I-134 questions . . . confused

[Knobby_Wheezer 0]

About the I-134:

My BF would like to know why he needs 3 notarised copies of the I-134 and I don't know so I am asking you.

If he does need 3 notarised copies of the I-134, who gets each of the copies? When do they require the copies? Does the notary need to witness the making of the copies (like, my BF makes copies on the notary's photocopier)?

Does he or does he not need to fill out an I-864? (We are K-1)

Where does he get a current version of the I-134?

He tells me that the I-134 requires "evidence." Does he need to have the "evidence" copied? If so, how many copies? Do the copies need to be notarised? Or would it be acceptable to be able to produce the originals at the interview (ie: he brings them with him when he accompanies me to the interview)? For instance: the income tax return. If he gets a notarised copy of the income tax return, it will, of necessity, be last year's return. Should the interview be after *this* year's receipt of return, then the notarised version will no longer be the most recent---colossal waste of money. Another For Instance: can he bring the original of the most recent bank statement rather than get a notarised copy? Or does the original need to be produced?

#3. This Affidavit is being filled out for the benefit of . . . who? Is it me?

Relationship to Sponsor? Fiancée?

Is it necessary to fill out any of the other information (like about the personal property) if, say, his income and other junk reaches the sufficient level of support required. What I mean is: is it necessary to fill in *all* the blanks if his yearly salary reaches the required amount for the support the number of persons in his household?

(Off-Topic: when does he need to produce the evidence that he is free to marry me and to whom does he show it (or for whom to have it copied and notarised)? The original of his divorce evidence is a copy. The "real" original is on file at the court. Is the copy that he was issued considered sufficient?)

On this part of VJ http://www.visajourney.com/consulates/inde...p;cty=Vancouver it says that I need an I-134 accompanied by income tax returns (more than one?) and the W2. Does this mean that the bank statements and all that other junk asked for as "evidence" on the form does not, in fact, need to be procured and presented to anyone?

Listed there is:

When at the K1 interview, they request that your documents be in this order:

- passport

- photographs (print name on back)

- OF-156/DS-156 (should this be OF-167/DS-156?)

- DS-156K

- birth certificate (long form)

- marriage certificate (if any)

- termination of previous marriages

- police certificate(s)

- court records (if any)

- I-134 (they will also ask for income tax returns and the W2 as supporting documentation)

- medical (they do not ask for the chest x-ray so you don't need to bring it with you)

Listed elsewhere in the guides is:

What to send to your fiance(e) once the I-129F is approved (Receive NOA2):

1. A copy of the entire I-129f package (that you made when you sent the petition in) and a copy of information that you sent back due to an RFE (if you received one).

--Why do I need a complete copy of the I-129f?

2. Send all originals of the documentary proof that you submitted for the I-129F to your fiance(e) for their interview at the embassy.

--Do I need to have all the little bits of paper like: airline tickets, the cut out parts of the 'phone bills with the pertinent calls---it's a lot of clutter. I do not see in the Vancouver Consulate list anything about these niggling little bits.

3. Send an original letter affirming your desire to marry your fiance(e) and your continued support of the K-1 Visa. Sign and date the form. This will be similar to the letter you provided with the I-129F, but dated much closer to the interview (it will have most likely been several months since you submitted your I-129F).

--Who gets this? Is it sent in with the I-134? Who gets the I-134? Am I supposed to have a copy? According to the list for Vancouver, I only need the I-134, the income tax returns and a "W2."

4. I-134 Affidavit of Support form. Ensure it is notarized (by a US Notary Public), with all required supporting evidence. Begin collecting the required information ahead of time, as it can often take several weeks to collect it all.

--The required supporting evidence, as stated earlier, looks like income tax returns and a "W2." Also, the sentence reads "Ensure that *it* is notarized" not "Ensure that *they* are notarised."

