bank letter?

[Caryh 5,206]

The "documents filed for visa appointment" and "instructions for K-1 visa applicants" differ on the embassy website. When i called they instructed me to this link as it will be the exact same as Packet 4 my fiance receives.

http://santodomingo.usembassy.gov/iv-visa_appointment.html

1. Evidence of Economic Solvency: You must present a Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the Act) from the petitioner, even if he or she is not working, along with all supporting documents. If the petitioner’s income is insufficient, you must find a joint sponsor.

K-1 and K-2 instructions are here, which list the I-134. The K-1 visa is technically not an immigrant visa, even if the intent is to become an immigrant after marriage.

http://santodomingo.usembassy.gov/k1-k2_instructions.html

Edited August 26, 2014 by Caryh

[KayDeeCee 4,896]

The I-134 Instructions state that you need a statement from a bank officer, though. Do the embassy instructions overrule the form instructions? I'm having my fiancé bring a statement from my bank just to be safe.

Yes, consulate instructions overrule the I-134 instructions. The I-134 was not created specifically for K-1 visas. The K-1 is special in that it is a non-immigrant visa, but with immigrant intent and goes through the immigrant visa section of the consulate when you apply. Most consulates just go by the I-864 guidelines even for the I-134 with a K-1 because they know you will need the I-864 soon after arrival in the US and marrying, when you file for AOS.

A letter from your bank is not needed unless your consulate specifically tells you it is. Typically people need to provide their most recent tax transcript, letter from employer and/or recent pay stubs. If you are self-employed, then tax transcripts and perhaps bank statements showing the income that is deposited each month.

The I-134 instructions also state taxes are only needed if self-employed, but that is not the case either. Follow the I-864 guidelines and you should be fine for the K-1 and I-134.

This is what the Foreign Affairs Manual has to say > http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/86988.pdf

9 FAM 40.41 N5.6-3 Use of Form I-134, Affidavit of Support

f. To substantiate the information regarding income and resources, the sponsor should attach to the affidavit a copy of the latest Federal income tax return filed prior to the signing of the Form I-134, including all supporting schedules. If you determine that the tax return and/or additional evidence in the file do not establish the sponsor's financial ability to carry out the commitment toward the immigrant for what might be an indefinite period of time, or there is a specific reason (other than the passage of time) to question the veracity of the income stated on the Form I-134 or the accompanying document(s), you should request additional evidence (i.e., statement from an employer showing the sponsor's salary and the length and permanency of employment, recent pay statements, or other financial data).

The "documents filed for visa appointment" and "instructions for K-1 visa applicants" differ on the embassy website. When i called they instructed me to this link as it will be the exact same as Packet 4 my fiance receives.

http://santodomingo.usembassy.gov/iv-visa_appointment.html

1. Evidence of Economic Solvency: You must present a Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the Act) from the petitioner, even if he or she is not working, along with all supporting documents. If the petitioner’s income is insufficient, you must find a joint sponsor.

That is the information for the immigrant visas, such as spousal. The I-134 is for the K-1 visa interview, and the I-864 comes later when filing for AOS. The correct info for the K-1 was linked above > http://santodomingo.usembassy.gov/k1-k2_instructions.html

Form I-134, Affidavit of Support: You must present a Form I-134 (Affidavit of Support) from the petitioner, even if he or she is not working.

[nitsirk7562 82]

Thank you this is helpful! Do you think you can answer another question I have? When I went to visit my fiancé in June, I brought him all the documents he would need. We thought NOA2 would take less time. My employee letter is dated from back in June and now we're looking at an interview in October/November. Should I send him an updated letter? Does he need an original copy? It's very easy for me to email him one, but it would cost me over $70 to Fedex a hard copy. Advice is appreciated!

Yes, consulate instructions overrule the I-134 instructions. The I-134 was not created specifically for K-1 visas. The K-1 is special in that it is a non-immigrant visa, but with immigrant intent and goes through the immigrant visa section of the consulate when you apply. Most consulates just go by the I-864 guidelines even for the I-134 with a K-1 because they know you will need the I-864 soon after arrival in the US and marrying, when you file for AOS.

A letter from your bank is not needed unless your consulate specifically tells you it is. Typically people need to provide their most recent tax transcript, letter from employer and/or recent pay stubs. If you are self-employed, then tax transcripts and perhaps bank statements showing the income that is deposited each month.

