NVC Filers - February 2014

[Saylin 1,605]

Please read through everything before posting questions as it's very likely that your question can be answered by simply reading through the links and/or FAQ.

Welcome to another monthly thread for NVC! In this first post, you'll find useful links as well as phone numbers/email addresses. In the second post I've compiled a FAQ and at the end summarized the NVC process.

**I've also included tax questions at the end of post two due to the US being in tax season and how this impacts the immigration process**

Note: Please keep in mind, since NVC required everyone to use the online DS-261 and DS-260 forms starting September 1st, 2013, a lot of the following guides have become outdated. Please use caution.

Here's some guides for those in NVC:

-How Do I Bring My Spouse to Live in the United States

-EZGuideSpouse

-LingChe NVC Shortcut

-NVC for Montreal Beneficiaries - Electronic Processing and New Online Forms

-NVC Electronic Processing [note: if doing EP in China, only optin AFTER the invoicing of the AOS bill]

And some other useful links:

-Country-Specific Documents (start typing beneficiary's country in search box, choose it, then click 'Go')

-Eligibility for Electronic Processing

-Payment Portal

-Online Forms Portal (site to fill out DS-261 and DS-260)

-NVC

-NVC processing times spreadsheet (created by me, Saylin)

-Flowchart for IR-1/CR-1 Visa Applicants (created by me, Saylin)

-Free Passport Photos

-Thread on Ryan H's EP experience through China (lots of information)

Phone numbers:

NVC - 603-334-0700 (press 1 then 5 to speak with an operator) [HOURS: 7am - 12am EST, M-F]
DOS - 202-485-7600 (press 1 then 0 to speak with a visa specialist) [HOURS: 8:30am - 5pm EST, M-F. Closed 11am-12pm on Wednesdays]

Email addresses:

NVCInquiry@state.gov - to email questions
NVCElectronic@state.gov - to email optin for EP and for scanned packages

NVCExpedite@state.gov - to email expedite requests *new email address*

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
I'm also going to include a few non-NVC process links to help you out for once your case is completed and an interview date is assigned:

-How to Track Your Case Using DHL (use this to figure out what date you need)
-How to Track Your Case Using DHL (use this to figure out how to use the DHL site and input everything)

-General Medical Information
-Country-Specific Medical Information (choose three letter embassy/consulate code from drop-down list)
-Age-Specific Vaccination Requirements (choose age first at top of page)

-Country-Specific Interview Information (choose three letter embassy/consulate code from drop-down list)
-Sample List of Interview Questions
-Thread of Proof of Relationship Evidence Ideas
-Ideas on How to Organize Your Interview Documents

-March 2014 Interview Thread (once you have a case complete thread, please join this thread!)

Edited February 1, 2014 by Saylin

[Saylin 1,605]

Upon suggestion of a VJ member (thanks foobaz123), I have created a FAQ of the most common questions I see here on VJ concerning the NVC process. If you know of a common question that isn't mentioned here, please inform me through a reply in this thread or PM me. I'd be more than happy to include it here.

FAQ

What's the overview of the NVC process?
- get case number and IIN, give email addresses over
- complete the online DS-261
- pay the AOS bill, once it's invoiced
- once the bill appears as PAID, send the AOS package
- pay the IV bill, once it's invoiced
- once the bill appears as PAID, send the IV package

- complete the online DS-260
- respond to any checklists, if applicable
- get case complete
- get interview date scheduled
- case is sent to embassy/consulate

How long does it take to get a case number assigned after NOA2?

As of recently, it's been taking a few weeks after NVC receives the case. Depending on what service center/local office the petition was approved at, it could be anywhere from a few days to a few weeks for them to ship it out, and thus for NVC to receive it. You don't get any correspondence from NVC when they receive your case; you need to call to find this out.

When (and how often) should I start calling NVC about the case number?

Wait at least a week or two from your NOA2 date, then start calling. Call about 1-3 times a week for now. Once NVC has received the case, then start calling every single day afterwards (or as often as you want) until you get it.

What happens if my case doesn't arrive in a timely manner? (Timely manner being the current wait time)

VJ member tokinaija suggests: "Call USCIS, and specifically request to be connected to a Tier 2 supervisor (bypassing the contract customer reps). When connected to a Tier 2 representative, request that you want confirmation that your approved case has been physically shipped to NVC. In amenable words, request for the specific date that the package was shipped. If you are lucky, you will get someone who would take the time to confirm this for you."

