Affidavit of Support mandatory?

[payxibka 10,045]

Just got an email from a girl who said she didn't get the visa because she didn't have the Affidavit of Support. But she's going to have the interview again when her fiance sends it to her!

Which consulate?

[JimVaPhuong 4,863]

The consulate in HCM specifically asks for the I-134, so I don't know if they would accept evidence alone. On the other hand, they also specifically say that the form needs to be notarized, but people have confirmed with the consulate that they will accept the new version of the form without the notary stamp.

The checklist issued by the embassy in Kiev also specifically asks for the I-134.

http://kyiv.usembassy.gov/files/kev1eng.rtf

The I-134 form itself is NOT required by Kiev, but all the supporting evidence IS... believe me... I am living proof of that! My now wife had it but held it in her "hip pocket" and I told her only present it is asked.

Okay, I'm just sayin...

I can just visualize some ####### retentive CO refusing to look at the evidence because the I-134 (which is probably less legally binding than a handshake) is not included, when the checklist says it should be.

Well you are reading quite deep into the checklst... of what it says, I submitted only tax returns and paystubs... letters, bank statements and I-134 were not provided.

evidence of support from your American fiancé(e) – tax returns, pay stubs, letters from employers, bank statements, Affidavit of Support I-134.

Fair 'nuff.

The HCM consulate is more specific. "Original Affidavit of Support Form I-134 and the specified financial documents."

http://hochiminh.usconsulate.gov/required_documents2.html

I have no clue whether they'd actually deny an application if the beneficiary submitted the evidence and not the I-134. I haven't read about anyone doing that yet. But, if you were looking for an ####### retentive CO that might do it, that would be a good consulate to start your search.

[KGH 0]

I have a question regarding the affidavit of support. Is supplying it mandatory for a fiance visa when the time of the interview comes? We are both students and unemployed so I don't know if there is any sense in supplying it. Should I have my parents give the affidavit? Sorry if the questions sounds silly, I just don't know much about all this affidavit stuff. Thank you for the help!

Who is getting married? you and your girl friend or your Parents?!!! the reason that they ask for affidavit of support is to make sure you can support yourself and your future wife

sorry, but getting married is difficult enough for person who can support himself or herself, but know you are getting married for your parents?!!

live you life and be happy and enjoy your life, explore the world before you commit yourself to a long life time relationship.

[Bobby+Umit 161]

This is from the State.gov site:

Applying for a Visa

The consular section at the embassy or consulate where you, the fiancé(e) of an American citizen, will apply for a visa, will tell you about any additional specific requirements that you need to fulfill to complete your visa application, such as where you need to go for the required medical examination. During the interview process, an ink-free, digital fingerprint scan will be taken. Some visa applications require further administrative processing, which takes additional time after the visa applicant's interview by a Consular Officer. The following is required:

Evidence of financial support (Form I-134, Affidavit of Support may be requested.)

(bolding mine)

So it is really up to the embassy what they want.

I know for sure Ankara wants both the I-134 and Tax returns (transcripts) for the K-1.

[payxibka 10,045]

Fair 'nuff.

The HCM consulate is more specific. "Original Affidavit of Support Form I-134 and the specified financial documents."

http://hochiminh.usconsulate.gov/required_documents2.html

I have no clue whether they'd actually deny an application if the beneficiary submitted the evidence and not the I-134. I haven't read about anyone doing that yet. But, if you were looking for an ####### retentive CO that might do it, that would be a good consulate to start your search.

Exactly, and that is why a consulate specific answer is so important. Just as an aside... Juarez requires NO financial support evidence... figure that one out...

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

The consulate in HCM specifically asks for the I-134, so I don't know if they would accept evidence alone. On the other hand, they also specifically say that the form needs to be notarized, but people have confirmed with the consulate that they will accept the new version of the form without the notary stamp.

The checklist issued by the embassy in Kiev also specifically asks for the I-134.

http://kyiv.usembassy.gov/files/kev1eng.rtf

The I-134 form itself is NOT required by Kiev, but all the supporting evidence IS... believe me... I am living proof of that! My now wife had it but held it in her "hip pocket" and I told her only present it is asked.

