I disagree with 1.
OP, I think it would not be much to have your sponsor print out the I-134 and sign it with ink and then send it to you by express mail. Please also consider that just, yesterday the brand new I-134 form was provided by USCIS. Use this new form. Your sponsor also needs to call the IRS and request both tax transcripts and tax returns for the previous 3 years that have available records. It's an automated phone service and I got my documents around 2 weeks later, (1-800-829-1040)
Also, why not provide W-2s, and any employment verification letters, a letter from your sponsor's boss AND Pay stubs for the most recent year (2023) to show on-going income. You really want to over-prepare for the income stuff considering how easy it is. But, definitely get an ORIGINAL, signed I-134
https://www.uscis.gov/i-134
2. - You can do the DS-160 whenever. The consulate will tell you how to provide the I-134, for me, we just bring it in person.
3. - It's pretty rare to be allowed in the U.S. to see your fiancé on a tourist visa before getting the K-1, we were denied for that exact purpose. I wouldn't want to make the interview any more complicated. I wouldn't bring it up.
4. - You will schedule your interview most likely after the DS-160 phase
5. - Here is what I have so far (from the American):
- 3 year tax returns, 3 year tax transcripts, 3 year W-2s, 3 year 1099s (if any), and anything for 2023 such as 1 year pay stubs, 1 year bank statements, employment evidence letter, letter from employer, any other financial proof of employment your boss can provide
- Signed, original I-134 (11/09/23 edition)
- NOA1 & NOA2 letters, (might be ok with copies not sure. Make copies anyway but he can just keep the copies and send you the originals) NOA2 is essential
- DS-160 confirmation page (printed)
- NVC welcome letter (printed)
- Receipt of paid fee for scheduling the interview / interview appointment copy
- Copy of I-129F if possible
- copies of original evidence you provided with I-129f
- Evidence of on-going relationship (since filing for I-129f), any in-person meetings for example, chat logs, pictures, whatever
- Marriage plans/location in the U.S. for when you arriver on the K-1 visa
- Letters from sponsor's family members/friends saying that he is single and your relationship is valid. If they can get the letters notarized that would be perfect too
Don't forget all the stuff you need, likely sealed medical check, sealed police background checks, it just depends on what the embassy tells you to either send them or bring with you. Once the NVC sends off your info to the embassy, the embassy will contact either you or the sponser.
GL