Will I receive XXXX (initial information package, invoices, instructions, interview letter, etc) by email or snail mail?

As long as you give over the email addresses of both the petitioner and beneficiary (once you have a case number), ALL correspondence from NVC will be sent through email. This does not necessarily mean that YOU can send THEM information by email though. Only those eligible for EP (electronic processing) can email the AOS and IV packages (link to eligibility in the first post).

What's the difference between EP and online forms?

Online forms are just that, online forms. The DS-261 and DS-260 are NOT part of electronic processing. Electronic processing (EP) is emailing in documents. Not everyone can do this yet. You still have to be eligible for EP before emailing in packages. The link to see who's eligible is in the first post. Everyone though is required to fill out the online forms (DS-261 and DS-260).

What's the DS-261?

The DS-261 replaces the old DS-3032. So, instead of sending the DS-3032 once a case number is assigned, you'll have to wait for the DS-261 to become available on the online forms portal (link in the first post). Once it's available, fill it out. It's exactly like the DS-3032, except online. If you wish to see screenshots of the DS-261, you can do so here: Saylin's DS-261 screenshots (these are screenshots I uploaded back in 2011, but should still be the same, or at least similar). To go through all the screenshots, click on the 'next' button (there are 6 images in total). Once you've submitted the DS-261, print out the confirmation page at the end. This is for your own records.

What's the DS-260?

The DS-260 replaces the old DS-230. As before, you will still submit the IV package, just without the DS-230. The DS-260 will be done online. For me, it was only available once the IV appeared as PAID in the payment portal. Not sure if it's changed or not at all since then. But, at the most, it'll be a few days after you pay the IV bill. Like the DS-261, it'll be on the online forms portal (link in first post). You can do the DS-260 before or after you send the IV package, it doesn't matter. As long as it gets done, NVC doesn't care.

Please note: depending on how prepared you are, the DS-260 can take a few hours. You can always save and return, if you wish; it doesn't need to be all done in one sitting. But, it'll take an hour at the least (30 minutes maybe if you're really fast). My suggestion is to have a DS-230 pre-filled out and that way you can just copy over the answers. This will shave off quite some time if you prepare ahead. But be warned, there are some differences between the DS-230 and DS-260 where the DS-260 asks for more information. You can view screenshots (and thus the differences) here from when it was first released back in 2010: http://www.docstoc.com/docs/49845403/DS-260-screen-shots There have been changes since this original DS-260 was released, but it's quite similar still. As with the DS-261, print out the confirmation page at the end. Make sure to bring this to the interview, just in case. It took Montreal quite a few months to get used to the online forms, so they were still requesting DS-230s at the interview. So, it might not be a bad idea if everyone going through NVC now brought a completed DS-230 to their interview, in case it's requested. Having a DS-230 already completed will shave off much time if you had to suddenly fill out the form at the embassy/consulate.

What do I do after my case number is assigned?

Get the IIN from an operator (ask for the 'Invoice Identification Number', not IIN). Give over the email addresses of the beneficiary and petitioner. If you are doing EP (and are eligible for it), then send the optin email. Once possible, send the DS-261 online (may take a day or two before you can sign onto the online forms portal).

After the case number is assigned, how long does it take for the AOS bill to be invoiced?

Recently, it's been taking around a week.

How much are the two bills? And how do I pay them?

The AOS costs $88 (per case) and the IV is $230 (per person). They have to be paid with a US banking account on the payment portal (site linked in first post). See information here: http://travel.state..../info_3906.html If you can't or don't want to pay online, here's a link to how to pay through the mail: http://travel.state..../info_3905.html .

Help! I can't sign into the payment portal. Why?

If you're getting an error message ("Please be advised that the case that you have attempted to access is not eligible for further processing by the National Visa Center at this time…" or "This case is in the process of termination. Fee payments and online forms can no longer be accepted…" or "You cannot make online payments for your case at this time. Please contact the NVC if you have questions or need further information."), do NOT panic. This is actually good news! If you just got your case number, then this message means NVC is inputting your case in their system. If you get this message a few days after case number generation, then it's a good possibility that NVC is invoicing your AOS bill. And if this message appears a few days after DS-261 acceptance, then there's a good chance the IV bill is being invoiced.

What is needed in the AOS package?

