i-134 evidence

[CAdreamer 14]

Hey all.

I'm wondering if anyone can point me in the right direction for written documentation. Most people here on VJ say that for the K1 interview, for i-134 evidence, a copy of the income tax return *plus W2* or the transcript is required. My fiance has given me copies of his tax returns but no W2s. I've read all the documentation I can find on the official government sites -- the instructions for filling out the i-134, the Packet 3 info/interview checklist from Montreal, etc. I can't see anywhere that states I need the W2s.

So, am I missing some piece of documentation instruction somewhere, or is it just that from others' experiences here on VJ people started taking W2s and now it's considered the norm?

I don't want to bug my fiance about the W2s again, but if they are absolutely needed, I'd like to show him the documentation that says so. So, does anyone know where it is stated that they are required?

Thanks so much.

[pocheros 101]

The Montreal consulate interview appointment checklists includes "photocopy of IRS transcript or photocopy of the most recent Federal income tax return;" the tax return automatically refers to both the forms AND the W2 since it would not be considered a full return without the W2. I brought a photocopy of the W2 along with the tax return forms and Montreal kept both and I would highly recommend your fiance sends a copy of his W2 because yes it is considered the norm if you are using returns instead of transcripts.

The I-134 instructions don't even ask for tax returns unless you're self employed but Canadians who didn't bring ANY tax information before were RFEd so even though it's not officially listed anywhere Montreal still wants to see that stuff. USCIS only lays out the guidelines for the individual consulates- they can request documentation above and beyond what USCIS requires. If your fiance is picky about seeing official proof before photocopying a W2 for you tell him his laziness will result in an RFE Not saying he would do that though

Edited March 5, 2012 by pocheros

[CAdreamer 14]

Thank You! Alright, I'm going to "bug" him again. I didn't realize that the W2s were part of what makes up the official return. He files electronically, so we figured the printout of that was all that was required, but, you know.. constantly second guessing every decision on this path, right? I'm glad I did, this time.

Thanks again. You rock!

[pocheros 101]

You're welcome! I actually asked the same thing before my interview (thinking I didn't need the W2) but everyone said I should bring it.

It's just like how you're supposed to keep your T4s for seven years, since that's considered the most official document if you get audited and you could lie on your tax return, I think.

Edited March 6, 2012 by pocheros

[Kimbear 53]

at the interview they specifically asked me for tax info with the following verbiage " tax transcripts or 1040 with w2's", the transcript by itself is fine as its directly from the IRS, but the 1040 is useless without the corresponding w2's that go with it. bring either or. and make sure you bring the correct years. iirc they wanted the last 2 years? or was it 3? better to be overprepared and safe then underprepared. and it only takes about a week or so to get the transcripts from the IRS.

your official return includes teh 1040, w2's and any and all recipts that are sent in or used for it if you file electronically. be it medical receipts, school receipts property tax slips etc. anything that has an amount that you write on the 1040 is part of the "return package".

Edited March 6, 2012 by Kimbear

[CAdreamer 14]

@Kimbear -- the last 2 years? Crud. I thought since it isn't even required at all unless self employed, I was ahead of the game brnging the most recent year. This seriously blows. Really, would it be too hard to state *exactly* what they want on the interview checklist??

*mutter mutter...grumble grumble...*

Thanks for the heads up.

[nycheryl 0]

You might be better off ordering the tax transcripts yourself and having them sent to your fiance (less work for him! ha!).

Here's the website:

http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=232168,00.html

I just got mine yesterday, and I requested them a week ago. Or he can go to the local IRS office himself and pick them up same-day.

Edited March 6, 2012 by nycheryl

[Kimbear 53]

@Kimbear -- the last 2 years? Crud. I thought since it isn't even required at all unless self employed, I was ahead of the game brnging the most recent year. This seriously blows. Really, would it be too hard to state *exactly* what they want on the interview checklist??

*mutter mutter...grumble grumble...*

Thanks for the heads up.

its not the checklist you have to go by, its the instructions for the i-134 ITSELF on top of the checklist. checklist is just that..a general checklist. http://www.uscis.gov.../i-134instr.pdf

instructions seem to have changed a bit..also there is some discussion on whether to fill out the i-864. http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-864instr.pdf which wants 3 years.

either way i just looked at my pkg and i brought two years of transcripts. may as well get em now..your going to need them regardless for the aos part right after your entry. someone with more recent interview p3 p4 done can pipe in here.

Edited March 6, 2012 by Kimbear

[Kimbear 53]

i figured well we started the process in x year..the interview is whenever..so i brought all returns to match those years..which were 2. and like i said they asked me for 2 years..but alas..my hell journey was a bit ago. and i know montreal has changed significantly although whether its for the better or worse..lol

[pocheros 101]

Montreal only kept the most recent year at my interview but they looked at 2008 & 2009 and then handed them back to me. So if something happened the day before your interview and you ONLY had the most recent year's return you'd probably be okay but it's better to have the most recent 3 year's. As Kimbear and nycheryl said, transcripts are free & easy to obtain and you can get extra copies for when you do AOS.

Also for anyone else looking at this thread Montreal still wants the I-134 for K1s, not the I-864. CADreamer asked Montreal in an email and that was their response. I posted it in the K1 guide thread.

Edited March 6, 2012 by pocheros

[Kimbear 53]

Montreal only kept the most recent year at my interview but they looked at 2008 & 2009 and then handed them back to me. So if something happened the day before your interview and you ONLY had the most recent year's return you'd probably be okay but it's better to have the most recent 3 year's. As Kimbear and nycheryl said, transcripts are free & easy to obtain and you can get extra copies for when you do AOS.

Also for anyone else looking at this thread Montreal still wants the I-134 for K1s, not the I-864. CADreamer asked Montreal in an email and that was their response. I posted it in the K1 guide thread.

Great so we finally have some clarification on that. We had quite a few confused people lately asking that specific question. Thanks!