5. You will likely need at a minimum (for the above form) two to three of your most recent pay stubs and a signed letter from your employer listing you job title, start date, your salary, and the status (full-time) of your position. Begin collecting these ASAP after your NOA2 arrives. You will also probably want to include other evidence such as your banking information and other assets as required by the I-134. Specifically, you will need at least 2 of the 4 options mentioned in Section II-Supporting Evidence of the I-134. See this FAQ for more tips and useful information on the Affidavit of Support Form.

--If he is there in person at the interview, why does he need a bank official's opinion on paper about his bank account? Why are the original bank statements insufficient when he will be there to present them? Is this, perhaps, a requirement if the sponsor cannot be at the interview?

6. A copy of the NOA2 that you received in the mail.

7. Proof of your ongoing relationship. This needs to be taken to the interview! Include photos, travel documents, emails, etc from between the time you filed and present (NOA1 date-now).

--We have been unable to meet since NoA1. Are copies of emails and 'phone bills sufficient? As in, 2 to 4 emails and 2 to 4 'phone bills?

Examples: Copies of phone bills, cell phone bills, emails (you can edit personal info with a marker), letters (edit personal info also), stamps on the letters (to document the date they were sent), and other written documentary proof. Provide a reasonable amount; two to four of each type. Pick a range of dates up to and including the present. You can also include a copy of engagement ring receipt (this is something that is a big optional - do not worry if you do not have a ring yet!)

--We are not getting a ring (allergies). Will this be a problem?

We would like to provide sufficient evidence, but not way too much. We do not want to overdo it.

I know that this is a very long post. I am unable to find the answers for which I am looking on the Board. I apologise if these questions are elsewhere already. I apologise if the consequent answers are elsewhere already. Any help will be greatly appreciated---the stress level is becoming idiotic.

I would also like to apologise if some of these questions do not seem related to my own topic.

[joeyjoey 1]

Knobby_Wheezer,

The I-134 is needed at the Interview. The USCitizen needs to provide proof to the Consulate that they can support the Beneficiary. The original signature must be notarized. You do not need to have 3 notarized copies, but you need copies. Notarys witness signatures. They are not concerned where you print a document. It is the witnessing of a signature being made by a duly sworn official. You make copies wherever you want. And YES, the I-134 is for your benefit. It is the "Affadavit of Support".

If his income is above the Poverty guidelines, he does not need to provide all the additional info. Those are options that allow you to show in a cumulative manner that you reach the guidelines. He will need a letter from his employer, stating salary, start date, title, salary, perm or part time, printed on company letterhead and signed by his Manager. Bank statements don't have to be notarized.

The Consulate is going to want an I-134 original and a copy. The 3rd is for the USCitizen to keep as reference or for you to keep in case you spill coffee on a copy. The I-134 is 2 pages. You can get the form if you click on "FORMS" here at VJ. I printed mine front and back on a single sheet. I made 3 copies, took them to my bank and had all 3 notarized. It was free. I sent all 3 to my Fiancee. I printed a copy here for me, but it is not notarized, just for reference.

Income tax return - The most recent one that he has is required. If your interview occurs before he can complete 2006 return, then he should provide 2005. You cannot notarize a tax return after it has been signed! Again, a notary witnesses a signature being made. It's too late for that. He can get a Tax transcript from "IRS.GOV" for free in about 2 weeks. If he used something like TurboTax, he can print the return again. I included the page showing it was accepted by the IRS as "proof" that I filed.

Certified copies of Divorce decree will probably be needed at the Interview. Same thing with birth certificates. When we started this process, I had Fernanda get 3 certified copies of her Birth certificate. I did the same thing here. Certified copies typically have a raised seal. You can feel where they crimped the paper (raised seal). The K-1 is the first part of the VISA process. After arrival here, there's another animal called "Adjustment of Status".

Next time, you might want to stick to 1 subject and make multiple posts. It makes it easier for members to give you precise answers. Otherwise, you'll get "spotty" answers that don't address all of your questions. And with a post this long, it may just introduce another level of confusion as you wade through the responses.

Good luck Knobby_Wheezer !

[YuAndDan 153]

Way too much being asked in your MONSTER post.

I will answer 1 part.