Generally, the following is needed:

With no joint sponsors:

- Bar-coded cover sheet from payment portal
- Cover letter (optional)
- Completed, signed, and dated I-864 form by petitioner
- Tax information* of petitioner (either just the last year OR the last 3 years)
- Employment letter of petitioner (optional, but good proof of CURRENT income)
- Pay stub(s) of petitioner (optional, but good proof of CURRENT income)

With joint sponsors:

- All of the above of the petitioner
- Completed, signed, and dated I-864 of joint sponsor
- Tax information* of joint sponsor (either just the last year OR the last 3 years)
- Proof of US citizenship/residency of joint sponsor (ex: copy of US passport, US birth certificate, US naturalization certificate, or front & back of green card)
- Employment letter of joint sponsor (optional, but good proof of CURRENT income)
- Pay stub(s) of joint sponsor (optional, but good proof of CURRENT income)

If the joint sponsor is a household/family member, also include proof of that relationship (example: if a parent is a joint sponsor, include the petitioner's birth certificate with parents' name on it to show link).

*You have two choices here of what to send in:

- Tax return transcripts ordered from IRS (preferred by NVC and of most consulates/embassies) RECOMMENDED
OR
- Tax returns (1040) and W2s and any other schedules/worksheets (if applicable)

What if I (the petitioner) live with my spouse in their foreign country? Do I need to include anything in either package?

You'll need to provide proof of US domicile with the AOS package, as well as bring it with you to the interview. Please read the I-864 instructions (pages 3 and 4) for information about it. This is NOT needed if the petitioner is living in the US. Here is a sample cover letter to include in the package (it lists MANY possible documents, some may not be applicable of course, to prove that you have, or will re-establish, domicile in the US):

NAME
SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER
FORM I-1864
No. 15 Country of Domicile

I, XXXX, am currently residing in FOREIGN COUNTRY with my spouse, SPOUSE'S NAME. Below you will find a list of attached documents to show that my principle residence is in the US and the steps that I have taken to return to the US with my family.

Steps I have taken to maintain US Domicile:
• Maintained my XXXX voter registration
• Maintained my XXXX credit card registered in the US with a US PO box
• Maintained my bank account at the XXXX Credit Union
• Maintained my bank account at XXXX Bank
• Maintained my XXXX drivers license
• Maintained my US retirement fund through XXXX
• Maintained my US investment account with XXXX
• Maintained my US PO box
• Maintained licensure by the XXXX
• Maintained membership in the XXXX
• Maintained my automobile in care of my parents

Supporting Documents for the above steps I have taken:
• Voter registration card showing permanent US address
• XXXX credit card statement showing US billing address
• XXXX Credit Union statement showing permanent US address
• XXXX Bank statement showing permanent US address
• XXXX drivers license showing permanent US address
• Retirement fund statement showing permanent US address
• Mutual fund statement showing permanent US address
• XXXX license currently up to date
• Renewal of XXXX membership
• County tax bill showing I still own a vehicle

Steps I have taken to return to the US to take up residence:
• Made arrangements for us to have a house to live in
• Contacted schools for requirements of things to bring to register my children in school
• Contacted my auto insurance company to find out about re-instating my insurance on my car
• Contacted shipping company for estimate of costs to ship belongings

Supporting documents for the above steps I have taken:
• Lease agreement for our house
• Email from schools regarding registration requirements
• Email from my former auto insurance company regarding my inquiry
• Email from XXXX with estimate and correspondence regarding shipping our belongings

I declare that I intend in good faith to re-establish my domicile in the United States no later than the date of spouse's admission into the US.

I certify under penalty of perjury under the laws of the United States that the statements in this letter and all accompanying evidence are true and correct.

Signature: ____________________________________________________ Date: ______________________
NAME

Thanks to VJ member lemayz for this suggestion!

I sent the AOS package but got a checklist for the IV package (which I either have sent or not sent yet) [or vice versa]. What's going on?

If you sent the packages separately, then get a checklist for the other one, just ignore it; it's a false checklist. The same applies if you sent just one of the packages and get a checklist for the other. Please understand that as soon as NVC reviews a package, they very frequently generate a checklist for the other package, without even checking if they have it in the building first. If you do get a checklist for one of the packages, you do NOT have to use that bar-coded cover sheet; you can still use the one from the payment portal.

The only time a checklist is real (and not false) is if it asks for something very specific missing in a package (like a police certificate, for example). If it asks for something general, like the entire package, then you can assume it's false. Call up an operator at NVC to confirm.

