Affidavit of Support

[DemonSlayerz 0]

One question you should ask is do you even have a good-solid co-sponser to assist you? The number you can call and get right in is (214)571-1600. You will get right through if you go to the prompts to set-up an appointment, then tell them you have a question. Good Luck..

A question to answer your question: What is considered a bullet-proof cosponsor?

[sunandmoon 450]

there really isn't a bulletproof joint sponsor at the embassy in Manila. this is from an email a member in the past received from the Embassy...

Petitioners in fiancé(e) (K1) nonimmigrant visa cases are generally expected to provide the adequacy of their own financial resources to ensure that an alien, after admission into the United States, will not become primarily dependent on the US Government for subsistence. While our immigration law does not disallow joint sponsorships for K nonimmigrant visa applicants, the mere submission of an I-134 Affidavit of Support from joint sponsors is not sufficient to establish that the alien is not likely to become a public charge. Accordingly, we make a thorough evaluation of other factors, such as the sponsor's motives in submitting the Form I-134, the sponsor's relationship to the applicant or petitioner, the length of time the sponsor and applicant have known each other, etc. An I-134 Affidavit of Support submitted by a casual friend or distant relative who has little or no personal knowledge of the applicant has limited value. Unlike the I-864 filed by joint sponsors in immigrant visa cases, the I-134 is not legally binding and imposes no legal obligation on the joint sponsor to make good on his or her promises. Please be assured that we look at the totality of circumstances in assessing the credibility of joint sponsorships.

[DemonSlayerz 0]

there really isn't a bulletproof joint sponsor at the embassy in Manila. this is from an email a member in the past received from the Embassy...

Petitioners in fiancé(e) (K1) nonimmigrant visa cases are generally expected to provide the adequacy of their own financial resources to ensure that an alien, after admission into the United States, will not become primarily dependent on the US Government for subsistence. While our immigration law does not disallow joint sponsorships for K nonimmigrant visa applicants, the mere submission of an I-134 Affidavit of Support from joint sponsors is not sufficient to establish that the alien is not likely to become a public charge. Accordingly, we make a thorough evaluation of other factors, such as the sponsor's motives in submitting the Form I-134, the sponsor's relationship to the applicant or petitioner, the length of time the sponsor and applicant have known each other, etc. An I-134 Affidavit of Support submitted by a casual friend or distant relative who has little or no personal knowledge of the applicant has limited value. Unlike the I-864 filed by joint sponsors in immigrant visa cases, the I-134 is not legally binding and imposes no legal obligation on the joint sponsor to make good on his or her promises. Please be assured that we look at the totality of circumstances in assessing the credibility of joint sponsorships.

Thanks for this information. =) And for the previous post, I used the number you gave me and it worked like a charm ~ thanks!

What information I learned from the operator I talked to was this: K-1 Visa's do not allow cosponsors. Perhaps your case has been approved even with a cosponsor, but we can't all take that chance unless we are willing. Like everyone has said, it's a 50/50 chance with a cosponsor ~ and I'm not really fond of those odds.

I will be pursuing a job (as I have been for over 2 years now) & praying that I find something soon to help offset expenses & to push forward with this visa process. God willing, something will turn up with enough hard work, sweat, and tears. =) Asking for prayers & maintaining positive in the face of adversity. God bless!

Adam~

And good luck to everyone on their visa journeys! May they be successful & a blessing in the end of all the blood & tears!

[DavenRoxy 1,073]

I appreciate your honesty, & I do not condemn a word you have spoken. Thank you for being up front & sharing the truth. It has not dawned on me this entire process and the costs that will come along with it. My question is, in your advice & if money wasn't the main concern (and I had a job which I have held for a few months), would it be more likely to get her visa approval ~ especially if I had a job?

Another question I have is, how long can she hold off before scheduling her appointment at the USEM? I know there is a specific time she has to schedule her appointment or her application (call it that with me for a moment) will expire and the entire process will start over again.

Just a few questions that, if possible to answer, I would LOVE answered. =) Once again, thanks for your advice! No anger or sorrow here, just honesty & a desire to know the truth ~ and what could possible be done. Thanks again!

