When I provide the I-134 for the K-3 interview, do I really need to provide a letter from my bank? I have sufficient income, a letter from my employer, pay stubs, W-2's, and 3 years of tax returns.

I will be going through the Consulate in Lima, Peru.

Thank you for any help/advice/experience you can provide.

The letter from the bank is optional, if your income is large enough to satisfy the 125% poverty line rule If your income is then you only need to submit copy of Tax return, W2, and letter from employer.

You only need to provide bank letter, or assets when your income is less than 125% poverty line to make up the difference between income and poverty line.

Note read the instructions included with form I-134.

II. Supporting Evidence.

As the sponsor, you must show you have sufficient income and/or financial resources to assure that the alien you are sponsoring will not become a public charge while in the United States.

Evidence should consist of copies of any or all of the following documentation listed below that are applicable to your situation.

Failure to provide evidence of sufficient income and/or financial resources may result in the denial of the alien's application for a visa or his removal from the United States.

The Sponsor must submit in duplicate evidence of income and resources, as appropriate:

A. Statement from officer of the bank or other financial institution where you have deposits, giving the following details regarding your account:
1. Date account opened;
2. Total amount deposited for the past year;
3 Present balance.

B. Statement of your employer on business stationary, showing:
1. Date and nature of employment;
2. Salary paid;
3. Whether the position is temporary or permanent.

C. If self-employed:
1. Copy of last income tax return filed; or
2. Report of commercial rating concern.

D. List containing serial numbers and denomination of bonds and name of record owner(s).

Note: Where the instructions says and/or the "OR" means can be one or the other. If your income is sufficient provide them with the evidence that they need, example Copy of last 1-3 years tax returns, past 6 month's pay stubs, and letter from employer.

Also tax transcripts are acceptable in place of tax returns.

I assumed it was optional, as long as the USC's income was adequate. But I read several posts that placed a great deal of significance on having a letter from the bank as supporting documentation for the I-134.

I've been without my husband for entirely too long to take any unnecessary risks. I just want to be thorough without killing myself in the process

This is so stressful....

It won't hurt your case if you get it though - just one more piece of proof.

I got it even though it was optional....can't have enough proof when it comes to this stuff

It depends on the embassy, for us, it wasn't required!

My wife had her K3 interview in New Delhi, India in April. I did not send her a letter from the bank. She had my income tax returns, W-2s, letter confirming my employment, recent pay stubs and bank statements. The embassy only asked for 05 income tax return and W-2s.

I guess I'll ask my bank for a letter, even if I won't need it. I probably have a thousand documents that I won't actually need. That's just how I am.

The folder I have prepared to take with me weighs 20lbs....and I'm not even done with it yet!

Not taking any chances....

Get it. The more the merrier with Peru.

We had so many documents they were in a wheelie case.....

It's a good idea to have the bank letter, but doesn't seem to be required for Brasil as long as you meet the 125% above poverty guidelines. The kicker is even if I wanted to get a letter from the bank, my bank (Bank of America) is NOT able to provide this letter!! I spoke with six BOA employees in person, as well as on the phone and the best they could do for me was write a letter stating when I opened my account, and what my current balance was. They had no way of determining how much I've deposited in the last year...imagine a bank telling you that!! They have no way to add numbers! I left angry and laughing at them at the same time! That's the problem with big banks, total lack of customer service!

So as an alternative, they offered to charge me $10.00 to provide me with my last 12 bank statements. I'm betting the consulate wouldn't go for that, so I'm leaving the bank information out.

Ana,

I'm not sure where your primary banking center is located or what kind of account you have, but I was able to get such a letter from Bank of America in California.

If you still wanted a letter from Bank of America, you can request a "Status of Your Account" letter that details the type of account you have, the current balance, the average balance, and the date the account was opened.

Good luck!

I am selfemployed so for me i dont have a letter from my employer or a w2 form so i felt that it was neccisary for me to get the bank letter.
I only had my 2005 tax transcript and bank statements so i made sure to get all extra documenst i could to help my case.
I have no problem meeting the poverty level just hard for me to show it without getting this letter from the bank.
Also being selfemployed i use all the deductions i am allowed to use so my social security tax isnt so high, not that i dont want to pay it i just like to pay as little as i can legally.