I-134 questions

[Darkmoonfaerie 19]

We've just gotten our NOA1 so know we most likely have a while to get this stuff done, but I have a few questions about the K-1 affidavit of support that I didn't see answered already.

Here's my specific situation:

Me: Chiropractor in private practice since 2008. This means I am still building my practice and operate at a large loss. To supplement my income, I am (part time) adjunct faculty at a community college. My salary there depends on how many courses I am offered and if they actually run or are canceled due to low enrollment. Last semester I taught 7 classes and had a great salary. This semester, I'm only teaching 2 classes plus one grant class that may or may not be renewed in April so my salary is much lower. I have two classes scheduled to run in the summer and am praying that my grant is renewed. My bank account balances usually aren't very high because everything goes into my business. I don't pay myself a salary yet, but as soon as I am able to, I plan to do so. I also live with my parents to help cut costs while starting my business.

I know I'll need a co-sponsor for my K-1. Thankfully my parents are very happy to provide this. My dad plans to my the co-sponsor.

Dad: Retired high school teacher so gets a good retirement check and is well over the income guidelines. He is also part time adjunct faculty at the community college where I teach. Again, credits vary per semester but he generally teaches at least 4 classes. He also receives veterans disability benefits. He and my mom own their home and are rebuilding their savings after helping to pay for my education and paying for medical bills over the last few years.

So my questions:

1) Will he be acceptable for a cosponsor? I wasn't sure since he is retired and we both teach (technically) contractually and not full time. It seems like they specifically want a full time employee on the form/letter.

2) I can submit tax transcripts for both of us for the past three years (or our 1040 and my schedule C) plus pay stubs/ W2 from the college. I assume that he also has stubs and paperwork for his retirement. Is this enough proof of income?

3) Even though we are both part time and our contracts vary from semester to semester, should we still get employment letters from HR at the college? I have taught there since 2009 and I believe he's taught there 15+ years. I know he overlapped his teaching at the high school and college so it's been a long time. I figure if nothing else, it shows continual employment.

4) I saw somewhere that they need financial info for just him, not joint with my mom. I don't recall seeing anywhere saying how you get this individual info if they file taxes together.

If these have been answered already, I apologize. I did try to search the boards and find answers before asking. Also, sorry if I'm over-analyzing and making mountains out of molehills. I'm just so afraid to mess up

Thanks in advance!

Meg

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

I know I'll need a co-sponsor for my K-1. Thankfully my parents are very happy to provide this. My dad plans to my the co-sponsor.

Dad: Retired high school teacher so gets a good retirement check and is well over the income guidelines. He is also part time adjunct faculty at the community college where I teach. Again, credits vary per semester but he generally teaches at least 4 classes. He also receives veterans disability benefits. He and my mom own their home and are rebuilding their savings after helping to pay for my education and paying for medical bills over the last few years.

So my questions:

1) Will he be acceptable for a cosponsor? I wasn't sure since he is retired and we both teach (technically) contractually and not full time. It seems like they specifically want a full time employee on the form/letter.

Yes he is acceptable with his retirement only. No need to list assets even.

2) I can submit tax transcripts for both of us for the past three years (or our 1040 and my schedule C) plus pay stubs/ W2 from the college. I assume that he also has stubs and paperwork for his retirement. Is this enough proof of income?

One tax return is enough. He can probably get a letter from the pension department stating how much he receives. That replaces employer letter. London will be fine with that.

3) Even though we are both part time and our contracts vary from semester to semester, should we still get employment letters from HR at the college? I have taught there since 2009 and I believe he's taught there 15+ years. I know he overlapped his teaching at the high school and college so it's been a long time. I figure if nothing else, it shows continual employment.

London won't care about all that history. Don't even worry about that.

4) I saw somewhere that they need financial info for just him, not joint with my mom. I don't recall seeing anywhere saying how you get this individual info if they file taxes together.

He'll have his income broken out of the joint amount shown on the tax return because of his 1099-R (Retireees get that instead of a W2.) And his pension letter will also state income over the threshhold. Tax return doesn't have to match income he states. London will approve even without a tax return. They probably will approve you. It's subjective and the guy surely will realize with your credentials, you are a safe bet. Send along what you can as well as your diploma, business card, a letter you write on business stationery to explain your finances/private practice.

If these have been answered already, I apologize. I did try to search the boards and find answers before asking. Also, sorry if I'm over-analyzing and making mountains out of molehills. I'm just so afraid to mess up

They are good questions and my answers come from years of experience with London. Each consulate is different and London is e-a-s-y.

For your AOS the Affidavit of Support will be stricter and you both will have to submit tax returns. Because you are claiming business losses, you will need Dad. But again, his separate income can be proven with his 1099-R and his pension letter.

Follow this thread. It will be helpful to you http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/350185-london-2012-k1s-from-noa2-to-interview-thread/

Edit to add: May I have a complimentary adjustment?? I ease your fears--you ease my back pain.

Edited March 2, 2012 by Nich-Nick

[Darkmoonfaerie 19]

Thank you so much for a nice, clear, easy to understand reply! I've already put this thread in my visa "favorites" in Chrome I like the idea of putting my diploma, letterhead, business card, etc. in the packet. Replies like yours are why I'm quickly learning to love VJ!

Heh to answer youe edit: I'm sure we could consider it barter, no?