NVC Filers - February 2012

[Darnell 8,478]

People our joint sponsor letter of employment is delaying our case at NVC. Do we really need her employment letter?

This is optional, for the I-864.

IT IS USEFUL, if a significant INCREASE in income, from current tax year to current year.

[Saylin 1,605]

---Well, the AOS package basically is the IV package plus some financial information (tax records, etc.) so I'm wondering If I'd have to send basically the same email minus the tax stuff... that contains you know, birth certificates, pics, marriage certificate, etc... I'm not sure.

No, the AOS and IV are two very different packages, serving two very different purposes. The AOS package is all about the financial stability of the petitioner, whereas the IV package is all about the beneficiary and their background.

Maybe you haven't read the guides and what are required for each package, but this is needed for each one:

AOS package:

bar-coded cover sheet from payment portal

I-864

tax information (either tax transcripts OR 1040s, W2s, other schedules)

employment letter (optional)

pay stub(s) (optional)

IV package:

bar-coded cover sheet

two passport pictures

bio-data page of beneficiary's passport

original/certified copy of beneficiary's birth certificate

original/certified copy of marriage certificate

police certificate

You email these packages SEPARATELY and only after their respective bills appear as PAID in the payment portal. Do NOT send them together in the same email!

[Saylin 1,605]

People our joint sponsor letter of employment is delaying our case at NVC. Do we really need her employment letter?

Like others have said, the employment letter is optional. Just good proof of current income.

[foobaz123 39]

Keeping my fingers crossed that they are really working on your case.

Thanks

[foobaz123 39]

I'm pondering whether to include my 2011 taxes with the AOS package or no. I already have the 2008 - 2010 transcripts scanned and ready to go. I haven't yet filed 2011 but will be doing so prior to the interview. Hell, I'm doing it for the interview. If it wasn't for that I'd just push it to post-arrival and file with SSN instead of dealing with all this ITIN #######.

[Divs 35]

No, the AOS and IV are two very different packages, serving two very different purposes. The AOS package is all about the financial stability of the petitioner, whereas the IV package is all about the beneficiary and their background.

Maybe you haven't read the guides and what are required for each package, but this is needed for each one:

AOS package:

bar-coded cover sheet from payment portal

I-864

tax information (either tax transcripts OR 1040s, W2s, other schedules)

employment letter (optional)

pay stub(s) (optional)

IV package:

bar-coded cover sheet

two passport pictures

bio-data page of beneficiary's passport

original/certified copy of beneficiary's birth certificate

original/certified copy of marriage certificate

police certificate

You email these packages SEPARATELY and only after their respective bills appear as PAID in the payment portal. Do NOT send them together in the same email!

Saylin, a quick question. I was checking Ling Che's NVC shortcuts, and from what I understand, the order is as follows.

1. Petitioner pays the AOS fee.

2. Beneficiary sends in the DS-3032.

3. Petitioner sends in the AOS package.

4. Petitioner pays the IV fee.

4. Petitioner sends in the IV packet.

Is that how it works???

Another quick question. When my husband files his taxes this year, is it possible to include my name in there?

[foobaz123 39]

Saylin, a quick question. I was checking Ling Che's NVC shortcuts, and from what I understand, the order is as follows.

1. Petitioner pays the AOS fee.

2. Beneficiary sends in the DS-3032.

3. Petitioner sends in the AOS package.

4. Petitioner pays the IV fee.

4. Petitioner sends in the IV packet.

Is that how it works???

Mostly.. but it would be more like this:

AOS Track:

1. AOS Fee Invoice and DS-3032 are generated and sent out

2. AOS Fee paid, DS-3032 Returned

3. AOS Package sent once the website shows a PAID status

IV Track:

1. IV invoice is generated

2. IV Fee paid

3. IV Package sent once the website shows a PAID status

I'm leaving out the details over precisely what causes each invoice to be generated. The important thing to know is that they are two separate tracks and not a strict sequence. They can and often do happen in parallel.

[Divs 35]

Mostly.. but it would be more like this:

AOS Track:

1. AOS Fee Invoice and DS-3032 are generated and sent out

2. AOS Fee paid, DS-3032 Returned

3. AOS Package sent once the website shows a PAID status

IV Track:

1. IV invoice is generated

2. IV Fee paid

3. IV Package sent once the website shows a PAID status

I'm leaving out the details over precisely what causes each invoice to be generated. The important thing to know is that they are two separate tracks and not a strict sequence. They can and often do happen in parallel.

