I-134 for co-sponsor monthly income smaller because of child support payments

[Mmelon 8]

Okay so my co-sponsor makes well above the 125% of poverty level as reflected on his tax returns. However, on his monthly pay stubs from work, the actual amount that is going into direct deposit does not reflect this because about half is taken out before direct deposit for child support. I am worried about the discrepancy. Even with the deduction, he makes above 125% for the household size, but I guess I am kind of worried about being questioned about how his tax returns show that he earns much more than the pay stubs show. I really don't want to get into the divorces issues, but should I ask him for the divorce decree stating how much he is required to pay in child support? Everyone says that the U.S. embassies care more about current income than anything else, and don't look at debt or spending, but I am afraid it will come up in this situation. Any advice?

[adisabeba33 0]

I think income tax form should say that he pays child support.

[Mmelon 8]

I think income tax form should say that he pays child support.

Yes, I think you are right. I guess I am wondering if I should bring more evidence of the child support or not. It would seem that the figure they are looking for is the gross income, right? Not deductions...

[KayDeeCee 4,893]

Gross income is used. How much someone pays out for bills and other debts does not matter. You do not need to provide proof of debts, only proof of gross income. Could he get a letter from his employer that states how much he makes? Not a requirement, but the employment letter would only list his job position and income amount without reference to any debts. That with the pay stubs and tax transcript should be all you need. Also, if he is still above the requirement even after deducting the child support, I think you are worrying too much and adding more stress onto yourself that is not needed. Relax. I know, easier said than done, but try.

[Mmelon 8]

Gross income is used. How much someone pays out for bills and other debts does not matter. You do not need to provide proof of debts, only proof of gross income. Could he get a letter from his employer that states how much he makes? Not a requirement, but the employment letter would only list his job position and income amount without reference to any debts. That with the pay stubs and tax transcript should be all you need. Also, if he is still above the requirement even after deducting the child support, I think you are worrying too much and adding more stress onto yourself that is not needed. Relax. I know, easier said than done, but try.

I know I am probably worrying too much! Thanks for your patience.

To provide an example with made up numbers....say his monthly salary is $3,500....his pay stub will only say $1750 because the child support is deducted first. So it APPEARS that he makes less than he does looking at the pay stubs. But the tax returns and W-2's do show the full amount. Do you think that is a non-issue? He is working on getting the employment letter as well and a letter from the bank.

On a side note, I see a lot of people saying that these documents and letters should be notarized. But the packet 3 from the embassy does not say anything about that being a requirement. Am I missing something, or do people notarize just to be on the safe side?

[KayDeeCee 4,893]

I know I am probably worrying too much! Thanks for your patience.

To provide an example with made up numbers....say his monthly salary is $3,500....his pay stub will only say $1750 because the child support is deducted first. So it APPEARS that he makes less than he does looking at the pay stubs. But the tax returns and W-2's do show the full amount. Do you think that is a non-issue? He is working on getting the employment letter as well and a letter from the bank.

On a side note, I see a lot of people saying that these documents and letters should be notarized. But the packet 3 from the embassy does not say anything about that being a requirement. Am I missing something, or do people notarize just to be on the safe side?

Since the tax returns/W-2s and letter from the employer will show the true gross income amount, then maybe just show those and skip the pay stubs in your case. That way there will be no confusion as to how much he currently earns. He will also be adding in a letter from his bank, so I think the pay stubs are not needed.

Nothing needs to be notarized unless instructed to by the consulate. Since your instructions do not say to then nope, no need. I think people believe getting things notarized makes them more 'official' and accepted, but it doesn't.