I-134 is used at the visa interview at the Consulate. I-864 is used when applying for green card by adjusting status in the U.S.

I-864 is only used at the consulate for CR-1 or IR-1 visas since they result in a green card being issued.

I-134 -- K1 and K3 non immigrant visa.

I-864 -- IR1 and CR1 immigrant (GREEN CARD) visa.

In the future keep the post at a reasonable length and number of questions 1 or 2.

[Knobby_Wheezer 0]

Thank you for your patience. I am not aware of protocols unless advised of them. I take it that I have "been told." I will try to just write them down myself and separate them into the different issues and *then* post them the next day. These are all the questions that my BF asked yesterday on the 'phone. I do not know the answers and he was asking me like I did know. So I did the only thing that I knew how to do: as VJ.

Anyway, thank you again joeyjoey and YuAndDan; you were spectacular under the circumstances.

So what do I do now? Repost and split them all up?---skipping the parts that were answered?

~sigh~

Okay.

[Knobby_Wheezer 0]

And, now, I have been advised NOT to break up my post into smaller questions.

Just what IS the protocol?

[meauxna 15]

About the I-134:

My BF would like to know why he needs 3 notarised copies of the I-134 and I don't know so I am asking you.

If he does need 3 notarised copies of the I-134, who gets each of the copies? When do they require the copies? Does the notary need to witness the making of the copies (like, my BF makes copies on the notary's photocopier)?

Does he or does he not need to fill out an I-864? (We are K-1)

Where does he get a current version of the I-134?

He tells me that the I-134 requires "evidence." Does he need to have the "evidence" copied? If so, how many copies? Do the copies need to be notarised? Or would it be acceptable to be able to produce the originals at the interview (ie: he brings them with him when he accompanies me to the interview)? For instance: the income tax return. If he gets a notarised copy of the income tax return, it will, of necessity, be last year's return. Should the interview be after *this* year's receipt of return, then the notarised version will no longer be the most recent---colossal waste of money. Another For Instance: can he bring the original of the most recent bank statement rather than get a notarised copy? Or does the original need to be produced?

-Three copies: one original to submit at the interview, one copy to take to the interview, a third super-extra-redundant copy for the USC 'home record'. The first can be notarized, the otehr 2 can be photocopies of that.

-I-864 will be for your Adjustment of Status application.

-Always get the most up to date forms from uscis.gov

Consider the I-134 a package that consists of the form plus its required evidence. The most recent tax return is fine---2006 returns are not yet due and are not 'the most recent year' for most people. I believe that only the I-134 signature needs to be notarized.

For current income, there are a number of evidences he can provide (pay stubs, employer letter etc).

#3. This Affidavit is being filled out for the benefit of . . . who? Is it me?

Relationship to Sponsor? Fiancée?

Is it necessary to fill out any of the other information (like about the personal property) if, say, his income and other junk reaches the sufficient level of support required. What I mean is: is it necessary to fill in *all* the blanks if his yearly salary reaches the required amount for the support the number of persons in his household?

Take a look at the example forms and the Guides and the FAQ covering this portion. These are FAQs.

---no, he doesn't need to put anything he doesn't want to. If he does include a figure here, he must supply evidence to back it up.

(Off-Topic: when does he need to produce the evidence that he is free to marry me and to whom does he show it (or for whom to have it copied and notarised)? The original of his divorce evidence is a copy. The "real" original is on file at the court. Is the copy that he was issued considered sufficient?)

Wasn't this already provided in the petition process?

On this part of VJ http://www.visajourney.com/consulates/inde...p;cty=Vancouver it says that I need an I-134 accompanied by income tax returns (more than one?) and the W2. Does this mean that the bank statements and all that other junk asked for as "evidence" on the form does not, in fact, need to be procured and presented to anyone?

Listed there is:

When at the K1 interview, they request that your documents be in this order:

- passport

- photographs (print name on back)

- OF-156/DS-156 (should this be OF-167/DS-156?)

