Manila Embassy Interview/Visa Status

[Pinay Wife 47]

Was wondering if anyone knows more about I-134 requirements. Many speak of the 125% of the poverty level based on family size but the State department website says for the I-134 it is only 100% and it is 125% for the actual change of status. Anyone have any personal experience on this one. I am over the 100 percent based on a family of 5 but my three kids I only have half the time. I do have a co sponsor but would like to make the I-134 on my own if I can. I will be over the 125% levels after 6 months. Also anyone know about the length of time one must be in a job. I changed positions just as we received our NOA2. Thanks and good luck to all!

While it is true that you only need to meet 100%, Manila Embassy requires (although they do not explicitly say it) that petitioners meet the 125% upfront or at least during interview time. Adjustment of status is only a few weeks or months away from interview and Embassy wants to make sure you are at 125% level before you file AOS. You are exempt from the 125% rule if you are in the military.

We've had successful petitioners who were new in their jobs. Just make sure you send your fiancee your last 3 pay stubs prior to interview and latest W2 and ITR . I think what the embassy does is based on your latest payslip, they multiply your salary by 12 months to estimate if you meet poverty guidelines even if your last year's income did not quite make the guidelines. What is important to them is how much you are making at the time of your fiancee's interview.

You are wise to try to make the I-134 on your own. Use co-sponsor only as a last resort.

Edited May 22, 2007 by PatientlyWaiting

[Skeeter211 2]

I have been to Cebu three times in the last 13 months and so far BT-Store.com has always come through with the lowest fares. I fly Cathay Pacific by far the best airlines from US to Philippines. Just make sure you search for the best days to lower the fare...makes a huge difference. Good Luck!

I must agree that Cathay Pacific is the best airline I have flown on to the PI and back in terms of their planes and in-flight customer service. (Sometimes the cheapest too, but not always.) I have flown China Airlines, PAL, a combo of United/Japan Airlines, EVA Airways and Cathay Pacific to the Philippines. Never used NWA, but I used to fly them domestically. NWA is having some good fares right now. We're using PAL for my sweetheart's flight here only because they are the only airlines with a non-stop MNL-SFO flight and she doesn't want to make a connection alone in a foreign country.

One other suggestion....I was told that its cheaper to buy a one-way ticket to the USA in the Philippines instead of buying it online or from a travel agent in the states. I tested it and for me, it came true. I saved about $150 US (P7500) on PAL over what I could get it for here or online from the PAL website.

Scott (and Mirasol)

[CountryBoy 0]

We've had successful petitioners who were new in their jobs. Just make sure you send your fiancee your last 3 pay stubs prior to interview and latest W2 and ITR . I think what the embassy does is based on your latest payslip, they multiply your salary by 12 months to estimate if you meet poverty guidelines even if your last year's income did not quite make the guidelines. What is important to them is how much you are making at the time of your fiancee's interview.

You are wise to try to make the I-134 on your own. Use co-sponsor only as a last resort.

PW,

In the quote above you are specifically stating that the petitioner needs to submit paystubs, could you please reference a document where paystubs are requested by the embassy? This is the first I have heard of it and it may be an issue as I have my child support, charitable contributions, credit union deposits, insurance, union dues, retirement, additional retirement, my mortage payment, and vehicle loan payments taken out of my paycheck before I get it therefore my net income is WAY lower than my gross and it looks like I don't make alot, but my only responsiblities after the dedutions is food, entertainment, and utilities.

In leu of paystubs I have a letter from my employer .. a government agency.. on government letterhead stating my lenth of service with the agency, my monthly salary, my annual salary (at least 4 times amount stated for poverty level for our number of family members), the amount of life insurance and disability and dismemberment insurance that I have, etc., etc., and it is signed by the director of personnel with all of his relevant contact information.

I also have a letter from my financial institution stating that I have in excess of 5 figures deposited in an account (the letter states the actual amount), it also states the amount that I have deposited in the past year as well as my current balance in all accounts, how long I have had accounts with them, the types of accounts, etc. It is signed by the president of the bank with all of the relevant contact information on letterhead.

I also have my last 5 years tax returns and W-2's that I will be submitting.

I hope you cannot produce the document that I requested, but if you do I guess I will have to write an explanation letter about the amounts that are deduced from my paycheck.

Thanks,

CB

BTW .. Mylene's interview is July 9, 2007 .. not July 4

Edited May 22, 2007 by CountryBoy

[joemaria 0]

We we're approved yesterday...our interview was successful

Thank u so much guys for all the support and all the prayers, cant thank u enough!

[shaggy474 0]

We've had successful petitioners who were new in their jobs. Just make sure you send your fiancee your last 3 pay stubs prior to interview and latest W2 and ITR . I think what the embassy does is based on your latest payslip, they multiply your salary by 12 months to estimate if you meet poverty guidelines even if your last year's income did not quite make the guidelines. What is important to them is how much you are making at the time of your fiancee's interview.