All true. Next week will be the third affidavit I present to the Kiev consulate. The most recent OF-167 instruction from Kiev requests at least TWO of the following four items as supporting documents

1. Most recent year tax return NOTARIZED (it actually specifies notarized, go figure)

2. Recent check stubs

3. Employment letter stating current salary, position and status (permanent/temporary, full time/part time)

4. Bank letter showing when account opened, amount of deposits in last 12 months and current balance.

In each case, I presented the I-134 plus ALL the requested supporting documents. The I-134 is NOT listed as being required.

[JimVaPhuong 4,863]

Fair 'nuff.

The HCM consulate is more specific. "Original Affidavit of Support Form I-134 and the specified financial documents."

http://hochiminh.usconsulate.gov/required_documents2.html

I have no clue whether they'd actually deny an application if the beneficiary submitted the evidence and not the I-134. I haven't read about anyone doing that yet. But, if you were looking for an ####### retentive CO that might do it, that would be a good consulate to start your search.

Exactly, and that is why a consulate specific answer is so important. Just as an aside... Juarez requires NO financial support evidence... figure that one out...

Hah!

They probably figure the odds are good that the beneficiary already has dozens of family members in the US that will help them out!

[m&k 0]

All true. Next week will be the third affidavit I present to the Kiev consulate. The most recent OF-167 instruction from Kiev requests at least TWO of the following four items as supporting documents

1. Most recent year tax return NOTARIZED (it actually specifies notarized, go figure)

2. Recent check stubs

3. Employment letter stating current salary, position and status (permanent/temporary, full time/part time)

4. Bank letter showing when account opened, amount of deposits in last 12 months and current balance.

In each case, I presented the I-134 plus ALL the requested supporting documents. The I-134 is NOT listed as being required.

Gary,

Where does it say that the recent year tax return should be notarized? I didn't see that, but if it's true then I need to get busy

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

All true. Next week will be the third affidavit I present to the Kiev consulate. The most recent OF-167 instruction from Kiev requests at least TWO of the following four items as supporting documents

1. Most recent year tax return NOTARIZED (it actually specifies notarized, go figure)

2. Recent check stubs

3. Employment letter stating current salary, position and status (permanent/temporary, full time/part time)

4. Bank letter showing when account opened, amount of deposits in last 12 months and current balance.

In each case, I presented the I-134 plus ALL the requested supporting documents. The I-134 is NOT listed as being required.

Gary,

Where does it say that the recent year tax return should be notarized? I didn't see that, but if it's true then I need to get busy

Matt

If you look at the form OF-167 which is Kiev's instructions for the financial support, (part of packet 3 download, I can send you a copy if you email me) it says "notarized copy of most recent years tax return" Since my bank does this for free, why not? (it is actually state dept. instructions, Kiev sends them with packet 3)

But before you go getting too worried, I have previously presented 2 affidavits for Alla and Pasha without notarized tax returns and know of several other VJ members that have had success without it. But there it is, in the instructions, and for sake of accuracy I mention it, but it is also why I say "go figure" because it seems no one does this and has no problem

Edited June 16, 2009 by Gary and Alla

[payxibka 10,045]

All true. Next week will be the third affidavit I present to the Kiev consulate. The most recent OF-167 instruction from Kiev requests at least TWO of the following four items as supporting documents

1. Most recent year tax return NOTARIZED (it actually specifies notarized, go figure)

2. Recent check stubs

3. Employment letter stating current salary, position and status (permanent/temporary, full time/part time)

4. Bank letter showing when account opened, amount of deposits in last 12 months and current balance.

In each case, I presented the I-134 plus ALL the requested supporting documents. The I-134 is NOT listed as being required.

Gary,

Where does it say that the recent year tax return should be notarized? I didn't see that, but if it's true then I need to get busy

Matt

If you look at the form OF-167 which is Kiev's instructions for the financial support, (part of packet 3 download, I can send you a copy if you email me) it says "notarized copy of most recent years tax return" Since my bank does this for free, why not? (it is actually state dept. instructions, Kiev sends them with packet 3)

But before you go getting too worried, I have previously presented 2 affidavits for Alla and Pasha without notarized tax returns and know of several other VJ members that have had success without it. But there it is, in the instructions, and for sake of accuracy I mention it, but it is also why I say "go figure" because it seems no one does this and has no problem

my only concern with the OF-167 is the last time it was updated... something like 5 years ago....