~Adam

I don't have much experience with the whole co-sponsor thing, just some things I have read on here. Your best bet would be to use the search function, find those who have had to do it, and speak with them, either in PMs or on the phone. I'm sure you would get much better feedback that way. I DO know that if you don't meet the 125% of 2012 poverty guidelines posted above, you won't be very likely to get approved, job or no job.

Once you have your NOA2, and you know your packet has reached USEM (there are threads detailing how to track your packet via DHL to USEM, once you have your MNL # from NVC), you can delay the interview process 4 months at a time up to one year, but you must contact USEM to ensure a CO makes a note of this in your file. We did that in our case, even though our NOA2 was in January, her interview wasn't until August.

I know you are excited to be together, and no one can fault you for that. Being in love and so far apart can be VERY tough. But in addition to what I said above, consider this... if you WERE able to get her here now, you guys will then face the daily stresses of paying bills and buying food, until you are making enough money. Nothing wrong with being together and being poor and in love, but it is NOT easy to be married, particularly to a foreigner, and even more so if you are struggling to make ends meet. Looking back on my life, I just can't see how I made it when I was young, and I married a local gal. To imagine someone doing what all of us here are doing, and not being financially stable... wow. Just saying it's going to be TOUGH.

Having said all of that, there is nothing quite like having someone who TRULY loves you at your side while struggling. Making it thru the lean years, if indeed the marriage lasts, has a way of bringing a couple very close. Adversity shared is adversity made easier, in many cases.

I wish you the best of luck. It's a slow, tedious process, and hard from a financial aspect. But in the end, it is very much worth it. Even if you have to wait 2-3 years (I have a friend who did that with his wife from the PI) to be together, I hope it all works out for the best for both of you. These forums can be very helpful, and most of the folks here will point you in the right direction as you "journey".

On a side note... any chance of you uprooting and moving to the PI, even if only for a few months, to be together?

[DemonSlayerz 0]

I don't have much experience with the whole co-sponsor thing, just some things I have read on here. Your best bet would be to use the search function, find those who have had to do it, and speak with them, either in PMs or on the phone. I'm sure you would get much better feedback that way. I DO know that if you don't meet the 125% of 2012 poverty guidelines posted above, you won't be very likely to get approved, job or no job.

Once you have your NOA2, and you know your packet has reached USEM (there are threads detailing how to track your packet via DHL to USEM, once you have your MNL # from NVC), you can delay the interview process 4 months at a time up to one year, but you must contact USEM to ensure a CO makes a note of this in your file. We did that in our case, even though our NOA2 was in January, her interview wasn't until August.

I know you are excited to be together, and no one can fault you for that. Being in love and so far apart can be VERY tough. But in addition to what I said above, consider this... if you WERE able to get her here now, you guys will then face the daily stresses of paying bills and buying food, until you are making enough money. Nothing wrong with being together and being poor and in love, but it is NOT easy to be married, particularly to a foreigner, and even more so if you are struggling to make ends meet. Looking back on my life, I just can't see how I made it when I was young, and I married a local gal. To imagine someone doing what all of us here are doing, and not being financially stable... wow. Just saying it's going to be TOUGH.

Having said all of that, there is nothing quite like having someone who TRULY loves you at your side while struggling. Making it thru the lean years, if indeed the marriage lasts, has a way of bringing a couple very close. Adversity shared is adversity made easier, in many cases.

I wish you the best of luck. It's a slow, tedious process, and hard from a financial aspect. But in the end, it is very much worth it. Even if you have to wait 2-3 years (I have a friend who did that with his wife from the PI) to be together, I hope it all works out for the best for both of you. These forums can be very helpful, and most of the folks here will point you in the right direction as you "journey".

On a side note... any chance of you uprooting and moving to the PI, even if only for a few months, to be together?

Very well thought out response & I appreciate every keystroke you put into your reply. Indeed, it is nice having someone who genuinely loves you ~ not for what you can give them, but for who you are as a living, breathing human being. In truth, I didn't believe that a cosponsor would work, and now that I know this for certain, I will put all of my efforts back into obtaining a job (by any chance do you know if I will need to turn in a W2/Tax Return to prove financial stability? Or will a few months worth of paystubs be enough to prove this along with a bank statement and a letter of employment?).

