NOA2 Preparation

[honbako 1]

Hi everyone (especially Japan K-1 filers!),

We've been trying to figure out what to do in anticipation of the day we receive the NOA2. We've been looking at the link here Fiancé(e) Visas (K-1 Visas) (from Step 3) and am trying to figure out how much we can do (as far as information gathering and filling out forms).

Currently what seems feasible is gathering data for:

• I-134 (not sure if I can fill this one out yet since the current one expires on 05/31/10)
  
• DS-230 (part 1)
  
• Fiancée's passport
  
• Fiancée's birth certificate
  

I know that until we actually get the NOA2 and the information from the Embassy in Tokyo we can't get the items listed on the Fiancé(e) Visa Checklist.

What I'm not sure of is:

• DS-156 (this seems to be an electronic form now)
  
• DS-156(K)
  
• DS-157
  

We definitely don't want to jump the gun, but at the same time don't want to wait too late on things we can be doing now. Any suggestions or advice greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[baron555 934]

Hi everyone (especially Japan K-1 filers!),

We've been trying to figure out what to do in anticipation of the day we receive the NOA2. We've been looking at the link here Fiancé(e) Visas (K-1 Visas) (from Step 3) and am trying to figure out how much we can do (as far as information gathering and filling out forms).

Currently what seems feasible is gathering data for:

• I-134 (not sure if I can fill this one out yet since the current one expires on 05/31/10)
  Dont' worry about the form date. Go with the most current. You CAN order your tax transcripts free from the IRAS now ANd you can get the letter from your employer now. I did ours in July, 2009 and the interview wasn't until Nove. 2009 (after one reschedule) and there were no issues. I did send very recent paycheck summaries just prior to the interivew to validate the transcripts and employer letter (dated July, 2009).
  
• DS-230 (part 1)
  
• Fiancée's passport
  
• Fiancée's birth certificate
  

I know that until we actually get the NOA2 and the information from the Embassy in Tokyo we can't get the items listed on the Fiancé(e) Visa Checklist.

Why not? The information isn't going to change between now and then. Get moving.

What I'm not sure of is:

• DS-156 (this seems to be an electronic form now)
  Always has been. Fill it out now.
  
• DS-156(K)
  
• DS-157
  Check with the Embassy for consulate specific stuff and requirements.
  

We definitely don't want to jump the gun, but at the same time don't want to wait too late on things we can be doing now. Any suggestions or advice greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Edited April 5, 2010 by baron555

[honbako 1]

Thanks for the information; we'll get started ASAP. One question I had though was about the tax transcript. I don't see this on the I-134 instructions. Do you mind pointing me to where I can find more information about this (basically the requirements that they'll be expecting)? Thank you!

[Audy_Rob 26]

Thanks for the information; we'll get started ASAP. One question I had though was about the tax transcript. I don't see this on the I-134 instructions. Do you mind pointing me to where I can find more information about this (basically the requirements that they'll be expecting)? Thank you!

Instead of providing your own copy of the tax return with W-2's, you can provide a transcript. The requirements vary with the Consulate/Embassy. If you are filing the I-134 and meet the income requirements you should provide at least one of the most recent years tax records. Three years transcripts is the most they would ever ask for and is very safe way to go.

From:

http://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc156.html?portlet=1

You can obtain a free transcript by calling 800-829-1040 and following the prompts in the recorded message or by completing and mailing a request for a transcript to the address listed in the instructions.

[baron555 934]

Thanks for the information; we'll get started ASAP. One question I had though was about the tax transcript. I don't see this on the I-134 instructions. Do you mind pointing me to where I can find more information about this (basically the requirements that they'll be expecting)? Thank you!

There isn't any specific requirement except to include evidence to support your financial ability to support your new family. It is from the many years and many cases of successful folks here on VJ commenting on worked for them. tax Transcripts are IRS issued and there isn't another US Government agency more respected than the IRS, right? So to get something from them that "proves" your financial ability is golden. That is why they are suggested.

[Martyshk 137]

There isn't any specific requirement except to include evidence to support your financial ability to support your new family. It is from the many years and many cases of successful folks here on VJ commenting on worked for them. tax Transcripts are IRS issued and there isn't another US Government agency more respected than the IRS, right? So to get something from them that "proves" your financial ability is golden. That is why they are suggested.

Transcripts ftw! No other form is more legal and trusted than an IRS Tax Transcript. It's good to have for both the interview and AOS. So make copies and save them for AOS once you obtain them.

[honbako 1]

Thank you very much everyone! I just requested transcripts for the last 3 years and I should get them in 7-10 days. I'll also make copies for the AOS as well.

[honbako 1]

Transcripts ftw! No other form is more legal and trusted than an IRS Tax Transcript. It's good to have for both the interview and AOS. So make copies and save them for AOS once you obtain them.

I just got my transcripts in the mail today. Do I need to include the cover letter from the IRS in addition to the actual transcripts? Also, are copies all right for the AOS?

Another question I had is that is it necessary to translate the e-mails, etc that are used as part of the 'proof of relationship'? I figure if I do have to translate again, I'd best encourage my fiancee to write more in English and save me some extra work.

[Audy_Rob 26]

I just got my transcripts in the mail today. Do I need to include the cover letter from the IRS in addition to the actual transcripts? Also, are copies all right for the AOS?

Another question I had is that is it necessary to translate the e-mails, etc that are used as part of the 'proof of relationship'? I figure if I do have to translate again, I'd best encourage my fiancee to write more in English and save me some extra work.

It is normal to leave emails, chat records etc... in either English or the native language where the Embassy is located meaning Japanese would be acceptable for an interview in Tokyo. However if your fiancee were interviewing in Seoul, Korea than it should be in English and no Japanese.

For anything you will need in the USA for the purposes of AOS after you marry, the document must be translated in to English, no other language, such as your fiancee's birth certificate or a name change document or divorce decree etc...

Good luck.

[honbako 1]

It is normal to leave emails, chat records etc... in either English or the native language where the Embassy is located meaning Japanese would be acceptable for an interview in Tokyo. However if your fiancee were interviewing in Seoul, Korea than it should be in English and no Japanese.

For anything you will need in the USA for the purposes of AOS after you marry, the document must be translated in to English, no other language, such as your fiancee's birth certificate or a name change document or divorce decree etc...

Good luck.

Thank you for the information. It's a relief that I won't have to do any extra translation on the e-mails. This will give us time to work on the birth certificate and police records when the time comes.