Question about I-134: PLEASE HELP!

[Lari_razvi 0]

Hello all! My fiance has just been approved for the I-129F and I am gathering the paperwork to send over to him before his interview. I have come across a problem regarding the I-134. I graduated from college last year so my previous income for 2006-2008 has been below $15,000. But this year now that I am employed in my profession I will be making over $30,000. I am unsure if I need a co-sponser since I will not have the W2 for this year by the time I send him my paperwork. Also, I am living at home with my parents, so do I need to look at the level of poverty for a household of 4, or do I just need to look at the level of poverty for a household of 2 (my future husband and I)??? Please help!!!!

[Stephen + Elisha 92]

Hello all! My fiance has just been approved for the I-129F and I am gathering the paperwork to send over to him before his interview. I have come across a problem regarding the I-134. I graduated from college last year so my previous income for 2006-2008 has been below $15,000. But this year now that I am employed in my profession I will be making over $30,000. I am unsure if I need a co-sponser since I will not have the W2 for this year by the time I send him my paperwork.

Not a problem. The consular officers are looking for evidence of current, sustained income. If you are currently employed at a salary of $30,000 per year, you'll be fine. You will substantiate your current income with pay stubs (six months' worth, or as many as you have if you've been employed less than six months). In your case, a letter from your employer (if they are willing to provide one would probably be helpful as well.

The previous year's tax return or transcript is meant to demonstrate sustained income. You may wish to attach an explanatory note regarding your full-time student status. But your current income is the most important, and it's sufficient to meet the requirements provided that you document it.

Also, I am living at home with my parents, so do I need to look at the level of poverty for a household of 4, or do I just need to look at the level of poverty for a household of 2 (my future husband and I)??? Please help!!!!

Your parents are not your dependents. You don't need to include them in your household size. Your household size for the purpose of the poverty level calculations is 2—you and your fiance.

[cking2 0]

The previous year's tax return or transcript is meant to demonstrate sustained income. You may wish to attach an explanatory note regarding your full-time student status. But your current income is the most important, and it's sufficient to meet the requirements provided that you document it.

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I agree but on that note, in general, it seems that many people on this site are saying that you NEED 3 years of tax returns/etc. Is this yet another example of the 'send in more than you need...' syndrome or does somone have any hard facts (from UCIS) about this?

I guess I just don't see ANYWHERE that the I-134 requires ANY tax statements (unless self-employed). I just re-read the latest instuctions and it states quite clearly:

1-statements from bank

2-statement/letter from employer

3-IF SELF-EMPLOYED - tax returns from ONE year

4-additional detail of investments (if needed I assume)

Well, I make plently of money and can easily get my employer to write a letter and so feel fine with that.

Yet, my fiancee is freaking me out and won't stop the badgering. "All my friends say you need...brah brah brah"

Anyone have insight if she will be asked at interview (GuangZhou) because I really think that the UCIS guys get enough paperwork and NEVER appreciate more than what is required.

-c

Edited October 27, 2009 by cking2

[Stephen + Elisha 92]

I agree but on that note, in general, it seems that many people on this site are saying that you NEED 3 years of tax returns/etc. Is this yet another example of the 'send in more than you need...' syndrome or does somone have any hard facts (from UCIS) about this?

I guess I just don't see ANYWHERE that the I-134 requires ANY tax statements (unless self-employed). I just re-read the latest instuctions and it states quite clearly:

1-statements from bank

2-statement/letter from employer

3-IF SELF-EMPLOYED - tax returns from ONE year

4-additional detail of investments (if needed I assume)

Well, I make plently of money and can easily get my employer to write a letter and so feel fine with that.

Yet, my fiancee is freaking me out and won't stop the badgering. "All my friends say you need...brah brah brah"

Anyone have insight if she will be asked at interview (GuangZhou) because I really think that the UCIS guys get enough paperwork and NEVER appreciate more than what is required.

-c

In regard to the I-134, the USCIS instructions are not nearly as important as your consulate's requirements. The consular officer will be the one looking at the I-134 and supporting evidence—USCIS will never see them.

Most consulates ask for the previous year's tax return or transcript. But your best bet is to follow Guangzhou's instructions and the advice of VJers who have dealt with that consulate.

[Lari_razvi 0]

Hello all! My fiance has just been approved for the I-129F and I am gathering the paperwork to send over to him before his interview. I have come across a problem regarding the I-134. I graduated from college last year so my previous income for 2006-2008 has been below $15,000. But this year now that I am employed in my profession I will be making over $30,000. I am unsure if I need a co-sponser since I will not have the W2 for this year by the time I send him my paperwork.

Not a problem. The consular officers are looking for evidence of current, sustained income. If you are currently employed at a salary of $30,000 per year, you'll be fine. You will substantiate your current income with pay stubs (six months' worth, or as many as you have if you've been employed less than six months). In your case, a letter from your employer (if they are willing to provide one would probably be helpful as well.

The previous year's tax return or transcript is meant to demonstrate sustained income. You may wish to attach an explanatory note regarding your full-time student status. But your current income is the most important, and it's sufficient to meet the requirements provided that you document it.

Also, I am living at home with my parents, so do I need to look at the level of poverty for a household of 4, or do I just need to look at the level of poverty for a household of 2 (my future husband and I)??? Please help!!!!

Your parents are not your dependents. You don't need to include them in your household size. Your household size for the purpose of the poverty level calculations is 2—you and your fiance.

Thank you so much for you help! I was worried that they would take into account the income that I have had for the past 3 years and that it would be of importance. I have no problem giving them my past 3 years of tax returns. Are copies ok of the tax returns? and also are copies ok of the paystubs? Not sure if they would need the originals?!?!