[m&k 0]

All true. Next week will be the third affidavit I present to the Kiev consulate. The most recent OF-167 instruction from Kiev requests at least TWO of the following four items as supporting documents

1. Most recent year tax return NOTARIZED (it actually specifies notarized, go figure)

2. Recent check stubs

3. Employment letter stating current salary, position and status (permanent/temporary, full time/part time)

4. Bank letter showing when account opened, amount of deposits in last 12 months and current balance.

In each case, I presented the I-134 plus ALL the requested supporting documents. The I-134 is NOT listed as being required.

Gary,

Where does it say that the recent year tax return should be notarized? I didn't see that, but if it's true then I need to get busy

Matt

If you look at the form OF-167 which is Kiev's instructions for the financial support, (part of packet 3 download, I can send you a copy if you email me) it says "notarized copy of most recent years tax return" Since my bank does this for free, why not? (it is actually state dept. instructions, Kiev sends them with packet 3)

But before you go getting too worried, I have previously presented 2 affidavits for Alla and Pasha without notarized tax returns and know of several other VJ members that have had success without it. But there it is, in the instructions, and for sake of accuracy I mention it, but it is also why I say "go figure" because it seems no one does this and has no problem

my only concern with the OF-167 is the last time it was updated... something like 5 years ago....

Interesting. I thought notary was just to verify your signature on something. If your taxes were sent electronically, and you just print out a copy, what do you sign? I mean, what is there to notarize then if there's no signature?

[JimVaPhuong 4,863]

All true. Next week will be the third affidavit I present to the Kiev consulate. The most recent OF-167 instruction from Kiev requests at least TWO of the following four items as supporting documents

1. Most recent year tax return NOTARIZED (it actually specifies notarized, go figure)

2. Recent check stubs

3. Employment letter stating current salary, position and status (permanent/temporary, full time/part time)

4. Bank letter showing when account opened, amount of deposits in last 12 months and current balance.

In each case, I presented the I-134 plus ALL the requested supporting documents. The I-134 is NOT listed as being required.

Gary,

Where does it say that the recent year tax return should be notarized? I didn't see that, but if it's true then I need to get busy

Matt

If you look at the form OF-167 which is Kiev's instructions for the financial support, (part of packet 3 download, I can send you a copy if you email me) it says "notarized copy of most recent years tax return" Since my bank does this for free, why not? (it is actually state dept. instructions, Kiev sends them with packet 3)

But before you go getting too worried, I have previously presented 2 affidavits for Alla and Pasha without notarized tax returns and know of several other VJ members that have had success without it. But there it is, in the instructions, and for sake of accuracy I mention it, but it is also why I say "go figure" because it seems no one does this and has no problem

my only concern with the OF-167 is the last time it was updated... something like 5 years ago....

Interesting. I thought notary was just to verify your signature on something. If your taxes were sent electronically, and you just print out a copy, what do you sign? I mean, what is there to notarize then if there's no signature?

As you say, a notary is just to verify your signature, though there are a few others things they can do in some states.

I'm not sure how I would handle that. The forms DO have a place for you to sign, and presumably if you'd sent your return electronically then you would not have signed the printed copy, so theoretically you could just sign the form in front of the notary.

Personally, I like the IRS tax transcripts better than the actual tax return. It's a lot fewer pages, and it shows the figures that were actually received and recorded by the IRS. A couple of minutes on the phone with IRS is all it takes to order them, they don't cost anything, and they'll send them to you within a couple of weeks, or even fax them to you the same day.

[payxibka 10,045]

All true. Next week will be the third affidavit I present to the Kiev consulate. The most recent OF-167 instruction from Kiev requests at least TWO of the following four items as supporting documents

1. Most recent year tax return NOTARIZED (it actually specifies notarized, go figure)

2. Recent check stubs

3. Employment letter stating current salary, position and status (permanent/temporary, full time/part time)

4. Bank letter showing when account opened, amount of deposits in last 12 months and current balance.

In each case, I presented the I-134 plus ALL the requested supporting documents. The I-134 is NOT listed as being required.

Gary,

Where does it say that the recent year tax return should be notarized? I didn't see that, but if it's true then I need to get busy

Matt

If you look at the form OF-167 which is Kiev's instructions for the financial support, (part of packet 3 download, I can send you a copy if you email me) it says "notarized copy of most recent years tax return" Since my bank does this for free, why not? (it is actually state dept. instructions, Kiev sends them with packet 3)

But before you go getting too worried, I have previously presented 2 affidavits for Alla and Pasha without notarized tax returns and know of several other VJ members that have had success without it. But there it is, in the instructions, and for sake of accuracy I mention it, but it is also why I say "go figure" because it seems no one does this and has no problem

my only concern with the OF-167 is the last time it was updated... something like 5 years ago....

