a co-sponsor take care of the "legal alien" or "immigrant" once she/he arrives in the US with the intent to immigrate.

Included Items:

Notarized form I-134 - Most banks will notarize for free with its in-house Public Notary agent.

Bank Statements - Print online or request them from your bank, this is FREE if not, you need to talk to the Branch Manager. This shows the C.O. the history of your financial and match with your "incomes" (paystubs, deposit, withdraw)

Bank Letter: how long you have been with this bank, having a total amonth of $XXX,XXX.XX in saving and checking account. This shows the C.O. you do have some/alot of money, but it's not important that you MUST have a lot of cash in your bank. $0 balance is OK too for people who have a co-sponsor.

Paystubs: If you work, great, attach about 3 months worth of paystubs. Shows the C.O. you're current and continuous employed by the same company or employed with incomes.

Letter of employment: this is somewhat difficult for some larger corp. for some people have been known to use Corp. Employment Letter to obtain loans and never pay back etc. so some company actually pretty strict on issuing LOE (letter or employment) to its employee. If you do get one through your HR Dept, make sure they state: your start date and currently employed in good standing with an annual salary of $XXX,XXX or hourly $XXX,XXX. Must use company stationary (letterhead and logo).

Last but so so so very important: W-2 and Tax returns for the past 3 years. Some say you only need 1 year, some will tell you their horrible stories about the "1 year tax return record". Be safe, get 3 years.

STL_HCM, they will look at your parents' I-134 package very careful. Good luck and I hope i didn't confuse you more than you are already

Love,

chuck and kim

[STL_HCMC 0]

Hi chuckandkim,

Sincerely appreciate the detail in your reply. It always helps! Have all the evidence that you noted in your reply, but below are a few I'm concerned about. Your thoughts?

Paystubs: easily obtained for the co-sponsor (i.e. father). However, my employer in Vietnam doesn't do paystubs. I'm paid in VND each month and VN is a cash society! Not sure what to do about this, but will probably just write a statement explaining the absence of paystubs and include it with my I-134 evidence.

Letter of Employment: this was easily obtained for both myself and co-sponsor. All the required info you mentioned is listed, however, my letter also states the completion date of my contract here in Vietnam. I don't know exactly how this will be interpreted by the Consulate.

3 Years Tax Returns & W2's: Have both of these for myself and co-sponsor. However, I don't have a W2 for 2005 since I was working in Vietnam and that income was claimed as foreign earned income. Perhaps I need another little note about this to include with the evidence? '03 and '04 are quite small in earnings because I was a student and finishing my degree. '05 return is small in earnings because, well, you probably know that salaries in VN (my income is very high here and above 125% poverty for 2 in USA) are quite different when compared with earnings in the United States.

We'll get it all prepared as best we can, practice as best we can for the interview and then at that point it is really out of our hands! I've been living/working here for more than a year and am fortunate that I get to spend everyday with my fiancee. I hope that plays to our favor during her interview!

STL_HCMC

My 2 cents,

STL_HCM,

It's great that you are getting busy preparing for the interview's package. Fun but stressful process, so many things need to be collected and organized, unbelievable

The I-134's Purpose: To show the C.O. a full view picture of your financial stability, can you or a co-sponsor take care of the "legal alien" or "immigrant" once she/he arrives in the US with the intent to immigrate.

Included Items:

Notarized form I-134 - Most banks will notarize for free with its in-house Public Notary agent.

Bank Statements - Print online or request them from your bank, this is FREE if not, you need to talk to the Branch Manager. This shows the C.O. the history of your financial and match with your "incomes" (paystubs, deposit, withdraw)

Bank Letter: how long you have been with this bank, having a total amonth of $XXX,XXX.XX in saving and checking account. This shows the C.O. you do have some/alot of money, but it's not important that you MUST have a lot of cash in your bank. $0 balance is OK too for people who have a co-sponsor.

Paystubs: If you work, great, attach about 3 months worth of paystubs. Shows the C.O. you're current and continuous employed by the same company or employed with incomes.

Letter of employment: this is somewhat difficult for some larger corp. for some people have been known to use Corp. Employment Letter to obtain loans and never pay back etc. so some company actually pretty strict on issuing LOE (letter or employment) to its employee. If you do get one through your HR Dept, make sure they state: your start date and currently employed in good standing with an annual salary of $XXX,XXX or hourly $XXX,XXX. Must use company stationary (letterhead and logo).

