UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS

[Steve and Margie 2]

I am currently unemployed but recieving unemployment benefits. Will they count my unemployment benefits as income? I also have a sponsor and co-sponsor.

[pushbrk 13,123]

I am currently unemployed but recieving unemployment benefits. Will they count my unemployment benefits as income? I also have a sponsor and co-sponsor.

Unemployment benefits are income but they are known to be temporary. Unfortunately, yours is the kind of situation in which Manila is likely to decline to accept a cosponsor. For clarity, even with a cosponsor, you are the "sponsor" and only one "cosponsor" would be accepted.

[Rebecca Jo 1,962]

Unemployment benefits are income but they are known to be temporary. Unfortunately, yours is the kind of situation in which Manila is likely to decline to accept a cosponsor. For clarity, even with a cosponsor, you are the "sponsor" and only one "cosponsor" would be accepted.

For clarity, there is no such thing as a co-sponsor with the I-134. The instructions for the form only refer to the person completing it, and not to another individual being able to act in the first persons stead. Some consulates may accept a 2nd I-134 from another party, but there is no technical reference to that person as a "co-sponsor". If that second individual is the one with adequate means to sponsor the alien, then it is their affidavit upon which sponsorship rests. In essence they become the sponsor. As the I-134 is not contractually enforceable, the difference is subtle, but appropriate nonetheless.

[payxibka 10,047]

I-134 topics are suggested to be posted in the consulate forum... moving thread

[pushbrk 13,123]

For clarity, there is no such thing as a co-sponsor with the I-134. The instructions for the form only refer to the person completing it, and not to another individual being able to act in the first persons stead. Some consulates may accept a 2nd I-134 from another party, but there is no technical reference to that person as a "co-sponsor". If that second individual is the one with adequate means to sponsor the alien, then it is their affidavit upon which sponsorship rests. In essence they become the sponsor. As the I-134 is not contractually enforceable, the difference is subtle, but appropriate nonetheless.

That's technically correct. Cosponsor is a term coined to describe the second sponsor, not an official government term. I find the communication tool to be useful, particularly with Manila cases because Manila actually uses the term cosponsor when they tell you they won't accept one.

[Steve and Margie 2]

Unemployment benefits are income but they are known to be temporary. Unfortunately, yours is the kind of situation in which Manila is likely to decline to accept a cosponsor. For clarity, even with a cosponsor, you are the "sponsor" and only one "cosponsor" would be accepted.

Thank you for clarifing the co sponsor thing!

[Rebecca Jo 1,962]

That's technically correct. Cosponsor is a term coined to describe the second sponsor, not an official government term. I find the communication tool to be useful, particularly with Manila cases because Manila actually uses the term cosponsor when they tell you they won't accept one.

Well then Manila is speaking incorrectly. I'm surprised you are following their bad example.

After all, correct terminology is everything, right?

[pushbrk 13,123]

Well then Manila is speaking incorrectly. I'm surprised you are following their bad example.

After all, correct terminology is everything, right?

Important? Yes. Everything? No. Do you have something more to add to the thread?

[Kathryn41 3,205]

Off topic types of comments are not acceptable in the immigration forums. If you have nothing pertinent to add to the topic, then do not add anything.

[Rebecca Jo 1,962]

It's pertinent.

[Steve and Margie 2]

WE WERE APPROVED!!!!

[Rebecca Jo 1,962]

WE WERE APPROVED!!!!

Many congratulations!

Your original post was in December. Can you tell us - has your situation changed? Are you working now? Did someone else sponsor your fiance? Did the unemployment benefits come into the equation in any way? Did you show them on an affidavit?

Pardon all the questions, but I think this is an important issue for many right now, and your experience would be illuminating for them.

[Jimmyzr1 36]

WE WERE APPROVED!!!!

Hello, I also am unemployed. However, I didn't list my unemployment as income, I only used my savings. I was unable to get a cosponsor. I am curious, did they accept your cosponsor or did you list your unemployment as income. Our interview is only 14 days away and I am really concerned about this. My income is only $770 per month not counting unemployment. I do have about $100, 000 in savings, stock market, and in property and was hoping that would help. How much longer do you have on unemployment if they used that. Mine is due to end in 2-3 months. Thanks, Jim

[Tahoma 2,292]

Congratz on your approval Steve and Margie!!!

I'm also interested in what happened at the interview. Your answers may help others who are in the same boat.

> Did the Embassy accept your cosponsor?

> How did your unemployment benefits factor into the equation?

> What was your income in 2010 (including unemployment benefits)?

> What is your projected income for 2011 (including unemployment benefits)?

> Did you attend the interview?

> Are you working now? If so, how long have you been working?

Thanks in advance for any help you can give.

[Steve and Margie 2]

Thank you! Currently I am still unemployed. I sing and play piano on the side to make a little extra income. My daughter co-sponsored and I am only assuming that the embassy accepted her as our co-sponsor. Here is how the interview went in Margie's own words. "First, an American women asked me my name and my birth date and then took my finger prints from my left hand. I went back to the waiting area and waited for my number to be called again. 2nd, the Filipino consul is asking me for all my papers like the ds-forms, NBI, Cenomar, NSO birth certificate, form I-134, fiance's W2's and if I traveled abroad. I said yes and they asked for the police certificate (clearance). The Filipino consul asked me about my time in Taiwan, he also asked how long is our relationship, and how we met. The Filipino consul told me that I will wait in the waiting area again for my number to be called. The last person to interview me was a very polite African American! He asked only 3 questions, #1. When did the last time that i saw my fiancee? #2. Do you have any pictures of you and your fiance together? and the last question was #3.Is there any other place that you went abroad besides Taiwan? After answering his questions he told me I was approved!" My income for 2010 including unemployment benefits was roughly 12,000.00. NOTE: They did NOT ask my fiance any questions about my income, where I worked, if we had a co-sponsor nothing! They did not ask her the names of my children, how many children or what their birthdays are. Because I am out of work, I did not attend the interview, and I will have to sell some things to get Margie's ticket to fly to US because frankly, we just don't have it. I have a lot of faith in God and believe all this is His will. You have to hold to your belief and stick to your plan no matter what! If we had been denied, we would have followed their instructions and have done what ever was needed to accomplish our goal! Something that may have helped us a great deal is the fact that I had not miss one week of support to my son and fiance in the Philippines during this time of unemployment. Margie had every receipt from moneygram, but they did not ask to see them. They did not ask to see letters, IM's or emails either. Margie was at the US Embassy from 6:45AM to 10:30AM. It was a very pleasant experience according to Margie! We are so grateful and very excited to begin our new lives together. Brighter days are coming! I hope this information will be helpful to others that may be in a similar situation.

God Bless!!

STEVE AND MARGIE!