- DS-156K

- birth certificate (long form)

- marriage certificate (if any)

- termination of previous marriages

- police certificate(s)

- court records (if any)

- I-134 (they will also ask for income tax returns and the W2 as supporting documentation)

- medical (they do not ask for the chest x-ray so you don't need to bring it with you)

Listed elsewhere in the guides is:

What to send to your fiance(e) once the I-129F is approved (Receive NOA2):

1. A copy of the entire I-129f package (that you made when you sent the petition in) and a copy of information that you sent back due to an RFE (if you received one).

--Why do I need a complete copy of the I-129f?

2. Send all originals of the documentary proof that you submitted for the I-129F to your fiance(e) for their interview at the embassy.

--Do I need to have all the little bits of paper like: airline tickets, the cut out parts of the 'phone bills with the pertinent calls---it's a lot of clutter. I do not see in the Vancouver Consulate list anything about these niggling little bits.

I had heard that Vancouver doesn't even require I-134; it's up to you to provide sufficient evidence that you will not become a Public Charge.

I believe that is old info. The rationale is that the beneficiary should have to hand everything that has been submitted in case something was lost from your file, or so that you know what the officer is reviewing.

It's up to you and the reports of other Van K-1s. You are normally required to be able to show the original of anything you have submitted a photocopy of.

3. Send an original letter affirming your desire to marry your fiance(e) and your continued support of the K-1 Visa. Sign and date the form. This will be similar to the letter you provided with the I-129F, but dated much closer to the interview (it will have most likely been several months since you submitted your I-129F).

--Who gets this? Is it sent in with the I-134? Who gets the I-134? Am I supposed to have a copy? According to the list for Vancouver, I only need the I-134, the income tax returns and a "W2."

It's provided at the interview, if requested.

4. I-134 Affidavit of Support form. Ensure it is notarized (by a US Notary Public), with all required supporting evidence. Begin collecting the required information ahead of time, as it can often take several weeks to collect it all.

--The required supporting evidence, as stated earlier, looks like income tax returns and a "W2." Also, the sentence reads "Ensure that *it* is notarized" not "Ensure that *they* are notarised."

Only the I-134 form signature is notarized.

5. You will likely need at a minimum (for the above form) two to three of your most recent pay stubs and a signed letter from your employer listing you job title, start date, your salary, and the status (full-time) of your position. Begin collecting these ASAP after your NOA2 arrives. You will also probably want to include other evidence such as your banking information and other assets as required by the I-134. Specifically, you will need at least 2 of the 4 options mentioned in Section II-Supporting Evidence of the I-134. See this FAQ for more tips and useful information on the Affidavit of Support Form.

--If he is there in person at the interview, why does he need a bank official's opinion on paper about his bank account? Why are the original bank statements insufficient when he will be there to present them? Is this, perhaps, a requirement if the sponsor cannot be at the interview?

It is not the banker's "opinion" about the account, it's meant to be a deposit history. If this is too hard to get (some banks won't play ball), use original bank statements instead.

6. A copy of the NOA2 that you received in the mail.

7. Proof of your ongoing relationship. This needs to be taken to the interview! Include photos, travel documents, emails, etc from between the time you filed and present (NOA1 date-now).

--We have been unable to meet since NoA1. Are copies of emails and 'phone bills sufficient? As in, 2 to 4 emails and 2 to 4 'phone bills?

Examples: Copies of phone bills, cell phone bills, emails (you can edit personal info with a marker), letters (edit personal info also), stamps on the letters (to document the date they were sent), and other written documentary proof. Provide a reasonable amount; two to four of each type. Pick a range of dates up to and including the present. You can also include a copy of engagement ring receipt (this is something that is a big optional - do not worry if you do not have a ring yet!)

--We are not getting a ring (allergies). Will this be a problem?

No, rings are not a requirement.

We would like to provide sufficient evidence, but not way too much. We do not want to overdo it.

It's best to read the reviews of other K-1s who used Vancouver. Remember that the FAQ is written to cover the most situations possible, and that not every Consulate is as easy going as Van.

Use your good judgement, and gauge how YOU will feel with what amount of back up.