Tx much You've been a great help.

[foobaz123 39]

Saylin, a quick question. I was checking Ling Che's NVC shortcuts, and from what I understand, the order is as follows.

1. Petitioner pays the AOS fee.

2. Beneficiary sends in the DS-3032.

3. Petitioner sends in the AOS package.

4. Petitioner pays the IV fee.

4. Petitioner sends in the IV packet.

Is that how it works???

Another quick question. When my husband files his taxes this year, is it possible to include my name in there?

As to the tax question, yes. He'll have to apply for an ITIN for you and use that to file a paper return (instead of electronic one). The precise details are in this thread. The high level view is that a W-7 form will have to be filed in addition to the 1040EZ or 1040 that is normally used. A letter will have to be written saying that you two want you to be treated as a resident alien for tax purposes.

I happen to have the IRS link handy: Filing with a Non-Resident Alien

[Divs 35]

As to the tax question, yes. He'll have to apply for an ITIN for you and use that to file a paper return (instead of electronic one). The precise details are in this thread. The high level view is that a W-7 form will have to be filed in addition to the 1040EZ or 1040 that is normally used. A letter will have to be written saying that you two want you to be treated as a resident alien for tax purposes.

I happen to have the IRS link handy: Filing with a Non-Resident Alien

Oh, wonderful! Tx again. This is why I like this forum.

[Laure&Colin 558]

Hi guys!

Foobaz, it's coming this time! The termination message seems to be very good news these days

I have a tax question here: we decided that my husband was gonna file "married filing separately", I've been pushing him to file before the interview. He tells me that there's a field where he's supposed to include my SSN, which of course I don't have yet. Do I need an ITIN? I thought it was only needed for married filing jointly??

Edited February 27, 2012 by Laure&Colin

[Clark--Kent 4]

Hi guys!

Foobaz, it's coming this time! The termination message seems to be very good news these days

I have a tax question here: we decided that my husband was gonna file "married filing separately", I've been pushing him to file before the interview. He tells me that there's a field where he's supposed to include my SSN, which of course I don't have yet. Do I need an ITIN? I thought it was only needed for married filing jointly??

He can file "Married Filing Separately" and put "NRA" where your SSN is supposed to go. Keep in mind that there are deductions that are not allowed with this status and it results in paying more taxes than using "Married Filing Jointly" with an ITIN.

But since your husband just returned to America, I would imagine it wouldn't make a difference because his income is likely to be mostly (all?) foreign income that can be excluded with the 2555 or 2555EZ.

This is the reason I always file "Married Filing Separately." It's seems like a pain in the butt to get an ITIN and it wouldn't make one bit of difference since all my income is foreign and excluded from taxes. For my 2012 taxes when I'll finally have US income and it will matter, my wife will have been given a SSN since she is immigrating, so I don't have to ever deal with the ITIN passport notarization shenanigans.

.

[Laure&Colin 558]

He can file "Married Filing Separately" and put "NRA" where your SSN is supposed to go. Keep in mind that there are deductions that are not allowed with this status and it results in paying more taxes than using "Married Filing Jointly" with an ITIN.

But since your husband just returned to America, I would imagine it wouldn't make a difference because his income is likely to be mostly (all?) foreign income that can be excluded with the 2555 or 2555EZ.

This is the reason I always file "Married Filing Separately." It's seems like a pain in the butt to get an ITIN and it wouldn't make one bit of difference since all my income is foreign and excluded from taxes. For my 2012 taxes when I'll finally have US income and it will matter, my wife will have been given a SSN since she is immigrating, so I don't have to ever deal with the ITIN passport notarization shenanigans.

.

Thanks for the answer! Yes all his income for 2011 was earned abroad and will be excluded.

We'll also start filing jointly for 2012.

NRA means Non Resident Alien, right?

[Amanda&Elvio 12]

Thanks. It is nice to finally see that.

I do believe they upgraded that service route to a boat and donkey combination, didn't they?

Haha, you don't know how true that statement is. Last year one of my packages arrived soaking wet after having fallen off the boat into the river.

I talked to the guy at the post office today and his only response was, "wow, that's really taking a long time. Well maybe it'll get there this week." Thanks for the help...

[Clark--Kent 4]

NRA means Non Resident Alien, right?

Yes