Last but so so so very important: W-2 and Tax returns for the past 3 years. Some say you only need 1 year, some will tell you their horrible stories about the "1 year tax return record". Be safe, get 3 years.

STL_HCM, they will look at your parents' I-134 package very careful. Good luck and I hope i didn't confuse you more than you are already

Love,

chuck and kim

[chuckandkim 0]

Hi chuckandkim,

Sincerely appreciate the detail in your reply. It always helps! Have all the evidence that you noted in your reply, but below are a few I'm concerned about. Your thoughts?

Paystubs: easily obtained for the co-sponsor (i.e. father). However, my employer in Vietnam doesn't do paystubs. I'm paid in VND each month and VN is a cash society! Not sure what to do about this, but will probably just write a statement explaining the absence of paystubs and include it with my I-134 evidence.

My response You can also ask your Viet employer to provide you a "Bien Lai Thanh Toan Tien Luong" which is a equipvalen of a paystub here. Each company does keep track of their payable/receivable for accounting purpose regardless of the nature of the business. Anything with company's name/logo would be ok where it shows they pay you for this amount, that amount from this date to that date.[

Letter of Employment: this was easily obtained for both myself and co-sponsor. All the required info you mentioned is listed, however, my letter also states the completion date of my contract here in Vietnam. I don't know exactly how this will be interpreted by the Consulate.

My response I don't see this is a problem, you are not a native here in VN, they don't expect you to live and work here forgood which explain why you are now applying for K-1 Visa for your fiance, ultimately you want to go back to the US and build a family there. So a letter with a completion date is nothing more but a plus in your case, meaning you are inneed of their visa approval to return to the States by that date with your fiance (hoping) So I don't see it as a problem, anyone disagree?

3 Years Tax Returns & W2's: Have both of these for myself and co-sponsor. However, I don't have a W2 for 2005 since I was working in Vietnam and that income was claimed as foreign earned income. Perhaps I need another little note about this to include with the evidence? '03 and '04 are quite small in earnings because I was a student and finishing my degree. '05 return is small in earnings because, well, you probably know that salaries in VN (my income is very high here and above 125% poverty for 2 in USA) are quite different when compared with earnings in the United States.

My response I understand how the salary systems in VN works, everything on paper/record is substandard living, they probably show on record you make $1,500,000VND ($100USD) a month, just for tax purpose but your sublimental pays are significantly higher than that. My suggestion, If you want to use your "REAL" incomes in your case, you want to show it to the CO, and you might want to read up on this rules File Requirement Have you filed your 2005 income tax with the IRS or get an extention? If you made more than $8,200 but less than $80,000, then regardless where you make that money, you pay uncle Sam, that's what I understand. However, this could play a less important role for you have a co-sponsor, but they might ask for your 05 tax return. Someone else can jump in and explain further

We'll get it all prepared as best we can, practice as best we can for the interview and then at that point it is really out of our hands! I've been living/working here for more than a year and am fortunate that I get to spend everyday with my fiancee. I hope that plays to our favor during her interview!

My response I think it will play to your favor during her interview for sure, just make sure to go over the questions with her again and again. What's your parents name, where do they live, work? Talk to them often? Where is the light switch in your bedroom apartment you two are living together? What's the color of the room? Man the list can go on and on! You should ask or search up on what kind of question HCMC has been asking its interviewees. good luck as always hope this helps, if not, i'm sure someone will jump on and chime in with great info.

STL_HCMC

My 2 cents,

STL_HCM,

It's great that you are getting busy preparing for the interview's package. Fun but stressful process, so many things need to be collected and organized, unbelievable

The I-134's Purpose: To show the C.O. a full view picture of your financial stability, can you or a co-sponsor take care of the "legal alien" or "immigrant" once she/he arrives in the US with the intent to immigrate.

Included Items:

Notarized form I-134 - Most banks will notarize for free with its in-house Public Notary agent.

Bank Statements - Print online or request them from your bank, this is FREE if not, you need to talk to the Branch Manager. This shows the C.O. the history of your financial and match with your "incomes" (paystubs, deposit, withdraw)

Bank Letter: how long you have been with this bank, having a total amonth of $XXX,XXX.XX in saving and checking account. This shows the C.O. you do have some/alot of money, but it's not important that you MUST have a lot of cash in your bank. $0 balance is OK too for people who have a co-sponsor.