The I-134 instructions also state taxes are only needed if self-employed, but that is not the case either. Follow the I-864 guidelines and you should be fine for the K-1 and I-134.

This is what the Foreign Affairs Manual has to say > http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/86988.pdf

9 FAM 40.41 N5.6-3 Use of Form I-134, Affidavit of Support

f. To substantiate the information regarding income and resources, the sponsor should attach to the affidavit a copy of the latest Federal income tax return filed prior to the signing of the Form I-134, including all supporting schedules. If you determine that the tax return and/or additional evidence in the file do not establish the sponsor's financial ability to carry out the commitment toward the immigrant for what might be an indefinite period of time, or there is a specific reason (other than the passage of time) to question the veracity of the income stated on the Form I-134 or the accompanying document(s), you should request additional evidence (i.e., statement from an employer showing the sponsor's salary and the length and permanency of employment, recent pay statements, or other financial data).

That is the information for the immigrant visas, such as spousal. The I-134 is for the K-1 visa interview, and the I-864 comes later when filing for AOS. The correct info for the K-1 was linked above > http://santodomingo.usembassy.gov/k1-k2_instructions.html

Form I-134, Affidavit of Support: You must present a Form I-134 (Affidavit of Support) from the petitioner, even if he or she is not working.

[Zedayn 485]

Thank you this is helpful! Do you think you can answer another question I have? When I went to visit my fiancé in June, I brought him all the documents he would need. We thought NOA2 would take less time. My employee letter is dated from back in June and now we're looking at an interview in October/November. Should I send him an updated letter? Does he need an original copy? It's very easy for me to email him one, but it would cost me over $70 to Fedex a hard copy. Advice is appreciated!

The employee letter doesn't need to be original, you can scan and email it. I would also scan and email a few more recent pay stubs so the consulate can see the most recent income. The only original document required is the I-134.

[nitsirk7562 82]

Thanks! I gave him an original I-134, so we are good. My pay stubs are all electronic so no worries there Thanks for the help, I feel less stressed!

The employee letter doesn't need to be original, you can scan and email it. I would also scan and email a few more recent pay stubs so the consulate can see the most recent income. The only original document required is the I-134.

[Gosia & Tito 199]

Hi guys, i have my interview, or our interview i should say in just a couple weeks. I have everything ready except for employment letter and bank letter. Waiting on the employment letter and as for the bank letter i asked last week and found this out:

My bank, capital one 360, does not write special letters and sign them that say how much i have deposited in the past year and how long i have had my account with them. The rep directed me to print from the internet 2 things, a verification of deposit pdf that is automatically generated showing deposits in the past 3 months and past year, as well as screen shots showing my current balance and or my monthly statements (i dont get monthly statements come to think of it, but i can do the screen shots).

My question is, are these things enough information to take to the interview or do i need find someone higher on the ladder at the bank to write me a letter on capital one 360 letterhead and signed??? Please say no! Lol

I would go to your branch, get the manager and ask them to to what the form wants, it is quite simple actually. Most banks have already a ready report to do this; but not everyone knows about it. A rep likely will not, a manager likely will

[d3adc0d3 186]

I never provided a letter from my bank. I provided:

1. last 4 paystubs
2. last 3 years' tax returns
3. letter of employment
4. freelance contracts
5. offer for employment which was even higher pay.

Edited August 26, 2014 by d3adc0d3

[BabyFaceWife 11]

We didn't bring any bank statement or anything to the interview and they didn't even take our I-134's at the interview. You should be fine with just your forms, no extra bank info needed!

[David & Diana R 1,005]

Hi guys, i have my interview, or our interview i should say in just a couple weeks. I have everything ready except for employment letter and bank letter. Waiting on the employment letter and as for the bank letter i asked last week and found this out:

My bank, capital one 360, does not write special letters and sign them that say how much i have deposited in the past year and how long i have had my account with them. The rep directed me to print from the internet 2 things, a verification of deposit pdf that is automatically generated showing deposits in the past 3 months and past year, as well as screen shots showing my current balance and or my monthly statements (i dont get monthly statements come to think of it, but i can do the screen shots).

My question is, are these things enough information to take to the interview or do i need find someone higher on the ladder at the bank to write me a letter on capital one 360 letterhead and signed??? Please say no! Lol

NO!

