I-134 Advice: Last Year's Tax Return vs. Current Income

[ilovebangladesh 1]

Hi everyone. I hate to create a new topic for this, but I have done a lot of searching the boards and can't really find an answer to my question. I would really, really appreciate your advice. I will try to make it short and simple.

I have been at my current job since June 2008 and have a salary of $26,900.

2006: Filed taxes jointly with husband. I was working part time and in college full-time.

2007: I graduated college. Husband died and I also lost my job since I needed to be with him in the hospital.

2008: I was unemployed (not receiving any unemployment benefits or any other assistance) until I began by current position in June. My 2008 tax return only shows a gross annual income of $11,200.

I have a letter from my employer verifying my employment and also copies of each and every pay stub. I also have about $15,000 in savings. Do you think it is necessary to have a cosponsor?

[thepizzadude 26]

Hi everyone. I hate to create a new topic for this, but I have done a lot of searching the boards and can't really find an answer to my question. I would really, really appreciate your advice. I will try to make it short and simple.

I have been at my current job since June 2008 and have a salary of $26,900.

2006: Filed taxes jointly with husband. I was working part time and in college full-time.

2007: I graduated college. Husband died and I also lost my job since I needed to be with him in the hospital.

2008: I was unemployed (not receiving any unemployment benefits or any other assistance) until I began by current position in June. My 2008 tax return only shows a gross annual income of $11,200.

I have a letter from my employer verifying my employment and also copies of each and every pay stub. I also have about $15,000 in savings. Do you think it is necessary to have a cosponsor?

Depends on what you are qualifying for...1/2/3/4 or 5 people but if its only you and fiance then you should be fine actually you would be fine to a 3 or 4 person household. Just get the letter from employer, keep all your paystubs.

They will be looking at your current income more than anything, you will still need to provide your last years income tax return and supporting documents. Document your saving also and you can use it to substantiate your case.

Good Luck

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

Hi everyone. I hate to create a new topic for this, but I have done a lot of searching the boards and can't really find an answer to my question. I would really, really appreciate your advice. I will try to make it short and simple.

I have been at my current job since June 2008 and have a salary of $26,900.

2006: Filed taxes jointly with husband. I was working part time and in college full-time.

2007: I graduated college. Husband died and I also lost my job since I needed to be with him in the hospital.

2008: I was unemployed (not receiving any unemployment benefits or any other assistance) until I began by current position in June. My 2008 tax return only shows a gross annual income of $11,200.

I have a letter from my employer verifying my employment and also copies of each and every pay stub. I also have about $15,000 in savings. Do you think it is necessary to have a cosponsor?

For up to the number of people in your famly that your current income covers...probably not. Current income is more important than past income and there is no need to present THREE years tax returns unless it somehow helps your case. It doesn't in your case. Give them 2008 only unless the consulate asks specifically for more.

The consulates need to make a subjective decision that your fiance will not become a public charge. There is no win/lose or pass/fail. If you are uneasy with your income for your family size, then get a co-sponsor. (you do not mention family size and that is a key compnent in the decision). Your savings can be listed and verified and will be used as an asset at 1/3 the saved amount considered as "income" In other words, $15000 in savings equals $5000 in income for the calculation.

Edited September 16, 2009 by Gary and Alla

[ilovebangladesh 1]

Thanks for the advice. I forgot to add that it will be only my fiance and I.

[pushbrk 12,898]

Thanks for the advice. I forgot to add that it will be only my fiance and I.

I would state the current salary and back up your claim with the employer letter and pay stubs dated as close to the interview as possible. You may also wish to disclose the cash assets or any others to strengthen your case.

Edited September 16, 2009 by pushbrk

[pogingmasunurin 0]

I have a question. I hope someone can give me an advice. Here's my situtation.

In 2007, my salary was well above the income guideline, and in 2008, it's a couple of thousand dollar short. Now, in September 2009, up to this point, my GROSS is at $16K already. I'm positive that by the end of this year, i'll earn more than the income guideline again (20G or more by the end of the year). I'll get my W-2 around 2nd week of January.

I paid the AOS bill $70.00 already. I have my 2007 and 2008 tax transcript. I'm gonna send those 2, but like i said, i didn't meet the income guideline in 2008 but i'm sure that i'll meet the income guideline in this year. Can i send my AOS papers using 2009 although obviously, year 2009 is not finished yet? I don't want any co-sponsor with our case though. Or just wait til 2009 ends then send the Affidavit of Support? Thanks in advance.