Question re: the I-134 Form....

[Farsider 7]

I'm studying the USCIS instructions for the I-134 "Affidavit of Support" form. The instructions clearly state (in the section called Supporting Evidence).... "C. If self-employed: 1. Copy of last income tax return filed...."

Since I am not self-employed, I understand this to mean that I do not need to include a copy of my last income tax filing. The instructions also do not ask for a W-2. I am a firm believer in providing only the information asked for - and nothing more.

So... isn't it sufficient to provide a letter from my employer that verifies my job position, and permanent full-time status, and my income?

I have read in various sections of this Visa Journey site that the I-134 requires including your most recent income tax filing.... and your W-2.... and even paycheck stubs. But the I-134 instructions do not say this. It only states that "if self-employed".... then they want a copy of last year's income tax.

So what's the real story here?

Thanks, --- Farsider

(We have our NOA2 and just received the letter from the State Dept. that they are sending our approved application to the U.S. Embassy -- so, next step is this I-134!)

:-)

[JimVaPhuong 4,863]

The instructions for the I-134 are general in nature. It's entirely up to the consulate what you need to provide. The US Embassy in Manila specifically asks for the latest tax return:

http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwh3217.html

[Otto 83]

The US Embassy/Consulate will take most of its 'guidance' from the I-864 requirements - so for a better understanding, those instructions would server to better understand what they will look for.

• The Guides on VJ are compiled to help you put a lot of these 'unwritten' rules together, they clearly outline what is needed or is a best practice.
• I've yet to see an Embassy/Consulate that did not want to see - at a minimum - the most recent year's tax return AND supporting documents (such as W-2, 1099's etc for income, and/or other supporting documents for bank account(s), assets, etc). Letter of employment are difficult and sometimes impossible to obtain so they are not required (even though the instructions asks for this.)

[JimVaPhuong 4,863]

The US Embassy/Consulate will take most of its 'guidance' from the I-864 requirements - so for a better understanding, those instructions would server to better understand what they will look for.

• The Guides on VJ are compiled to help you put a lot of these 'unwritten' rules together, they clearly outline what is needed or is a best practice.
• I've yet to see an Embassy/Consulate that did not want to see - at a minimum - the most recent year's tax return AND supporting documents (such as W-2, 1099's etc for income, and/or other supporting documents for bank account(s), assets, etc). Letter of employment are difficult and sometimes impossible to obtain so they are not required (even though the instructions asks for this.)

The letter of employment is always worth a shot, though, since all one needs to do is ask. The worst that can happen is they'll say no. I asked the HR department where I work. They said "Sure, we have a standard form for that". It was signed and in my mail slot the next day.

[payxibka 10,047]

I-134 questions are best posted in the consulate forum since consulates will decide based on "local" criteria...

moving thread to consulate forum