Proof of Financial Support

[maracuyámor 1]

Good evening everyone,

So as noted in some recent posts, I am preparing documents for the U.S. Embassy in San Salvador, El Salvador, in regard to the K-3 Visa for my spouse. While there is plenty of time until the rodeo gets going with those cheery folks down there, I had some questions about a few documents frequently mentioned in the reviews for this embassy.

Since the I-129F is pending and they won't even know about our application until five months from now, we have not received a packet of instructions for what documents they request for the K-3 Visa. So I have looked carefully over their website (http://sansalvador.usembassy.gov/k3-visas.html) and it lacks any useful details as to what they "prefer". They just refer me to visit the Department of State's website on K-3 Visas (http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/types/types_2993.html#Two). I then begin to look over the information and notice the following:

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

Hmm, sounds important, right? I figure that it would be probably worth my time to go ahead and take care of this form and fill it out. So I have done that but this is where I start getting a little confused. I have also been told that I only need to obtain an employment verification letter from my employer stating the hire date, job title, salary, and that I am full-time to show financial support. Hm, so do I go with the I-134 or employment verification letter or both? Oh, it gets better folks. I also go on to check the USCIS's website for any additional information, and the website lists the I-134 and the I-864 as potential forms to fill out to "prove" financial support. So now I'm really out in left field, do I only fill out the I-134 or just obtain a letter from my employer or look into filing the I-864? Or is it some type of combination of these forms and the letter? I hope that I didn't lose you.

I will also provide a some-what non-discrete illustration of what my financial situation is like. I have just graduated from college last spring, have student loans (the payments are pretty low each month and it's not a ridiculous amount thanks to some gracious scholarships), got a full-time job just at the end of summer and have been working for over three months now. The annual salary is about $28,000, not a lot, but I'm living at home until my spouse is granted their visa, so I just have a few monthly payments. I have been applying for another job that I have been in the process for since last March and it pays A LOT more, and that process should be finished by early next spring (knock on wood) and God-willing of course that I get hired by next summer. Of course, it wouldn't give me any leeway by just saying I'm in the final stages of a process for a great career, as USCIS/DOS wouldn't really care, since I am not officially hired (hopefully I will be by the time my spouse gets that interview).

Anyways, I imagine my financial situation as of right now looks pretty bleak, and I am trying to as be best prepared for whatever situation arises when the time comes to work with the embassy in San Salvador. I assume that a co-sponsor would be a pretty good idea, correct? I believe a co-sponsor is filed under I-864A. Oh boy, another form added to "Proof of financial support". The reviews on this website from the embassy in San Salvador are pretty intimidating (http://www.visajourney.com/reviews/index.php?cnty=El%20Salvador), although very detailed and helpful. It appears since I have not been working for more than a year, that I alone will be lacking solid financial support and that the embassy will more than likely want a co-sponsor/I-864A. That is not a problem as I already have someone in mind, but I just want to make sure my assumptions are perceived as correct/visa worthy in regard to my financial situation.

Wow, if you actually took the time to read all of the above and you're still with me, you're amazing in my book! PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE leave any comments, advice or input and I would GREATLY appreciate it! This does not pertain to the folks that have dealt with the embassy in El Salvador, but anyone!

THANK YOU SO MUCH IN ADVANCE!

PS - I just requested tax return transcripts for the last three years from the IRS and I am sure I will be doing the same for the co-sponsor, if deemed necessary of course.

Edited November 26, 2009 by maracuyámor

[Malrothien 6]

You can fill out and take with you the I134. It is not technically required, but it is always better to be over prepared then under. I would also include the employment letter.

You will need the I864 when you file for adjustment of status down the line.

Since you have only been working since the summer, I might suggest getting a co-sponsor if possible, just in case[/b].

[pushbrk 13,043]

You can fill out and take with you the I134. It is not technically required, but it is always better to be over prepared then under. I would also include the employment letter.

You will need the I864 when you file for adjustment of status down the line.

Since you have only been working since the summer, I might suggest getting a co-sponsor if possible, just in case[/b].

Also, the I-134 and its supporting documentation should be dated as close to the interview as practical. So don't do it now if you think the interview is 5 months away. They are going to want to see your 2009 tax return.