AOS and 864 questions

[mlucasva 1]

Ok guys, I need some guidance. I'm sure I'm way overthinking this, but I just really want to avoid a checklist. I just filed my DS 260 last night and I've assembled the IV and AOS packets to hopefully mail today. I'm just looking over everything for accuracy and completeness and have the following questions:

1. We've jointly filed a 1040 this year along with an ITIN request, and it's still being processed. In my AOS packet I've included a copy of the return (and W2) from turbotax, however since it was generated from turbotax it's lacking signatures. Is this ok? Having her sign from El Salvador again would be a royal pain. I've also included transcripts from the IRS for 2013 and 2014.

2. What lines do I use for total income on the 864? Adjusted gross income or total income?

3. Right now I have both packets complete and in their own envelope. Inside each packet I have the bar-coded cover letter printed from the CEAC (it says "print document cover sheet") portal and my typed cover letter detailing the documents included. Is this all I need for bar-coded stuff? I was just reading James' shortcuts and it mentions "You will need to attach the barcode that was generated after paying the IV fee before sending in the IV packet." and I'm not exactly sure what this means.

Thanks in advance!!

[Russ&Caro 1,549]

I believe that you're not required to provide the current year's return until after April 15th. The fact that you're providing a copy of the 2015 return is sort of going above and beyond and I would think they would overlook the fact that it doesn't include signatures. You might send on the IRS transcript once it's available, to further preclude an RFE.

[mlucasva 1]

I believe that you're not required to provide the current year's return until after April 15th. The fact that you're providing a copy of the 2015 return is sort of going above and beyond and I would think they would overlook the fact that it doesn't include signatures. You might send on the IRS transcript once it's available, to further preclude an RFE.

Roger that, that makes sense to me. Also, I found the income line in the instructions for the 864 buried in a paragraph. For future reference, if you filed a 1040EZ you use adjusted gross income, for 1040 and 1040A you use total income.

[grad_student 11]

You probaly have sent in your packages already, but I have attached the sample for IV bar coded cover sheet. AOS bar coded cover sheet is very similar to it.