I-134 Co-Sponsor Issue with Tax Returns

[Cwood81 0]

Currently, I am a graduate student with no income. Consequently, I have asked my brother to co-sponsor and submit the I-134 document. However, for fears that someone may steal his identity or that his private information may fall into the wrong hands, he is averse to presenting his last year's tax returns. He stated that he is willing to sign a release to the embassy or State Department so that they could pull them; but he does not want copies of the returns floating around. I understand this release scenario has no chance of happening.

Are there any other documents, that would suffice from the co-sponsor (my brother) for the purpose of supporting evidence in place of tax returns?

For example, in the I-134 instructions it states:

"Evidence should consist of copies of any of the documents listed below that apply to your situation." (My emphasis on "any")

...

"B. Statement(s) from your employer on business stationery showing:

1. Date and nature of employment;

2. Salary paid; and

3. Whether the position is temporary or permanent."

Would this statement be acceptable for our purposes of supporting evidence?

I observe that in part 13 Evidence of Support of the K-1/K-3 instructions that the embassy sent us, it states:

"Both, the Sponsor (Petitioner) as well as the Joint-Sponsor, will have to

present last year’s income tax return and proof of current and sustainable income (e.g letter of employment on

letterhead including salary and start date, most recent salary receipts, bank accounts, value of properties,

etc.)" (My emphasis on "and")

This seems to explicitly contradict the I-134 instructions.

If it means anything, the documents will be submitted to and her interview will happen at the Buenos Aires embassy.

I'm stuck here. Thank you very much for any help you provide in advance.

[msbau764 245]

Currently, I am a graduate student with no income. Consequently, I have asked my brother to co-sponsor and submit the I-134 document. However, for fears that someone may steal his identity or that his private information may fall into the wrong hands, he is averse to presenting his last year's tax returns. He stated that he is willing to sign a release to the embassy or State Department so that they could pull them; but he does not want copies of the returns floating around. I understand this release scenario has no chance of happening.

Are there any other documents, that would suffice from the co-sponsor (my brother) for the purpose of supporting evidence in place of tax returns?

For example, in the I-134 instructions it states:

"Evidence should consist of copies of any of the documents listed below that apply to your situation." (My emphasis on "any")

...

"B. Statement(s) from your employer on business stationery showing:

1. Date and nature of employment;

2. Salary paid; and

3. Whether the position is temporary or permanent."

Would this statement be acceptable for our purposes of supporting evidence?

I observe that in part 13 Evidence of Support of the K-1/K-3 instructions that the embassy sent us, it states:

"Both, the Sponsor (Petitioner) as well as the Joint-Sponsor, will have to

present last years income tax return and proof of current and sustainable income (e.g letter of employment on

letterhead including salary and start date, most recent salary receipts, bank accounts, value of properties,

etc.)" (My emphasis on "and")

This seems to explicitly contradict the I-134 instructions.

If it means anything, the documents will be submitted to and her interview will happen at the Buenos Aires embassy.

I'm stuck here. Thank you very much for any help you provide in advance.

The government knows everything about your brother already, so why is he afraid?

[Moustafa/Crystal 65]

While I do not know much about the I-134, I-864 is clear that you need actual tax documents. I would consider another option for a joint sponsor. I think not sending the tax documents will just delay your case, and eventually, lead you to finding a different joint sponsort in the end.

[sma1488 155]

The Embassy's instructions are going to supersede the I-134 instructions. Is he aware that his documents will only be seen by an office that belongs to the American government, and not any Argentine authorities or private companies or individuals? I think your best course of action is to explain to him exactly what his role in the process is with an air of confidence that will put him at ease. If that doesn't work, it's time to find a different co-sponsor.

[Cwood81 0]

I appreciate the opinions and the advice.

I think my brother is paranoid overall. Most of it also has to do with that he works in a business where he is constantly alerting his clients that they need to take measures to protect their identities. He is not paranoid about the government, just hackers and other evildoers that might see the returns.

Thank you all

[msbau764 245]

I appreciate the opinions and the advice.

I think my brother is paranoid overall. Most of it also has to do with that he works in a business where he is constantly alerting his clients that they need to take measures to protect their identities. He is not paranoid about the government, just hackers and other evildoers that might see the returns.

Thank you all

Does your brother use ATM's? well someone could very well steal his identity that way.

[KayDeeCee 4,891]

I appreciate the opinions and the advice.

I think my brother is paranoid overall. Most of it also has to do with that he works in a business where he is constantly alerting his clients that they need to take measures to protect their identities. He is not paranoid about the government, just hackers and other evildoers that might see the returns.

Thank you all

Your consulate requires the most recent tax return plus proof of current income such as employment letter and/or recent pay stubs. If he will not provide it, then you need to find another co-sponsor.

http://photos.state.gov/libraries/48675/CONS-IV/K1%20K3%20Instructions%20packet.pdf

13. (___) EVIDENCE OF SUPPORT: You must submit any evidence which will show that you and members

of your family who will accompany you are not likely to become public charges while in the United States.

Visa petitioner (US Citizen) will have to complete form I-134. If the petitioner does not qualify as a sponsor, a

Joint-Sponsor should ALSO be presented (any US Citizen living in the US or Legal Permanent Resident), who

will also have to complete form I-134. Both, the Sponsor (Petitioner) as well as the Joint-Sponsor, will have to

present last year’s income tax return and proof of current and sustainable income (e.g letter of employment on

letterhead including salary and start date, most recent salary receipts, bank accounts, value of properties,

etc.)

[Cwood81 0]

Yeah, I know. It's silly but it's difficult to argue when he would be doing a favor for us.

Yes KDC, that was the same packet that we received.

[AR&CB 2]

My biggest worry about this part is my joint sponsor is retired and a senior citizen. I so hope and pray it's fine...