I-134: submit in DUPLICATE means two copies or what?

[Lynkali 163]

I have searched and searched here and am having trouble finding a solid answer to this, or what other people's experiences are:

The I-134 instructions say to "submit IN DUPLICATE evidence of income and resources". I have plenty of evidence, I'm not worried about proving my income (paystubs, tax transcripts, tax returns, W2, letter from employer, letters from investment bank, bank and investment statements, summaries, a TON of stuff totaling 60 pages, something from every category in the instructions).

What I don't understand is do I have to submit TWO COPIES of all that evidence? What does "in duplicate" mean: (a) two identical copies? (b) one original and one copy? (c ) just one copy and keep the original?

It's totally unclear to me.

I don't want to send 120 pages of supporting evidence when my 60 pages are complete. It seems crazy to have to make two copies of everything, but if that's what they want, of course I will do it.

What have other people successfully done for the I-134: one copy of each evidence or two copies?

I thought I remember asking this in a random thread six months ago, and never got an answer. Six months later after having read these forums religiously every day, and it's never come up? What does "in duplicate" mean there?

[newlyweds2010 208]

2 copies

[mamichou 8]

I have just posted something abt this? I hope we all got clear answer

[KayDeeCee 4,893]

You just need one copy each of all your supporting documentation and one I-134 with original signature. This seems to be all that is needed for most people. Of course if your consulate specifically asks for more than one copy of everything, then provide it.

[BughouseMaster 3]

And how do we know exactly what our consultate requires?? Where does it specify what they want...........

[KayDeeCee 4,893]

And how do we know exactly what our consultate requires?? Where does it specify what they want...........

That depends on the consulate. Some have the instructions online, some send instructions to people. Manila has their instructions online > http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwh3224.html

[BughouseMaster 3]

I heard Manila Embassy does not permit sponsor when it comes to I-134? I'm not even quite sure what this means, but does that mean they are stricter in terms of me (the petitioner) showing that I have ample money in the bank so my fiance doesn't become a public charge?

Anyone who has info about this embassy specifically if they are strict on certain things, etc. please let me know!! Thank you.

[KayDeeCee 4,893]

They are strict about co-sponsors, not about the USC primary sponsor. You are the one that needs to show you have an income of at least 125% of the poverty level for your household size.

Try asking in the Philippines regional forum if you need to ask specific questions relating to Manila > http://www.visajourney.com/forums/forum/129-philippines/

[BughouseMaster 3]

They are strict about co-sponsors, not about the USC primary sponsor. You are the one that needs to show you have an income of at least 125% of the poverty level for your household size.

Try asking in the Philippines regional forum if you need to ask specific questions relating to Manila > http://www.visajourney.com/forums/forum/129-philippines/

When you say "of your household size" do you mean only me and fiancé, equalling a total of 2 people since we will be living together? That figure is $19300, so must I show that I Just have more then that amount in my bank acct altogether? Do you by any chance have the link to the supporting documents page? I printed out the Form I-134 but it didn't have the info on the supporting docs!

[KayDeeCee 4,893]

If you have no dependents and your household size is 2, then you need a current annual income of at least $19,380. And no, you cannot just show you have that amount in the bank. It has to be your current income. If you want to use assets, that is something else and I have heard you need 5 times the income amount for Manila, so at least $96,900 in the bank if you have no income.

Not all consulates require the same things, which is why I suggested you ask questions in the Philippines regional forum. The supporting documents are listed in the instructions for Manila from the link I posted above > http://photos.state.gov/libraries/manila/19452/public/Revised%20K1%20Instruction_rtf2_rtf2_001.pdf

n. EVIDENCE OF SUPPORT. You should be able to demonstrate that you will not become a public charge or be a burden on the U.S. taxpayers for financial support. A completed I-134 Affidavit of Support Form with original signature will be useful to the consular officer to evaluate your petitioner’s ability to be financially responsible for you. You should also submit your petitioner’s most recent U.S. Federal income tax return (Form 1040) and wage statements (Form W-2). Employment letters stating salaries and bank statements may be included to substantiate the I-134.

[BughouseMaster 3]

And what if they see that from 2010 I made significantly more then the 19K requirement.... then would that help me out now since I'm not making that much currently but have a large amount in my SAVINGS accts?

[BughouseMaster 3]

oh also in 2011 i made more then the required 19K..... should i be worried that last year i didn't even though i have more then enough in the bank and in 2010 i made over double the required amount??????????????????

[KayDeeCee 4,893]

Current income is what they care about the most. What you made in the past is not what they base the requirement on. You can use the assets at 5 times to make up for a shortcoming in your income. For example, if you make $14k and need $19k, then you are short $5k. You would need the bare minimum of $25k in assets ($5k times 5). Provide proof of ownership of the assets and proof of value.

[andy ngeci 18]

does people in military (active duty) fill 1040? we are not sure somebody help pls.

[KayDeeCee 4,893]

does people in military (active duty) fill 1040? we are not sure somebody help pls.

Yes. http://www.irs.gov/uac/Tax-Information-for-Members-of-the-U.S.-Armed-Forces