I looked in the more recent threads and didn't see this one asked, so if it's an Oldie but Goodie, my apologies.

I am applying for my spouse and our case is straightfoward. Will I be sent the I-864EZ, or the regular I-864? I have nothing to do but wait, so I figure I could at least get a jump on the paperwork.

What other forms can I do in advance for the NVC half of the deal?

Thanks,
Bob

NVC to date are still sending out the old I-864 and I have not noted anyone to date having received the new I-864EZ form. They are new forms and can be used at consulates when applying for immigrant visa. Your best bet though will be to call NVC as they have been behind the USCIS all the way when it comes to the I-864.

As for what else is needed..you can have your foreign spouse download, complete & sign DS-230 part 1. If DS-230 part II is required to be submitted (dependant on the instructions that apply for country of the beneficiary which I have placed the links for below), this needs to also be downloaded and completed but not signed. The DS-230 can then be forwarded to you the US which will save you time. Have you checked out James Shortcuts, which you will find HERE. Just scroll down the thread a little.


Instructions for Immigrant Visa Applicants (applying in Albania, Canada, Lebanon, Philippines, Turkey, United Arab Emirates or on the continent of Africa)
When one is required to submit both parts 1 & II and all documents listed in the above link, the NVC reviews all documents and schedules the interview. Part 1 should only be signed not part II as that has to be signed at the interview stage in front of the conof.

Instructions for Immigrant Visa Applicants (NOT applying in Albania, Canada, Lebanon, Philippines, Turkey, United Arab Emirates or on the continent of Africa)
When one is only required to submit DS-230 part 1 and a copy of the biographics page of the passport, the consulate will schedule the interview.

NVC is still mailing out the old I-864. I asked NVC if I can send the new I-864 from the USCIS website, but I was told not to do it. So I waited for the old I-864 from NVC and then mailed it to them. But even the old
I-864 does not need to be notarized, you just need to leave the notarization area blank; it only requires the most recent year's tax return and W-2 instead of last 3 years'.

That being said, I also cant see how they would decline the most recent form which is available for use and download. Remember they also tell one not to use downloaded forms in general which we know is not the case. USCIS eg and consulates have had new guidelines on the I-864 since earlier this year in accordance with USCIS and it is the consulates that ultimately consider the affidavits of support.

Yes, I agree. But by pre-preparing the I-864 from the USCIS I could hardly have saved any time. That is why, I had decided to wait. But I did use shortcut for DS 230 packet. One day when I mentioned to the NVC operator that I have blank DS 230 from before and if we can fill out the DS 230 part I ahead of time and have the beneficiary sign it, then send it as soon as the DS 230 is generated, the operator implicitly supported my idea.

i believe the reason they send you a I-864 as opposed to EZ version is because it applies to all cases(i am talking about financial situation). the EZ is sort of an exception or a shorter version. Nevertheless i used the EZ, and lets see what happens.

NVC is now sending out the new I-864, this includes 1x I-864 1x I864A and 1x I-864EZ

So...are we sure that the I-864, even though it says on the form to include 3 years of tax forms and w2s will be okay with just the most recent tax year's tax forms? Have people done that and it been accepted?

The new I-864 forms states that you only need include the most recent tax return, however you may wish to include years 2 and 3 also, if you feel this will help you establish yourself as meeting the requiements

Hafiz: The old version does not have any EZ version. The new I-864 has the EZ version which is a shorter version for anyone who only can use his/her income.

Yes, the new requirement (even with the old I-864) is only the most recent year tax return and it no longer requires notarization. So yes, one must submit the most recent year tax return, but he/she can submit previous two years' tax return as well, if he/she thinks that it will bolster the case.