I do agree with everything you have said ~ with that said though, I wasn't planning on living all by myself. When my fiancee comes over, I was (and am) planning on returning to school to study in computer science to be a computer programmer/designer. Talking in-depth about this with my fiancee, we would be living with my parents (in a mother-in-law suit) until I am able to get on my own two feet. My parents are fine with this, wanting for me to be ready to take to the skies on my own and willing to provide a nest for me while I am spreading my wings and getting ready to take off. So we wouldn't struggle, we would be just fine ~ & it's nice to know that my family, my entire family (over 7 children) supports me and my decision to marry this amazing & exquisite woman of God.

To answer your question, I might just do that ~ spend a few months over there with her. But that will all play in & depend on how long I've held a job, how long I can take vacation, & what happens during the duration of our waiting period. I don't know how I would take a long leave like that easily after being employed for only a few months ~ I don't think that's even possible without declaring FMLA.

One thing is for certain though, when my little brother does die, if she's not here by then, I will be taking FMLA for a period of 2/3 months, and spending a good portion of my time over there in the Philippines with her ~ God willing though, it will NOT come down to this.

Thanks for the information about how to delay our case for a period of up to a year ~ that is really helpful & MOST appreciated (my fiancee thanks you as well). =) It is indeed hard to be in love & to be so far apart. But in truth, nothing makes being this far apart harder than watching her suffer from the emotionally abusive family she is currently residing with. Will continue to pray for her & ask that you all do the same. =) And continuing to remain positive and to shoot for our goals ~ no matter HOW extreme or how long they take to achieve.

~Adam

[Tahoma 2,292]

Could anyone give me the list of documents needed to be filed for a cosponsor?

Form I-134 (or Form I-864)

2011 Federal Income Tax return

2011 W-2 / 1099

Recent paycheck stubs

Employer's letter

Proof of U.S. Citizenship (for example: biographical page of a passport, a birth certificate, a certificate of naturalization)

[Tahoma 2,292]

And what will the US Embassy in Manila do if you are currently unemployed, & do not meet the poverty guideline ~ hence why you are using a cosponsor? Will that be an instant visa denial?

Please see my response below from post #6:

The Embassy does not deny visas to those who do not meet the income guidelines. Instead, at their interview, the visa applicant is issued an MNL-IV-22 (221g) which gives them one year to submit proof of adequate income.

[Tdeboevre 2]

Form I-134 (or Form I-864)

2011 Federal Income Tax return

2011 W-2 / 1099

Recent paycheck stubs

Employer's letter

Proof of U.S. Citizenship (for example: biographical page of a passport, a birth certificate, a certificate of naturalization)

Are ALL these forms mandatory?

I mean, I got my packet 3, read the I-134 guidelines, it is not asking for ALL these forms.

So far I have the filled I-134, proof of US citizenship, employer's letter and recent paycheck stubs. But no Tax document.

[Tahoma 2,292]

Are ALL these forms mandatory?

I mean, I got my packet 3, read the I-134 guidelines, it is not asking for ALL these forms.

So far I have the filled I-134, proof of US citizenship, employer's letter and recent paycheck stubs. But no Tax document.

I don't know what they do in France.

However, in the Philippines, when a petitioner is jobless, broke, and dealing with an Embassy which rarely allows joint sponsors, they shouldn't think in terms of "mandatory." They should think in terms of building the best case possible.

[Tdeboevre 2]

I don't know what they do in France.

However, in the Philippines, when a petitioner is jobless, broke, and dealing with an Embassy which rarely allows joint sponsors, they shouldn't think in terms of "mandatory." They should think in terms of building the best case possible.

Got it. Thanks!

[DemonSlayerz 0]

Hey everyone! *bump*

My fiancee just received a text from the NVC today and told them that all information & further inquiries will be made through the U.S. Embassy located in Manila. While this is great, it leads me to a few questions.

1. How will we schedule our appointment/delay our appointment? Do we call the U.S. Embassy and say we want to schedule our appointment farther out? If not, who would we contact, and where can I find this number to call them?