Thanks to VJ member sulhaq for this suggestion!

When does the IV bill get invoiced?

About a week or two after you complete the DS-261, NVC will accept and add it to your case file. A few days after that, the IV bill will be invoiced. You won't get an email of acceptance, so you need to call to find out when it's been accepted and added to the case file.

What is needed in the IV package?

Generally, the following is needed:

- Bar-coded cover sheet from payment portal
- Two passport-style photographs (2" x 2") of beneficiary (on the back, write: beneficiary's full name, date of birth, and case number)
- Copy of bio-data page of beneficiary's unexpired passport
- Original or Certified Copy of beneficiary's birth certificate, PLUS A PHOTOCOPY
- Original or Certified Copy of marriage certificate, PLUS A PHOTOCOPY
- Original police certificate(s)

Please read: http://travel.state..../info_3195.html for additional documents if applicable (such as petitioner documents in IR-5 cases or divorce/military records or proof of permanent residency, etc).

Also read the country-specific documents linked in the first post. There may be additional documents needed not listed above.

Who fills out which forms?

AOS package - petitioner

IV package - beneficiary

Can the petitioner fill out the DS-261 and/or DS-260?

Yes. It's very common for the petitioner to file the DS-261 and/or DS-260 on behalf of the beneficiary (typically due to the language barrier and/or no/low internet connection). This is perfectly fine.

If my documents are not in English, do they need to be translated?

NVC's website states:

"All documents not written in English, or in the official language of the country in which application for a visa is being made, must be accompanied by certified translations and submitted to the NVC. The translation must include a statement signed by the translator stating that the:

-Translation is accurate, and

-Translator is competent to translate."

Despite this, I have seen cases of people getting checklists for not having translations of non-English documents. I'd suggest you get everything translated anyways to be on the safe side. It's not needed, but highly recommended.

Additionally, embassies/consulates in some countries require translations of documents into English even though they are written in the official language of the country, so it's best to check with the embassy/consulate to see what document translation requirements are. [Thanks to Ryan H for his suggestion on this last statement!]

How long does it take for a bill to appear as PAID in the payment portal after paying it?

Usually just a day or two, but can take longer.

Do I have to wait for NVC to email me instructions before mailing packages?

NO. If you wait on NVC for this, it can take WEEKS to get anything from them. As long as the respective bill has been paid in the payment portal, you can send in your package.

Members have had luck sending the packages as soon as they pay the bills (since the bar-coded cover sheet becomes available after paying). If you're not going to wait for it to appear as PAID in the portal, at least wait until the money has cleared the bank account.

What address do I send the AOS and IV packages?

You will find their addresses on their respective bar-coded cover sheets, which are printed off the payment portal.

Can the packages be sent from abroad or does it have to be from within the US?

Doesn't matter where the package is sent from; NVC just needs to receive it.

Do the packages have to be sent separately or can they be sent together?

Either one or the other works. Again, as long as NVC receives both needed packages, they don't really care. Each way has their pros and cons.

Help! I called NVC and they said they haven't received my package(s) yet, but the tracking says it was delivered!

Don't worry. Unfortunately, the package won't show up in the operator's system until the package has begun to be reviewed. At that point, it's entered in the system. So, don't fret. If your tracking says it arrived, it arrived.

After sending in the packages, how long does it take for them to get reviewed?

NVC operators are stating 30 business days now. In most cases though, it's a little faster than that.

Do I get an email if my packages have been accepted?

No, not that I have seen. You have to call NVC every day (or as often as you want) and ask for updates on your case to find out if a package has been reviewed and accepted.

Note: If you're in the EP program, lately people have been getting acceptance emails, but don't ever rely on receiving emails from NVC. Call, call, call.

Do I get an email when my case is completed?

Generally, no. Only those doing EP (electronic processing) get the case complete emails. There are some non-EP folk that get case complete emails. It used to be rare, but it's becoming more common. Although they're delayed by almost a week or more, so do not rely on them. Again, to find out if your case is complete (the fastest way), call an operator at NVC and ask.

After the case is completed, what happens?

In most cases: the case is put in a queue to get an interview date scheduled. Once an interview date is scheduled, the case is shipped out to the consulate/embassy.

Who should I be calling to find out my interview date?

You could call NVC and/or DOS. Both have access to your case information. Their numbers are linked above.