Interesting. I thought notary was just to verify your signature on something. If your taxes were sent electronically, and you just print out a copy, what do you sign? I mean, what is there to notarize then if there's no signature?

exactly what the misconception is on what a US notary can do. I foreign notary typically has a few more "powers" but not in the US

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

All true. Next week will be the third affidavit I present to the Kiev consulate. The most recent OF-167 instruction from Kiev requests at least TWO of the following four items as supporting documents

1. Most recent year tax return NOTARIZED (it actually specifies notarized, go figure)

2. Recent check stubs

3. Employment letter stating current salary, position and status (permanent/temporary, full time/part time)

4. Bank letter showing when account opened, amount of deposits in last 12 months and current balance.

In each case, I presented the I-134 plus ALL the requested supporting documents. The I-134 is NOT listed as being required.

Gary,

Where does it say that the recent year tax return should be notarized? I didn't see that, but if it's true then I need to get busy

Matt

If you look at the form OF-167 which is Kiev's instructions for the financial support, (part of packet 3 download, I can send you a copy if you email me) it says "notarized copy of most recent years tax return" Since my bank does this for free, why not? (it is actually state dept. instructions, Kiev sends them with packet 3)

But before you go getting too worried, I have previously presented 2 affidavits for Alla and Pasha without notarized tax returns and know of several other VJ members that have had success without it. But there it is, in the instructions, and for sake of accuracy I mention it, but it is also why I say "go figure" because it seems no one does this and has no problem

my only concern with the OF-167 is the last time it was updated... something like 5 years ago....

Interesting. I thought notary was just to verify your signature on something. If your taxes were sent electronically, and you just print out a copy, what do you sign? I mean, what is there to notarize then if there's no signature?

We actually printed a copy of the electronically filed taxes and took it and ourselves to the bank where we both signed it in front of the notary. Payixbka is correct though, the form is old, I didn't even read it last year! I did NOT notarize the tax returns I presented last year and had no rpoblems or questions. The OF-167 I have is the one I had received last year and they still use the same. I believe you will not have a problem, we had to go to the bank anyway, so why not? I doubt it makes any difference.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

All true. Next week will be the third affidavit I present to the Kiev consulate. The most recent OF-167 instruction from Kiev requests at least TWO of the following four items as supporting documents

1. Most recent year tax return NOTARIZED (it actually specifies notarized, go figure)

2. Recent check stubs

3. Employment letter stating current salary, position and status (permanent/temporary, full time/part time)

4. Bank letter showing when account opened, amount of deposits in last 12 months and current balance.

In each case, I presented the I-134 plus ALL the requested supporting documents. The I-134 is NOT listed as being required.

Gary,

Where does it say that the recent year tax return should be notarized? I didn't see that, but if it's true then I need to get busy

Matt

If you look at the form OF-167 which is Kiev's instructions for the financial support, (part of packet 3 download, I can send you a copy if you email me) it says "notarized copy of most recent years tax return" Since my bank does this for free, why not? (it is actually state dept. instructions, Kiev sends them with packet 3)

But before you go getting too worried, I have previously presented 2 affidavits for Alla and Pasha without notarized tax returns and know of several other VJ members that have had success without it. But there it is, in the instructions, and for sake of accuracy I mention it, but it is also why I say "go figure" because it seems no one does this and has no problem

my only concern with the OF-167 is the last time it was updated... something like 5 years ago....

Interesting. I thought notary was just to verify your signature on something. If your taxes were sent electronically, and you just print out a copy, what do you sign? I mean, what is there to notarize then if there's no signature?

As you say, a notary is just to verify your signature, though there are a few others things they can do in some states.

I'm not sure how I would handle that. The forms DO have a place for you to sign, and presumably if you'd sent your return electronically then you would not have signed the printed copy, so theoretically you could just sign the form in front of the notary.

Personally, I like the IRS tax transcripts better than the actual tax return. It's a lot fewer pages, and it shows the figures that were actually received and recorded by the IRS. A couple of minutes on the phone with IRS is all it takes to order them, they don't cost anything, and they'll send them to you within a couple of weeks, or even fax them to you the same day.

Yep, I also know that the IRS transcript is perfectly acceptable in Kiev.