so confusing!!!

[shrewdgal 0]

Hey guys!

I have some questions. I dont think the answers are here obvious anywhere..haha... I am going to file for my fiancee..and how big of a "proof of relationship" issue is it that we have only been physically together one week? I met him over the summer while I was in JA on a mission trip with my pastor and I am an elementary teacher so it is hard for me to get time off during the school year to go visit him. I am planning a trip for Spring Break but hope to have started paperwork before then. I have a card from him. phone bills. a couple of pictures but unfortunatly they are mainly of just the two of us. my jamaica agenda and my flight ticket..anything else I might have and wouldnt think of??

Also- he tried to come here for Christmas but wasnt approved for the visitor's VISA b/c he didnt have "adequate community ties to show return"...will that mean anything in the paperwork process like.. will he have a hard time being approved??

I am a 2nd year teacher (just graduated) and my income is def. above poverty level but I dont have 3 years of returns so my sister and brother-in-law are sponsering us - do I still need to have MY tax returns for the past two years?

and finally- where is says "intended adress in the U.S." what if I dont know it yet?

Thanks!!!

You guys are great!

[Sinergy 3]

Your proof of relationships is good. include passport stamps as well.

If you are unsure of your income or nervous about it, its ok to get a joint sponsor, but yes they still need your tax returns bc you are the initial sponsor of your fiance. Just bc the joint sponsor files out the affidavit of support dont mean you dont have to (i thought so at first teehee). I did and it didnt hurt at all.

good luck!!

[midicat 0]

For the proof of relationship part, the only requirement for that is that you've met in the last two years. All the stuff that you've mentioned the flight tickets, pictures, passport stamps (majorly good to have) will all help support the fact especially if they have dates on them etc. It will probably be a bit harder at the interview because you have to show your continued relationship, so when you get to the interview part you will need a lot more. By that point though you will probably have been to see him again so you will have more proof.

Where he was denied entry into the US should have no effect on his being approved for a visa.

These last two parts im not completely sure on, but for the sponsor part i'm pretty sure you do need to still send in your tax returns because even if you have a co-sponsor you are still the primary sponsor, so you have to show in some way you can support them. The address part, I would think you should put the address you live at now if you do not know a new address, you can always update it later on in the process?

[edsperfect 25]

For the proof of relationship part, the only requirement for that is that you've met in the last two years. All the stuff that you've mentioned the flight tickets, pictures, passport stamps (majorly good to have) will all help support the fact especially if they have dates on them etc. It will probably be a bit harder at the interview because you have to show your continued relationship, so when you get to the interview part you will need a lot more. By that point though you will probably have been to see him again so you will have more proof.

Where he was denied entry into the US should have no effect on his being approved for a visa.

These last two parts im not completely sure on, but for the sponsor part i'm pretty sure you do need to still send in your tax returns because even if you have a co-sponsor you are still the primary sponsor, so you have to show in some way you can support them. The address part, I would think you should put the address you live at now if you do not know a new address, you can always update it later on in the process?

I am not sure if the guides point this out but i do not beliee you need three years of tax returns all you need in the nformation concerning your income at present. A letter from your employer or present W2 when you get it along with some paystubs.

[gwenneh 7]

Some Embassies require one year of tax returns to prove current income, some require three years' worth - it's best to be prepared either way.

Edited January 5, 2007 by Gwen666

[bora bora 1]

I'm a teacher too - 2nd year in the U.S. (I did one year in Brazil). I don't think we have to worry about the affidavit of support because we are currently earning enough and we can always show proof of graduating from college and that is why we didn't earn as much before.

I will be taking my tax returns to the interview with me as well as W2s and my contract from last year and this year (to show my raise) and that I've been employed since 9/2005.

I have my letter (and the listed contracts) from my employer and will be able to take my W2s from this year with me as well. I have pay stubs and bank statements and my life insurance policy.

Get together as much proof as you can that you earn enough, and remember you still have your W2s from this year to show that you earned above the poverty line for 2006.

I was told that what is most important is that your current salary is sufficient.

I hope this helps.

[shrewdgal 0]

I'm a teacher too - 2nd year in the U.S. (I did one year in Brazil). I don't think we have to worry about the affidavit of support because we are currently earning enough and we can always show proof of graduating from college and that is why we didn't earn as much before.

I will be taking my tax returns to the interview with me as well as W2s and my contract from last year and this year (to show my raise) and that I've been employed since 9/2005.

I have my letter (and the listed contracts) from my employer and will be able to take my W2s from this year with me as well. I have pay stubs and bank statements and my life insurance policy.

Get together as much proof as you can that you earn enough, and remember you still have your W2s from this year to show that you earned above the poverty line for 2006.

I was told that what is most important is that your current salary is sufficient.

I hope this helps.

BoraBora!

Thanks so much!! We should definately keep in touch throughout this entire process!! Those are great ideas. I would feel much better not having to file with a joint sponsor, much less confusing!! I will get copies of my contracts (does it matter that we are still probationary and in annual contracts?) Who did you get to write your letter? human services???

Thanks!!

[bora bora 1]

Shrewdgal,

I'm not going to mention that I'm on an annual contract - and I don't know if that matters. Unfortunately, anyone can lose their job at any time, right? I mean, we're NOT temporary employers. In my case, probably yours, it is very difficult not to get a contract for the next school year. I will take the contract with me to the interview and if it's asked I'll answer. I don't see a need to file with a joint sponsor because we DO earn well enough above the poverty guidelines...and it'd be a pain, like you said.

I e-mailed my principal today with a copy of the letter and asked her to type it out on letter head. If she can't do it then I'll ask someone else - once she gives me an answer. Her secretary is out for the next 3 weeks otherwise I would have asked her.

I contacted someone in my county but he only gave me a half-### copy of what I asked for. I think it's better to ask the school.

Hope this helps.

[shrewdgal 0]

I agree about trying to stay in the school! I just wasnt sure if the principal would have the salary amount and all the "formal" dates. I would much rather stay in the school than go "downtown" haha. I wont mention that it is "temporary" either. My only thing is that I may be moving next year and the summer is HOPEFULLY when the interview will happen..or be over!! haha but either way I run that time as being the risk of one contract almost if not already over and the other one (hoping I have one by then!) not starting?? Who knows. sigh. so complicated, haha

Thanks so much for your help! Its awesome to find someone with such similar circumstances! I am waiting for a few more things to be sent to me and then I will be filing..hopefully by the end of the month!!! EXCITING!!!

[bora bora 1]

Good that you'll be filing soon.

My job isn't temporary - I work contract-to-contract at my school in this school district but next year will be my last year and I'll have tenure.

When the county gave me that letter it stated that I have been employed since XX/2005.

Even before last summer I received my offer to work this school year.

Enough proof of your current job (salary) along with supporting documents should be fine.

[shrewdgal 0]

Good that you'll be filing soon.

My job isn't temporary - I work contract-to-contract at my school in this school district but next year will be my last year and I'll have tenure.

When the county gave me that letter it stated that I have been employed since XX/2005.

Even before last summer I received my offer to work this school year.

Enough proof of your current job (salary) along with supporting documents should be fine.

Hey! My job isnt "temporary" necessarily, but I think thats what they call it unless you are already tenure. If I stayed in this same city one more year I would be tenure as well, but I live about 8 hours from my family and I think I am ready to move home, plus living expenses at home are WAY more reasonable and it will be nice to be around family while we are getting on our feet!

Thanks for all your help!!!

[bora bora 1]

No problem.

My principal gave me the letter today. I wrote that I am a permanent employee in good standing and included my salary and start date.

She printed it out on letterhead and signed it.