You are wise to try to make the I-134 on your own. Use co-sponsor only as a last resort.

PW,

In the quote above you are specifically stating that the petitioner needs to submit paystubs, could you please reference a document where paystubs are requested by the embassy? This is the first I have heard of it and it may be an issue as I have my child support, charitable contributions, credit union deposits, insurance, union dues, retirement, additional retirement, my mortage payment, and vehicle loan payments taken out of my paycheck before I get it therefore my net income is WAY lower than my gross and it looks like I don't make alot, but my only responsiblities after the dedutions is food, entertainment, and utilities.

In leu of paystubs I have a letter from my employer .. a government agency.. on government letterhead stating my lenth of service with the agency, my monthly salary, my annual salary (at least 4 times amount stated for poverty level for our number of family members), the amount of life insurance and disability and dismemberment insurance that I have, etc., etc., and it is signed by the director of personnel with all of his relevant contact information.

I also have a letter from my financial institution stating that I have in excess of 5 figures deposited in an account (the letter states the actual amount), it also states the amount that I have deposited in the past year as well as my current balance in all accounts, how long I have had accounts with them, the types of accounts, etc. It is signed by the president of the bank with all of the relevant contact information on letterhead.

I also have my last 5 years tax returns and W-2's that I will be submitting.

I hope you cannot produce the document that I requested, but if you do I guess I will have to write an explanation letter about the amounts that are deduced from my paycheck.

Thanks,

CB

BTW .. Mylene's interview is July 9, 2007 .. not July 4

Hey CB the form we are talking about is the I-134 for K-1 applicants. It is one of the methods. It is best I hear to include as many of the options as possible to avoid questions or the dreaded 221(g) asking for more information. From what I have read it would seam you are in good shape with your income levels.

My issue is I have changed jobs in the middle and making just a few thousand under the 125%. Was really hoping to squeek by as I have next to no liabilities but it would seem I need to show some more income or use my kids home as assets...another thing I did not want to try as my ex-wife is on the paper work still. Oh well what ever it takes my baby will make it home. Come to far to let this little thing stop me....lol. Good Luck sound like your just a few blinks away!

[RonMay 1]

We we're approved yesterday...our interview was successful

Thank u so much guys for all the support and all the prayers, cant thank u enough!

CONGRATS!

on to the next journey!!!

[CountryBoy 0]

We've had successful petitioners who were new in their jobs. Just make sure you send your fiancee your last 3 pay stubs prior to interview and latest W2 and ITR . I think what the embassy does is based on your latest payslip, they multiply your salary by 12 months to estimate if you meet poverty guidelines even if your last year's income did not quite make the guidelines. What is important to them is how much you are making at the time of your fiancee's interview.

You are wise to try to make the I-134 on your own. Use co-sponsor only as a last resort.

PW,

In the quote above you are specifically stating that the petitioner needs to submit paystubs, could you please reference a document where paystubs are requested by the embassy? This is the first I have heard of it and it may be an issue as I have my child support, charitable contributions, credit union deposits, insurance, union dues, retirement, additional retirement, my mortage payment, and vehicle loan payments taken out of my paycheck before I get it therefore my net income is WAY lower than my gross and it looks like I don't make alot, but my only responsiblities after the dedutions is food, entertainment, and utilities.

In leu of paystubs I have a letter from my employer .. a government agency.. on government letterhead stating my lenth of service with the agency, my monthly salary, my annual salary (at least 4 times amount stated for poverty level for our number of family members), the amount of life insurance and disability and dismemberment insurance that I have, etc., etc., and it is signed by the director of personnel with all of his relevant contact information.

I also have a letter from my financial institution stating that I have in excess of 5 figures deposited in an account (the letter states the actual amount), it also states the amount that I have deposited in the past year as well as my current balance in all accounts, how long I have had accounts with them, the types of accounts, etc. It is signed by the president of the bank with all of the relevant contact information on letterhead.

I also have my last 5 years tax returns and W-2's that I will be submitting.

I hope you cannot produce the document that I requested, but if you do I guess I will have to write an explanation letter about the amounts that are deduced from my paycheck.

Thanks,

CB

BTW .. Mylene's interview is July 9, 2007 .. not July 4

Hey CB the form we are talking about is the I-134 for K-1 applicants. It is one of the methods. It is best I hear to include as many of the options as possible to avoid questions or the dreaded 221(g) asking for more information. From what I have read it would seam you are in good shape with your income levels.

My issue is I have changed jobs in the middle and making just a few thousand under the 125%. Was really hoping to squeek by as I have next to no liabilities but it would seem I need to show some more income or use my kids home as assets...another thing I did not want to try as my ex-wife is on the paper work still. Oh well what ever it takes my baby will make it home. Come to far to let this little thing stop me....lol. Good Luck sound like your just a few blinks away!