Paystubs: If you work, great, attach about 3 months worth of paystubs. Shows the C.O. you're current and continuous employed by the same company or employed with incomes.

Letter of employment: this is somewhat difficult for some larger corp. for some people have been known to use Corp. Employment Letter to obtain loans and never pay back etc. so some company actually pretty strict on issuing LOE (letter or employment) to its employee. If you do get one through your HR Dept, make sure they state: your start date and currently employed in good standing with an annual salary of $XXX,XXX or hourly $XXX,XXX. Must use company stationary (letterhead and logo).

Last but so so so very important: W-2 and Tax returns for the past 3 years. Some say you only need 1 year, some will tell you their horrible stories about the "1 year tax return record". Be safe, get 3 years.

STL_HCM, they will look at your parents' I-134 package very careful. Good luck and I hope i didn't confuse you more than you are already

Love,

chuck and kim

[STL_HCMC 0]

Hi chuckandkim,

Thanks for the further reply! Offered a few comments below to follow up!

Paystubs - Thanks for the Vietnamese paystub equivalent tip! In the event this isn't obtainable, I'm hoping the employer letter will do! As you mentioned in your reply, you know how VN companies can be about releasing information; especially into foreign hands such as mine. I'll see what I can work out on this one. Perhaps they will be looking more closely at my co-sponsor (father) and less at my income. After all, when my contract is complete here in VN, I'll be going back to the United States without a job (how they will view this worries me too). The company I work for is a private Vietnamese company and doesn't have any USA operations. I'm hoping my international business experience of working in VN for 1.5 years will show the US Consulate that I have the skills to obtain employment upon returning to St. Louis.

2005 Tax Return - I'll have all three tax returns for them ('05, '04 and '03). I also received tax transcripts for all three years as well. I started with the company in May 2005 and my salary at that time (initial contract) was nowhere near what I'm making now. So that means that my income in 2005 isn't on par with the salary I'm making now. I hope they will recognize that my salary now is a nice wage for living extra comfortable in Vietnam. I'm still paid according to standard of living in VN, but in comparison to local VN salaries, my fiancee and I are doing just fine!

Interview - we are living together in a nice two-bedroom house! I've researched the interview questions here on VJ (look forward to Matt_Steven's report) a number of times. Do you honestly think, for a fiancee visa, they will be asking about details of the inside of our house, etc.? In our case, since I'm living here, would they request to interview me as well?

Your info is always a help! Thanks again!

STL_HCMC

Paystubs: easily obtained for the co-sponsor (i.e. father). However, my employer in Vietnam doesn't do paystubs. I'm paid in VND each month and VN is a cash society! Not sure what to do about this, but will probably just write a statement explaining the absence of paystubs and include it with my I-134 evidence.

My response You can also ask your Viet employer to provide you a "Bien Lai Thanh Toan Tien Luong" which is a equipvalen of a paystub here. Each company does keep track of their payable/receivable for accounting purpose regardless of the nature of the business. Anything with company's name/logo would be ok where it shows they pay you for this amount, that amount from this date to that date.

Letter of Employment: this was easily obtained for both myself and co-sponsor. All the required info you mentioned is listed, however, my letter also states the completion date of my contract here in Vietnam. I don't know exactly how this will be interpreted by the Consulate.

My response I don't see this is a problem, you are not a native here in VN, they don't expect you to live and work here forgood which explain why you are now applying for K-1 Visa for your fiance, ultimately you want to go back to the US and build a family there. So a letter with a completion date is nothing more but a plus in your case, meaning you are inneed of their visa approval to return to the States by that date with your fiance (hoping) So I don't see it as a problem, anyone disagree?

3 Years Tax Returns & W2's: Have both of these for myself and co-sponsor. However, I don't have a W2 for 2005 since I was working in Vietnam and that income was claimed as foreign earned income. Perhaps I need another little note about this to include with the evidence? '03 and '04 are quite small in earnings because I was a student and finishing my degree. '05 return is small in earnings because, well, you probably know that salaries in VN (my income is very high here and above 125% poverty for 2 in USA) are quite different when compared with earnings in the United States.

