Form I-134: Do stocks/bonds in retirement accounts qualify?

[fiancevisaodyssey 0]

Hello,

My fiance and I both have good jobs and we have worked hard and saved diligently in order to take a sabbatical so we can do some traveling abroad together before he comes to the United States on a K-1 visa so we can get married. This means that when filling out the form I-134 'Affidavit of Support' I will not have proof of a job or income but I have plenty in savings. I do not think I have enough in savings to meet the minimum requirement of 125% of the poverty line x 5 years (as specified in the directions for form I-864 as these criteria are usually applied to the I-134). BUT if my stock/bond holdings in my retirement account can be used I have more than enough to meet that requirement. So my question is: can the value of my retirement assets be counted toward the funds I have available to financially support my fiance in the government's opinion?

Alternatively I have a family member who can cosponsor me, but I do not want to but them through all that effort if I do not have to.

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

At a London K1 interview, the standards of the I-864 are not applied to the I-134. You have to convince the officer your fiance will not become a public charge. It is a subjective decision. Present your savings, the fiance's savings, and see what happens. They are quite flexible. I can't say what will convince them but have seen around $40k approved. Some think less would do it. Have a backup I-134 from the parent to pull out only if necessary. That way you can tear it up if what you present is accepted.

London will let your fiance self-sponsor with no I-134 if he has a lot of savings.

Edited August 28, 2015 by Nich-Nick