Necessary or Unnecessary on Affidavit of support?

[ryoaska1 0]

Hi, I am new to these forums. I'm sorry if these questions have been answered before, but the whole reason for posting this question is that my searches seem to turn up conflicting answers, and I'd like to see if I can get some clarification from people who have been through this process already.

I am about to send in an Affidavit of support (for K-1 visa), and I'm not sure exactly what is and isn't necessary to show I am capable of supporting my fiance.

I make about 50k a year, and I have the letter from my employer stating the necessary information in the i-134 instructions. It seems from the instructions that this should be enough, but while the form says tax returns are only necessary if you are self-employed, many people say you are supposed to include them. A common thing i've seen is 3 years if self-employed, 1 year if not. Another thing is that the instructions say nothing about pay stubs, but many people say you are supposed to include those too. Where is this information coming from?

The only other question I have is if a statement from the bank is really necessary or not. I can get the statement, but I'm a little worried because, as a batchelor i've been...uh...spendy, (in addition to my mortgage etc) and I'm not sure if my balance would look too nice. I know they also include the total amount deposited over the last year, etc- but i've seen some people say that you shoudl include the minimum amout of information to show that your income is above 125% of the poverty level, and anything else will just give them more reasons to find a problem. Either way, I'd like to include only what is necessary based on my situation.

Any information would be appreciated, thanks!

[rebeccajo 14]

I presume you are looking at form I-134.

Tax returns are not required. If you are not self-employed, your most recent tax return will be required for form I-864, when you reach the adjustment of status phase.

If one meets the income requirements (in either case) no further proof of assets is required.

You may want to research notes for the Japanese consulate. Some consulates have 'peculiarities' from others for the I134, as well as visa interview.

[joeyjoey 1]

Hi, I am new to these forums. I'm sorry if these questions have been answered before, but the whole reason for posting this question is that my searches seem to turn up conflicting answers, and I'd like to see if I can get some clarification from people who have been through this process already.

I am about to send in an Affidavit of support (for K-1 visa), and I'm not sure exactly what is and isn't necessary to show I am capable of supporting my fiance.

I make about 50k a year, and I have the letter from my employer stating the necessary information in the i-134 instructions. It seems from the instructions that this should be enough, but while the form says tax returns are only necessary if you are self-employed, many people say you are supposed to include them. A common thing i've seen is 3 years if self-employed, 1 year if not. Another thing is that the instructions say nothing about pay stubs, but many people say you are supposed to include those too. Where is this information coming from?

The only other question I have is if a statement from the bank is really necessary or not. I can get the statement, but I'm a little worried because, as a batchelor i've been...uh...spendy, (in addition to my mortgage etc) and I'm not sure if my balance would look too nice. I know they also include the total amount deposited over the last year, etc- but i've seen some people say that you shoudl include the minimum amout of information to show that your income is above 125% of the poverty level, and anything else will just give them more reasons to find a problem. Either way, I'd like to include only what is necessary based on my situation.

Any information would be appreciated, thanks!

$50K is sufficient income. I-134 notarized, Letter from your employer, most current tax return and W-2 will be needed to "prove" income. The bank statement is not necessary since your $50K income suffices for support. Nor do you need to list assets. People take paystubs just in case the CO asks to see them. Petitioners are just trying to be prepared for anything come interview time!

Edited March 3, 2007 by joeyjoey

[rebeccajo 14]

The instructions for the I134 do not call for the tax return unless one is self employed.

[~Chad~ 0]

You don't have to worry about your currant balance in your bank. I was worried about that too but they go by your annual income, I dont think your currant bank account balance will ever come up.

[rebeccajo 14]

When preparing the I134 and supporting documents it is always advisable to read up on your consulate.

Some have 'higher standards' than others. Especially those nations regarded as 'high fraud posts'.

No two consulates are alike!

[phila 0]

I'm in exactly the same boat. I have a very good salary- over 50K,(have made over 50K for the past 7 years) but spend all of my money traveling- thus very small acct. balance. I do have "tenure", and have a letter from my emploer stating this.

I am renter too- no mortgage.

I was going to include a copy of my returement savings- 45K so far, and annuities, 9k.

The guides say include 2 peices of evidence form the list. This is my biggest worry.

[ryoaska1 0]

wow, fast replies! Thanks a lot for the support everyone, it's very helpful. I really have no problem including tax returns, W-2s, or pay stubs, I was just wondering where people got the information that they should include these since the instructions didn't say anything about that (except the tax return if self employed). I would ususally say better safe then sorry, but in this case I was a little worried that too much information could backfire...

[aussiewench 9]

The I-134 is not a requirement for the K visa, even though often used. When the I-134 is used, it is only one thing that a conof may look for when determining if the applicant will or wont become a public charge. Hence why evidence outside of what is listed on the I-134 is also often needed/requested. Some consulates will ask for 3 years tax returns, some 1 year. Some consulates don't even ask for an I-134.

Edited March 3, 2007 by aussiewench

[Caladan 19]

The instructions for the I134 do not call for the tax return unless one is self employed.

Consulates do like to see them sometimes, even though it's not required. Vancouver wanted my W-2s & my tax returns from 2005. We knew that from reading reviews here; I'm not sure what would have happened had we omitted them.

OP, check the Japan sub-forum; you'll get a sense of what people had to provide at the interview to back up the I-134.

[rebeccajo 14]

The instructions for the I134 do not call for the tax return unless one is self employed.

Consulates do like to see them sometimes, even though it's not required. Vancouver wanted my W-2s & my tax returns from 2005. We knew that from reading reviews here; I'm not sure what would have happened had we omitted them.

OP, check the Japan sub-forum; you'll get a sense of what people had to provide at the interview to back up the I-134.

Exactly. Which is why one should familiarize oneself with your consulates requirements.

London took NOTHING from us except the I134 itself. They never even ASKED TO LOOK AT SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS. In caps here, because it was so contradictory to what one reads on VJ.

Edited March 3, 2007 by rebeccajo