Do I really need to include tax returns with I-134

[Miss Accountant 6]

Hey Everyone,

I have a question regarding the I-134 for a K-1 visa. I am the USC bringing my fiance here. I just finished grad school last May and started my full time job last November and I currently make significantly more than the threshold requirement. I also have a significant amount in savings.

I will be including a few W-2s and a letter from my employer (stating my position and salary) as well as my most recent bank statement in case they're worried that I haven't been working long enough to support my fiance.

Now I know that it's common practice to include your tax returns as well, but I've been a student my whole life until last year. And while I did make money every year, it wasn't nearly as much as I'm making now. I think that my tax returns aren't a good example of my salary, so it doesn't seem to make sense to include them. Since I'm not self-employed they're not required, right? Would it look suspicious if I don't include them? Did anyone here not include their tax returns with the I-134? How did that work out for you, were there any problems?

Thank you! My fiance and I greatly appreciate your help!

[Darnell 8,478]

they adjudicate on:

1. prior year income gleaned from an income tax return and

2. current annual income proof.

[KayDeeCee 4,893]

It depends on what consulate you will go through and what they require. What do their instructions ask for? If they want the most recent tax return, then you give it to them. It makes no difference if your past income was lower. You will be listing your current annual income and providing proof of that current income amount.

[baron555 934]

I currently make significantly more than the threshold requirement.

Then you're golden.

I also have a significant amount in savings.

I will be including a few W-2s and a letter from my employer (stating my position and salary) as well as my most recent bank statement in case they're worried that I haven't been working long enough to support my fiance.

Now I know that it's common practice to include your tax returns as well, but I've been a student my whole life until last year.

Common with former students.

And while I did make money every year, it wasn't nearly as much as I'm making now. I think that my tax returns aren't a good example of my salary,

Current income with pay summaries and employer letter are best.

so it doesn't seem to make sense to include them. Since I'm not self-employed they're not required, right? Would it look suspicious if I don't include them? Did anyone here not include their tax returns with the I-134? How did that work out for you, were there any problems?

Thank you! My fiance and I greatly appreciate your help!

[Miss Accountant 6]

Thanks for the input, everyone! Sorry I'm late in getting back to you. KayDeeCee, it's the embassy in Albania, but the form doesn't change based on the country, does it? The instructions on the form only say to provide evidence that you have sufficient income, and then gives suggestions (paystubs, letters from employer, tax return etc.) But nowhere does it say that a tax return is required, unless you're self-employed.

[KayDeeCee 4,893]

Thanks for the input, everyone! Sorry I'm late in getting back to you. KayDeeCee, it's the embassy in Albania, but the form doesn't change based on the country, does it? The instructions on the form only say to provide evidence that you have sufficient income, and then gives suggestions (paystubs, letters from employer, tax return etc.) But nowhere does it say that a tax return is required, unless you're self-employed.

It is not about the actual form or the vague instructions for it. The I-134 is not specifically a K-1 visa form. It is used for other types of non-immigrant visas as well. Since the K-1 visa has immigrant intent, the immigrant visa units of the consulates process K-1 visas. The financial aspects of sponsorship for a K-1 can be more than what is asked for just to satisfy the I-134 instructions.

Each consulate has their own procedures and requirements. Yours states it needs the return + W-2 and for you to check 'I intend' for number 11 on the form, which means you would not want to follow the example here on VJ for your consulate. Albania's requirements > http://photos.state.gov/libraries/albania/388734/documents/instr-k1-eng.pdf

[Miss Accountant 6]

Ok wow, I did not know that the requirements for the form changed by country. I assumed that if I followed exactly what was on the form then I was fine. Thank you for the link KayDeeCee! I'll be following that very closely.