Note: It appears that DOS no longer is giving information to IR-1/CR-1 applicants. It seems that NVC is the only source now.

How long does it take to get an interview date after a case complete?

This varies by country and consulate/embassy. Some people find out within a day or two, others a few weeks, then the few unfortunate that wait a few months. To get the best estimate for YOUR country is to search, using the timeline feature, when others got case completes and when they got their interview dates scheduled. To do this, go here and choose the beneficiary country's from the drop-down: http://www.visajourney.com/timeline/k1list.php?cfl=0&op1=3&op2=d&op3=5&op4=1&op5=5,6,8,10,11,13,14,15,16,17,18,20,21,22,25,26,27,28,108,110,111,208,210,211&op6=All&op66=All&op7=All&dfile=No&adv=

When do interview dates get scheduled?

If you talk to operators at NVC, they'll always tell you they ONLY schedule during the second week of each month. This is a LIE. They schedule interviews ALL month long. Many people (like myself) have gotten scheduled during the last week of the month. I repeat, they schedule ALL month long. Please check out dwheels's case complete threads (linked in post 1).

How long does it take for NVC to mail my case out after getting an interview date scheduled?

Usually it's the next day, but it can take up to a week or more in rare cases.

Is it possible to get a tracking number for my green card after POE?

Yes it is! Follow VJ member Darnell's advice:

"Call USCIS, get a human, ask for the TRACKING NUMBER on the green card.
Yes, such a thing exists, and they will give it to you when asked.

Then call USPS and inquire for status.
In the end, if USPS sent it back to USCIS, you'll need to call USCIS again, talk with an ISO about 'returned mail pieces', go over your address again on the telephone, and ask to have all returned mail pieces sent back to you."

-------------------------------------------------------

Please note: the above time frames are just estimates. Do NOT freak out if your case takes a little bit longer. The time frames are constantly changing. They also depend on NVC's work load for that day/week.

-------------------------------------------------------

Summary of NVC process:

- get case number and IIN, give email addresses over
- complete the online DS-261
- pay the AOS bill, once it's invoiced
- once the bill appears as PAID, send the AOS package
- pay the IV bill, once it's invoiced
- once the bill appears as PAID, send the IV package

- complete the online DS-260
- respond to any checklists, if applicable
- get case complete
- get interview date scheduled
- case is sent to embassy/consulate

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

And with the US being in tax season, a few additional questions:

Do I have to file 2013 taxes before I can fill out the I-864 form?

No. Up until April 14th (tax deadline), you can still use 2012 as the most recent year. If for whatever reason you want to use 2013 as the most recent year instead (due to whatever reason), then yes, you can use 2013 as the most recent year as well. Both are valid options.

Keep in mind though: if you submit 2012 tax information as the most recent year and then your interview is scheduled after April 14th, 2013 tax information WILL be required at the interview.

As the petitioner, what filing status do I use for my tax returns?

You have three options: married filing separately (MFS), married filing jointly (MFJ), or head of household (HOH).

For HOH, there's some criteria you need to meet to be able to use this. Please see the IRS website for more information. For most people though, it's either between MFS or MFJ.

Before I continue, I will say this once and only once: YOU CANNOT FILE SINGLE. If you are married, you are married. Doesn't matter where in the universe your spouse is, YOU ARE STILL MARRIED. You will be lying to the IRS if you file as single, and if caught, could cause serious issues. If you have already filed taxes, either this year or last, and were married, yet filed as single, amend your tax return ASAP. If at the time of the interview, there are tax return transcripts in the case file showing the petitioner filed as single, this can be a HUGE red flag. The CO will have to wonder why the petitioner filed as single when they're trying to get a spousal visa. In their eyes, your relationship can be seen as a fraud and could be reason for denial.

For both MFS and MFJ, the petitioner will have to file a paper tax return. Electronic submissions won't be possible the first year.

Filing MFS will probably be the easiest for most people as it doesn't require any extra documents from the foreign spouse, nor does it require their signature. On the tax return, where it asks for the spouse's SSN, you would put 'NRA' for Non-Resident Alien. Continue filling out the rest of the return as normal. That is all you have to do. (And if desired, once the spouse has immigrated to the US and has obtained a SSN, the petitioner can then amend their tax return to MFJ, to possibly get a bigger refund, but this isn't required.)