Shaggy474,

Thanks for the kind words .. the wait has definately been a long one.

As far as the I-134 goes, quoting directly from the document (actually copy/pasting from it)

II. Supporting Evidence.

As the sponsor, you must show you have sufficient income and/or financial resources to assure that the alien you are sponsoring will not become a public charge while in the United States.

Evidence should consist of copies of any or all of the following documentation listed below that are applicable to your situation.

Failure to provide evidence of sufficient income and/or financial resources may result in the denial of the alien's application for a visa or his or her removal from the United States.

The sponsor must submit in duplicate evidence of incomeand resources, as appropriate:

A. Statement from an officer of the bank or other financial institutions where you have deposits, identifying the following details regarding your account:

1. Date account opened;2. Total amount deposited for the past year;3. Present balance.

B. Statement of your employer on business stationery, revealing:

1. Date and nature of employment;2. Salary paid;3. Whether the position is temporary or permanent.

C. If self-employed:

1. Copy of last income tax return filed; or2. Report of commercial rating concern.

D. List containing serial numbers and denominations of bonds and name of record owner(s).

The lack of inclusion of paystubs is what had me worried that it might be an issue with the Manila Embassy only. Hopefully PatientlyWaiting can enlighten me about the issue when she gets the chance.

Good luck with your support issue .. I heard a story a while back where a petitioner rounded off their income to $30,000 annually and the minimum required to be at 125% poverty level was over 30k but less than 31k. The process was put on AR by the Manila Embassy until the petitioner submitted evidence that his true income was above the required.

Basically what I am saying is that squeeking by isn't an option at Manila; hopefully you can prove in grand fashion that supporting your fiancee will be no problem whatsoever.

Thanks for the reply,

CB

[orion44 0]

I sent off my affidavit of support and other documents Fedex Saturday (on the truck to be delivered already, awesome!). I don't know how, but even after checking it, I think I blew it. On question 10. That I have submitted a visa petition(s) to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on behalf of the following person(s). If none, state none.

I stated: None

Ummmm, do I need to do it again, get it notarized, and rushed to the Philippines before June 5?

[CountryBoy 0]

I sent off my affidavit of support and other documents Fedex Saturday (on the truck to be delivered already, awesome!). I don't know how, but even after checking it, I think I blew it. On question 10. That I have submitted a visa petition(s) to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on behalf of the following person(s). If none, state none.

I stated: None

Ummmm, do I need to do it again, get it notarized, and rushed to the Philippines before June 5?

You answered it correctly ..

[jeng 0]

We we're approved yesterday...our interview was successful

Thank u so much guys for all the support and all the prayers, cant thank u enough!

Congrats Maria! We are APPROVED too! We made it...wish we could have met yesterday....

To all Vjers, thanks for all the help, support, encouragement and most especially prayers...we won't made this without you guys...you were there in our journey...hoping that you will still be there on our next next steps of our journey in the US...

Just like Maria said, we can't thank you enough!

Godbless us all.

[StarProg 0]

I've got my (well ok, my wife's) interview date. Its June 28th. It just appeared on the online appointment site today (thanks to frdmrk2 for alerting me). I haven't told Fely yet, gotta do that now if I can. She's away from home for a week.

PW kindly update me please and thanks.

[jeng 0]

How can I track my visa delivery from Delbros? Can I get their website?

thanks.

[Robor007 0]

How can I track my visa delivery from Delbros? Can I get their website?

thanks.

Go to Delbros main page and input your MNL case number with '01' at the end. For example, if your case number is MNL20079999999 you would use MNL2007999999901. You can also call them directly or send an SMS message with your tracking number followed by the word 'status'. Good luck!

[David-and-Mae 15]

I sent off my affidavit of support and other documents Fedex Saturday (on the truck to be delivered already, awesome!). I don't know how, but even after checking it, I think I blew it. On question 10. That I have submitted a visa petition(s) to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on behalf of the following person(s). If none, state none.

I stated: None

Ummmm, do I need to do it again, get it notarized, and rushed to the Philippines before June 5?

I have the same question... In our case, we used the sample form here in VJ and on that particular question, instead of 'NONE" we wrote: MAE XXXXX XXXXX (now filing for K1 Visa)... Can somebody enlighten us please?

Thanks!

CONGRATS TO ALL WHO GOT APPROVED! Time flies by so quickly and before we know it, it's JUNE batch turns! Yeaaaaa I mean Yikesss (because I'm feeling the churn in my stomach)

Mae

[jeng 0]

How can I track my visa delivery from Delbros? Can I get their website?

thanks.

Go to Delbros main page and input your MNL case number with '01' at the end. For example, if your case number is MNL20079999999 you would use MNL2007999999901. You can also call them directly or send an SMS message with your tracking number followed by the word 'status'. Good luck!

thank you...could you please give me the link to their main page?