My response I understand how the salary systems in VN works, everything on paper/record is substandard living, they probably show on record you make $1,500,000VND ($100USD) a month, just for tax purpose but your sublimental pays are significantly higher than that. My suggestion, If you want to use your "REAL" incomes in your case, you want to show it to the CO, and you might want to read up on this rules File Requirement Have you filed your 2005 income tax with the IRS or get an extention? If you made more than $8,200 but less than $80,000, then regardless where you make that money, you pay uncle Sam, that's what I understand. However, this could play a less important role for you have a co-sponsor, but they might ask for your 05 tax return. Someone else can jump in and explain further.

We'll get it all prepared as best we can, practice as best we can for the interview and then at that point it is really out of our hands! I've been living/working here for more than a year and am fortunate that I get to spend everyday with my fiancee. I hope that plays to our favor during her interview!

My response I think it will play to your favor during her interview for sure, just make sure to go over the questions with her again and again. What's your parents name, where do they live, work? Talk to them often? Where is the light switch in your bedroom apartment you two are living together? What's the color of the room? Man the list can go on and on! You should ask or search up on what kind of question HCMC has been asking its interviewees. good luck as always hope this helps, if not, i'm sure someone will jump on and chime in with great info.

[chuckandkim 0]

STL_HCM,

Matt just confirmed your question that HCMC no longer accept Co-sponsorship in most cases due to high fraud level.

Comment: "you know how VN companies can be about releasing information; especially into foreign hands such as mine. I'll see what I can work out on this one"

You mentioned many times that VN is a society that runs on CASH-ONLY. Now, it's your turn to apply that method to your advance Have a little talk with the HR or Accountant in your company, get him a nice cushy envolope with some dead-presidents inside. You should have that "BIEN LAI" (receipt) in no time And noone needs to know about it... just make sure you have it with you. The information on it must be truthful though, can't jack up your salary, don't recommend

With your current salary, you mentioned you have MORE than enough for the two of you to live in VN in confort? and more than enough for you to meet and exceed the Poverty Guideline? If that is the case, you may not need a co-sponsorship. You are making great money right now and until the end of this year? That's all it matters. Nobody can gaurantee you will have the same job today, tomorrow, next month, next year, they understand that. So you do not need to worry about what will you be doing next year when you two are return to the STATES, that is not the point. You can find jobs everywhere and can lose it anytime. Infact, I got laid off right after I sent in my I-129F, guess what? That doesn't even matter, I am a professional like you are, we can find job, high paying job, just a matter of time and the right opportunity! My unemployment income for 6 months worth more than the poverty guideline amount. So, not to over stresss and go crazy trying to get a co-sponsor. You are making good money right now? If yes, you may not need co-sponsorship.

Interview: you two are living together? They won't ask you to come to the interview, but if she makes that kind of statement at the interview, they may ask her in detail about your daily activity. So more homework for you two to do lituraly, HOME-WORK What you two have for dinner last night? How you like your PHO? Chicken or Beef? (Well, chicken is out of the question now in VN) hahaha The list can go on... but be prepair as if you are going to war

[Yodrak 7]

STL_HCMC

Is the amount significant? Say 5 figures? If not it really doesn't make any difference how much money you have in the bank.

Yodrak

Hi Everyone!

Perhaps the answer is clear as day.

Regarding the section of the I-134 listing the amount of savings on deposit in banks in the United States, I'm seeking your input for which way to go:

- My bank letter was successfully obtained, but is dated about 2 months ago. It is obvious that the amount stated on that letter as the present balance as of writing is different than the balance in the account as of today (i.e. lower) when writing this.

My question: on the I-134 that I will have notarized at the US Consulate in HCMC next week, should I list the current balance of the account, or list the balance that was certified by my bank in the letter dated 2 months ago?

Thanks for the direction! The world has started spinning a little faster since receiving the interview date!

NOTE: we are using a co-sponsor AND most of my savings isn't on deposit in a bank in the United States (don't like the hassle of transferring money from VN to USA), but on deposit in my fiancee's account (not joint) in HCMC.

STL_HCMC

Edited June 27, 2006 by Yodrak

[Kevin&Loan 0]

STL_HCMC, I have a very strong feeling that your case will fly at the Consulate. Do not stress out too much. I know it is easiser to be said than done but you are fine. I have been following your case in here very closely and I know that you will have absolutely no problem. Do not ask me how I know, I just know ... Gut feeling

[chuckandkim 0]

Did you go to the fortune teller again this morning Kevin?