Filing MFJ will typically mean a bigger refund up front, with no need to amend. This route takes a little more work though as the beneficiary will have to fill out a W7 (available on the IRS site), which requires a signature, and include document(s), so they can obtain a ITIN (it's like a SSN, but for the sole purpose of filing taxes, and is available for those not currently living in the US). This would then be included with the tax return, and sent to a special address for ITIN generation. For most countries, it may be hard to get the needed documents. (For Canada, it was uber easy, and this is how my husband did his taxes while I was still in Canada, waiting for my interview). Please view the instructions for the W7 form on the IRS website to see what documents will be needed.

For more information, please read: http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/International-Taxpayers/U.S.-Citizens-and-Resident-Aliens-Abroad---Nonresident-Alien-Spouse

Edited February 14, 2014 by Saylin

[hunnymoon 5]

I posted in the january thread, but since we moved here i'll post here to be fresh. sorry for the double posts!

confused again: for the 864 (I am the USC sponsoring my husband)...

1) part 5 sponsors household size - for 1 I put 1 because that is the number on line 7 of part 3, but I am married so for number 3 would I put 0 since I can't count the same person twice? Seems counterintuitive.

2) part 5 sponsors household size - for 7 (optional) it says: "if you have siblings, parents, or adult children with the same principal residence who are combining their income with yours by submitting form 864A, enter number here."

- in the instructions it says these people are nondependent relatives.

- so basically my first question is, is that I am currently a student, have no income through work, but do have income from interest I earn through my bank accounts; i have about 80,000 in a CD (certificate of deposit, risk free) under my name, in checkings and savings combined on an account with my mom with her being the primary, we have about 150,000. On top of that i have about 600,000 in investments (stocks, bonds, equities, etc). All this money came from an insurance settlement back in 2005 and I have the paperwork to prove that. Can I file by myself to sponsor my husband, or should I have my mom joint sponsor (she does not claim me as a dependent) she makes about 18,000 a year and has over a million in investments (again the money came from an insurance settlement) - and if i do need her to joint sponsor, would she file a separate 864, or as per the instructions that I understand, would she file an 864A?

Thanks for helping me out! I know my question is a bit confusing, but hopefully it makes some sense.

[MY HOPE 4]

Great job Saylin

[rickkant 21]

checking inn

[Saylin 1,605]

I posted in the january thread, but since we moved here i'll post here to be fresh. sorry for the double posts!

confused again: for the 864 (I am the USC sponsoring my husband)...

1) part 5 sponsors household size - for 1 I put 1 because that is the number on line 7 of part 3, but I am married so for number 3 would I put 0 since I can't count the same person twice? Seems counterintuitive.

2) part 5 sponsors household size - for 7 (optional) it says: "if you have siblings, parents, or adult children with the same principal residence who are combining their income with yours by submitting form 864A, enter number here."

- in the instructions it says these people are nondependent relatives.

- so basically my first question is, is that I am currently a student, have no income through work, but do have income from interest I earn through my bank accounts; i have about 80,000 in a CD (certificate of deposit, risk free) under my name, in checkings and savings combined on an account with my mom with her being the primary, we have about 150,000. On top of that i have about 600,000 in investments (stocks, bonds, equities, etc). All this money came from an insurance settlement back in 2005 and I have the paperwork to prove that. Can I file by myself to sponsor my husband, or should I have my mom joint sponsor (she does not claim me as a dependent) she makes about 18,000 a year and has over a million in investments (again the money came from an insurance settlement) - and if i do need her to joint sponsor, would she file a separate 864, or as per the instructions that I understand, would she file an 864A?

Thanks for helping me out! I know my question is a bit confusing, but hopefully it makes some sense.

I posted my reply in the January thread cause I saw it there first

[hunnymoon 5]

I posted my reply in the January thread cause I saw it there first

many thanks! i guess i'll go ahead an put her in as a joint sponsor with a sep 864 to be on the safe side that's what my gut is saying to do… and they say a woman's intuition is never wrong!

another question - and sorry I'm being a bother! i'm currently a student… actually have been my entire life… did my BS then right into MA now taking prereqs to do a MSN… the last place i was "employed" was with my university last year as a teacher's assistant, and thats about it. What box would I tick for part 6: sponsors income and employment?

and thank you so much!

