I-134 or Bank Statement?

[Keith & Xiang 0]

I have heard from a lot of VJ members, the ones that have lawyers have stated that their lawyers had advised them to have at least $5,000 in the bank before the interview and to have this notated on the statement from the bank.

How closely do they pay attention to the bank statement? I have funds in the bank but also can prove going back over 3 years that I make well above the 125% poverty level. I realize that you should not be in the hole with the bank but also by proving that you have a full time secured job making above the 125% of poverty level, this should be enough, right?

Thanks,

Keith & Xiang

[hearsay 1]

In our case, they didn't ask for the bank statements...not during the K interview or the AOS interview. The officer just looked at my tax information and employment letter. Since that was above the 125 level, they didn't need anything else. Every case is different though.

As long as you have documents that prove you make over the 125% poverty level, you are going to be okay. Your bank account is just another document that may show this. If you live pay check to pay check and your bank balance is always showing $0, who cares. The bank statement is showing that your pay check was deposited, the amount is over the 125% level, and you are using the money to pay for your house, food, etc. The bank statements just verify this.

Good luck.

[Mew 0]

I134 says that you have to provide any or all of the evidence listed there: letter from employer, tax returns and bank statements.

From what I've read, it doesn't matter how much money you have in your account, as long as you reach the 125% asked for.

[STL_HCMC 0]

I had less than $5,000 in my bank account and we were approved just fine.

Best of luck!

STL_HCMC

[TracyTN 237]

I do believe this varies from consulate to consulate. London, for example, wants only a bank letter and employer letter (if not self employed) along with the I 134.

[Yodrak 7]

Mew,

You left out the words "as appropriate". A very significant phrase in the I-134 instruction.

And note that the I-134 makes no mention of an amount asked for. The FAM talks about 100% for a non-immigrant visa. But the FAM also directs a consular officer to examine a number or relevant aspects in order to determine if a proposed sponsor is financially suitable.

Yodrak

I134 says that you have to provide any or all of the evidence listed there: letter from employer, tax returns and bank statements.

From what I've read, it doesn't matter how much money you have in your account, as long as you reach the 125% asked for.

Keith,

There's no requirement to have a bank account, let alone a certain amount of money in one.

The better one's financial situation, all things considered, the more likely they are to be accepted as a suitable sponsor.

Yodrak

I have heard from a lot of VJ members, the ones that have lawyers have stated that their lawyers had advised them to have at least $5,000 in the bank before the interview and to have this notated on the statement from the bank.

How closely do they pay attention to the bank statement? I have funds in the bank but also can prove going back over 3 years that I make well above the 125% poverty level. I realize that you should not be in the hole with the bank but also by proving that you have a full time secured job making above the 125% of poverty level, this should be enough, right?

Thanks,

Keith & Xiang

[Mew 0]

Mew,

You left out the words "as appropriate". A very significant phrase in the I-134 instruction.

And note that the I-134 makes no mention of an amount asked for. The FAM talks about 100% for a non-immigrant visa. But the FAM also directs a consular officer to examine a number or relevant aspects in order to determine if a proposed sponsor is financially suitable.

Yodrak

I134 says that you have to provide any or all of the evidence listed there: letter from employer, tax returns and bank statements.

From what I've read, it doesn't matter how much money you have in your account, as long as you reach the 125% asked for.

Yes, Yodrak. I guess "any or all" would do the trick. Also, as for the amount asked for, I said that you they don't ask for any specific amount in the bank account. The 100% varies at different consulates. In Brazil, they ask for 125%.

[dwar49 0]

There is no amount specified for the I-134. It is a form that tells the consular that the person requesting the visa will not become financially dependant on the government for support.

Each embassy handles it differently and the more financially solvent you are the better. If you are just meeting the 100% poverty level you have a problem no matter what, because you have to meet the 125% when you file the AOS!!!!

Again as in most things it is up to the consulate officer conducting the interview as to if there is a problem or not. Follow the directions on the I-134 exactly and provide all the evidence you can that you make enough money to support your fiancee. There is no requirement of minimum balance or that you even have a bank account.

My guess a lawyer told you that because he wanted to make sure he got paid!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[jen&darcy 0]

I better not need more than $5,000 in my bank account or we have problems!

[hockeygal 0]

our problem is that he is quitting his job in October. If this process takes longer than that...

He's got other funds, but he won't have an income. He will be between incomes. I hope tax returns, investments and savings will be enough....

[dwar49 0]

That is one reason why the I-134 asks for other assets which may prove to the consular that he has sufficient funds to tide you over. It is a completely arbitaury decision on their part.

Hard to say whether you will be at interview stage by October. At this point unless CSC speeds up significantly I wouldnt count on it.