2. I have heard from several people that a W2 tax return is required for the interview with the Manila consulate, & I was wondering if this has been true in your case/most cases? If so, this information would be very helpful! I plan on contacting the Embassy in Manila later this evening to ask them if they require a W2 Tax Return sheet for the interview. =) If this is so, then I will know for sure that we will have to postpone our application and visa for 1 year until I have a W2 & can prove stable income.

If anyone else has any more advice on what they did/what should be done after receiving the NVC notification, I would be most appreciate!

Glad to be taking another step forward, and looking forward to seeing what else is in store! Thanks for all your help, much appreciated!

~Adam

[Tahoma 2,292]

1. How will we schedule our appointment/delay our appointment? Do we call the U.S. Embassy and say we want to schedule our appointment farther out? If not, who would we contact, and where can I find this number to call them?

2. I have heard from several people that a W2 tax return is required for the interview with the Manila consulate, & I was wondering if this has been true in your case/most cases? If so, this information would be very helpful! I plan on contacting the Embassy in Manila later this evening to ask them if they require a W2 Tax Return sheet for the interview. =) If this is so, then I will know for sure that we will have to postpone our application and visa for 1 year until I have a W2 & can prove stable income.

1. To schedule an interview appointment, you need to call the NVC and get your MNL case number. Then, you need to pay the visa application fee at BPI. Then, you need to schedule an interview appointment either online or by phone.

To delay having an interview, simply do not book an appointment. In that case, you will need to email the Embassy every four months and request that your case remain active. They will hold a case for one year.

You should read the letter from the Embassy that is sent to K-1 beneficiaries. It has a lot of information in it about scheduling an interview and preparing for an interview. Click here to read the Embassy's interview preparation instructions.

2. A W-2 is not required. Those who are self-employed won't have a W-2.

What's required is proof that your current sustained income exceeds 125% of the poverty level, so that the consular officer is convinced your fiancée won't become a public charge in the U.S. You can also use liquid assets at a 5:1 ratio to offset the income requirement.

If you had no income in 2011, you will need to submit current paycheck stubs which show that your current income exceeds 125% of the poverty level on an annualized basis, and you will need to submit an employer's letter also.

[DemonSlayerz 0]

1. To schedule an interview appointment, you need to call the NVC and get your MNL case number. Then, you need to pay the visa application fee at BPI. Then, you need to schedule an interview appointment either online or by phone.

To delay having an interview, simply do not book an appointment. In that case, you will need to email the Embassy every four months and request that your case remain active. They will hold a case for one year.

You should read the letter from the Embassy that is sent to K-1 beneficiaries. It has a lot of information in it about scheduling an interview and preparing for an interview. Click here to read the Embassy's interview preparation instructions.

2. A W-2 is not required. Those who are self-employed won't have a W-2.

What's required is proof that your current sustained income exceeds 125% of the poverty level, so that the consular officer is convinced your fiancée won't become a public charge in the U.S. You can also use liquid assets at a 5:1 ratio to offset the income requirement.

If you had no income in 2011, you will need to submit current paycheck stubs which show that your current income exceeds 125% of the poverty level on an annualized basis, and you will need to submit an employer's letter also.

Thanks for the information, Tahoma.

I will be calling the US Embassy in Manila later this evening, and asking them personally if they will need a tax return &/or a W2 to prove financial stability. If the answer to either of these is yes, then the entire process to get my fiancee over here will be a bit longer than previously thought. =) Prayerfully though, we'll receive some good news!

Will keep you posted! Thanks again!

~Adam

[Tahoma 2,292]

I will be calling the US Embassy in Manila later this evening, and asking them personally if they will need a tax return &/or a W2 to prove financial stability. If the answer to either of these is yes, then the entire process to get my fiancee over here will be a bit longer than previously thought.

At her interview, the pre-screener will ask your fiancée to submit your federal income tax return and W-2/1099. If you didn't file a tax return, she will need to submit a letter from you explaining why you didn't file one. However, she will still be required to submit evidence that you can support her. That evidence would likely consist of current paycheck stubs and an employer's letter.