[Saylin 1,605]

many thanks! i guess i'll go ahead an put her in as a joint sponsor with a sep 864 to be on the safe side that's what my gut is saying to do… and they say a woman's intuition is never wrong!

another question - and sorry I'm being a bother! i'm currently a student… actually have been my entire life… did my BS then right into MA now taking prereqs to do a MSN… the last place i was "employed" was with my university last year as a teacher's assistant, and thats about it. What box would I tick for part 6: sponsors income and employment?

and thank you so much!

Yeah, assets can get mighty confusing, and they require documentation to prove everything. So, in most cases, it's just easier to find a joint sponsor!

For part 6, I'd say tick off 4 (since 1 you're not currently employed, 2 you're not self-employed, and 3 you're definitely not considered retired ) and put the date after your last day working. Then just put $0.00 for question 5.

Also, make sure you include a letter in your AOS package that you're currently a student, thus no income, etc. Put a note as well in the cover letter. And if you really want to cover all bases, put a sticky note on that page saying to 'see letter' (or something of that regard) and then put that letter behind the I-864 form. I'm always seeing checklists from NVC asking for letters on why the petitioner has no income and didn't file taxes, even though people included said letters

[Smitten 5]

I have one question each, on the I-864 and I-864A.

I-864 Part 6. 13.a-c.1.

All of my income for the last three years (2010-2012) was earned in my wife's county, with foreign companies, and our total foreign income never exceeded $95,100 annually. Therefore, I filed the 2555-EZ with my 1040 for each year and all earning were exempt from US income tax.

So, when I fill out my I-864 Part 6, is my total income for 13.a.1 through 13.c.1 all $0.00, or is it the exempt foreign income totals I declared on my 1040s?

I-864A Part 1. 11.

There are two boxes.

tick 1st box if..."I have attached the required photocopy or transcript of my Federal tax return for only the most recent tax year." (bold added by me)

tick 2nd box if..."I have attached photocopies or transcripts of my Federal tax returns for my 2nd & 3rd most recent tax years."

If you include transcripts for all three years which box(es) are you supposed to tick, if any?

Thanks for all the help!

[Saylin 1,605]

I have one question each, on the I-864 and I-864A.

I-864 Part 6. 13.a-c.1.

All of my income for the last three years (2010-2012) was earned in my wife's county, with foreign companies, and our total foreign income never exceeded $95,100 annually. Therefore, I filed the 2555-EZ with my 1040 for each year and all earning were exempt from US income tax.

So, when I fill out my I-864 Part 6, is my total income for 13.a.1 through 13.c.1 all $0.00, or is it the exempt foreign income totals I declared on my 1040s?

I-864A Part 1. 11.

There are two boxes.

tick 1st box if..."I have attached the required photocopy or transcript of my Federal tax return for only the most recent tax year." (bold added by me)

tick 2nd box if..."I have attached photocopies or transcripts of my Federal tax returns for my 2nd & 3rd most recent tax years."

If you include transcripts for all three years which box(es) are you supposed to tick, if any?

Thanks for all the help!

Well, for question 13a-c, those amounts are taken directly from the tax return/transcript. So, if you filed 1040 (and not the 1040EZ), then use the amount from the 'total income' line. I'm not sure if that includes the foreign income or not, but just check your returns and you'll see.

Although we filed an I-864EZ, it had the same question. We submitted all three years and we just ticked both boxes

[Smitten 5]

Well, for question 13a-c, those amounts are taken directly from the tax return/transcript. So, if you filed 1040 (and not the 1040EZ), then use the amount from the 'total income' line. I'm not sure if that includes the foreign income or not, but just check your returns and you'll see.

Although we filed an I-864EZ, it had the same question. We submitted all three years and we just ticked both boxes

If anyone has gone through the same experience with the I-864 or I-864A, please share it here!

Saylin, I appreciate all the help! Life would have been miserable without all this great advice you're giving us!

Also, please add me to your spreadsheet.

Thanks!

[La Isla Bonita 22]

Checking in......hopefully to hear a good news from NVC this month.

[Changnoi 410]

Checking in......hopefully to hear a good news from NVC this month.

Me too...... NVC.......could stand for.....nearing visa closure.....any other ideas???

[Saylin 1,605]

If anyone has gone through the same experience with the I-864 or I-864A, please share it here!

Saylin, I appreciate all the help! Life would have been miserable without all this great advice you're giving us!

Also, please add me to your spreadsheet.

Thanks!

Added!

[commandergirl1 12]

When can we register for Loomis Express??