[DRbound 38]

NO!

Thanks

[Thane 8]

I included just a screenshot from my bank account and 401k and this worked for me, but then again I also make quite a bit more than the poverty line so I am not too sure of whether or not they even bothered.

On the AOS, I included the same as well, but this is still in process, and for me optional so I am not sure of whether or not this is sufficient for the i-134/i-864. I guess this really depends on your financial situation and whether or not you need to utilize your assets to meet their requirements.

[David & Diana R 1,005]

Hi guys, i have my interview, or our interview i should say in just a couple weeks. I have everything ready except for employment letter and bank letter. Waiting on the employment letter and as for the bank letter i asked last week and found this out:

My bank, capital one 360, does not write special letters and sign them that say how much i have deposited in the past year and how long i have had my account with them. The rep directed me to print from the internet 2 things, a verification of deposit pdf that is automatically generated showing deposits in the past 3 months and past year, as well as screen shots showing my current balance and or my monthly statements (i dont get monthly statements come to think of it, but i can do the screen shots).

My question is, are these things enough information to take to the interview or do i need find someone higher on the ladder at the bank to write me a letter on capital one 360 letterhead and signed??? Please say no! Lol

One piece of advice. This is why I don't have an "ON-LINE BANK" account. My wife and I have a bank account at a local mortar and brick bank where we have a personal banker (PB). We can easily walk into our bank and ask for letters and our PB is happy to assist. Usually the same day. I would advise everyone to find a good local bank where you can deal with real people. Of course our bank also has an on-line site where we can log in at any time, check our balances, move money from one account to another, pay bills, etc... Our paychecks are automatically deposited to our joint checking account and we never really have to go to the bank but when we need to our PB is there. We have gotten interest rates 1% and more below the big on-line banks and mortgage brokers because we have this personal relationship with out bank and our banker. She knows us and offers us better deals than we can get anywhere else. No I am not a banker but I believe it is a good idea to have a real bank to deal with. (I guess Capital One 360 is really only about 345? hahaha)

Edited August 26, 2014 by David & Zoila

[DRbound 38]

One piece of advice. This is why I don't have an "ON-LINE BANK" account. My wife and I have a bank account at a local mortar and brick bank where we have a personal banker (PB). We can easily walk into our bank and ask for letters and our PB is happy to assist. Usually the same day. I would advise everyone to find a good local bank where you can deal with real people. Of course our bank also has an on-line site where we can log in at any time, check our balances, move money from one account to another, pay bills, etc... Our paychecks are automatically deposited to our joint checking account and we never really have to go to the bank but when we need to our PB is there. We have gotten interest rates 1% and more below the big on-line banks and mortgage brokers because we have this personal relationship with out bank and our banker. She knows us and offers us better deals than we can get anywhere else. No I am not a banker but I believe it is a good idea to have a real bank to deal with. (I guess Capital One 360 is really only about 345? hahaha)

LOL. Thanks for the advice. I actually used to be a member at a local bank, but I have been disappointed far too many times with overdraft fees (sure you could say i deserve it for withdrawing more than i have in my account, but it has happened in the past) $35 for over-drafting by $.01 was reason #1 for the switch to online banking. Also, just a few years back the interest rates on savings accounts was pretty high, somewhere over 1% (like less than 1/3 of inflation! woah!) which now i think is unheard of even on the online banks. Customer service is BY FAR the quickest and friendliest i have ever experienced with a bank. Gone are the days of waiting on hold for 1/2 hour or more to talk to a specialist... its almost immediate now. No foreign transaction fees. I know i could call them again and demand someone higher up and get some kind of letter, but thanks to you all i know that i probably don't have to do that anyway - and wont!

[DRbound 38]

I included just a screenshot from my bank account and 401k and this worked for me, but then again I also make quite a bit more than the poverty line so I am not too sure of whether or not they even bothered.

On the AOS, I included the same as well, but this is still in process, and for me optional so I am not sure of whether or not this is sufficient for the i-134/i-864. I guess this really depends on your financial situation and whether or not you need to utilize your assets to meet their requirements.

Like you i meet the income requirements with flying colors just with w-2's! lucky me!

[Jon York 156]

You definitely don't need the bank statements. All you really need is your tax transcripts proving you made enough. You can take W-2's too if you want. But that's more than enough since you make more than enough.