Financial Info (prior to interview)

[slim 1,514]

Hey all, like Nick said..... Old forums just too much hassle. Plus, I wanted to get a fresh one going here.

OK, time to prove to good ol' Uncle $am that I make enough money to support my little honey. What should I send, and more specifically, what should I put down on the forms?

I'm broke, paycheck-to-paycheck, and what I love about this Russia forum is that everyone here is a realist and not one of those General Discussion/Off Topic forum dweebs that says "How can you have a good marriage and support an alien fiancee when you can't support yourself?" Well, it's quite simple dweeb.... she's from Russia and has no problem making it on $150 a month, so my piddly little $1500 American paycheck is going to seem like the lottery to her! Shut your mouth!" So, back to topic.

I know I must send the I-134. I don't own any property, have any savings or retirement, or any other assets really. (Maybe a computer and some other household goods (and 2nd Amendment stocks) .... couple grand I suppose) so what should I put on that? Should I put down that I have a couple grand in savings? I could (in theory) have a couple grand (my job has overtime seasonally that when I'm working it, those $1500 paychecks turn into $3500 paychecks, so the money is there sometimes, just not now) So maybe $2000 in savings and $5000 in assets? Something like that?

I'm planning on sending in my 2005 W-2 which confirms that I made over $35,000 last year (lucky I worked that OT... and lucky I got out of the Air Force!) and the letter from my employer. Other than that, what else should I do? I remember Satellite and OKFlyboy saying the bank statement with DEPOSITS ONLY was a good thing to send that way they don't have to see the balance, only that I do make enough money.

So that's:

1. I-134 (stating I have $2000 in savings and $5000 in assets?)

2. 2005 W-2

3. Letter from Employer

4. Bank Statement (past 6-12 months, deposits only?)

Is that enough? What else, and is the I-134 OK? Thanks in advance for any help.

[Chuckles 0]

I'm behind you in the process, but if I were you I would just use the income from the job and screw the rest. Why bother to try and prove the assests/stocks/savings when your job provides more then enough income for them to approve you?

[slim 1,514]

Is the I-134 even required?

[Satellite 1]

if I were you I would just use the income from the job and screw the rest. Why bother to try and prove the assests/stocks/savings when your job provides more then enough income for them to approve you?

I concur 100%. Go with the W2, Tax return, employment letter, and I-134. We did just fine based on those things only.

[golfnut63 0]

Is the I-134 even required?

I pulled this from the American Embassy Moscow webite on interview requirements......

This is number 10.

Financial documentation from the petitioner may include but is not limited to employment letter for the petitioner with salary information and/or a copy of tax returns (Form 1040) for the last year, bank statement, W-2s. I-134 Affidavit of Support is not required but may be requested by a consular officer.

I provided I-134, 2004 Form 1040 tax return, last 3 years of W-2's, bank statement of last 12 months on bank letterhead, and my salary on employer letterhead.

Natalia said they did take it but it was not discussed.

I know it seems every Embassy does it different but this is straight from Moscow's website. You can always call or e-mail the Embassy too.

Warren

[skinsfan 0]

Hi Slim, i provided the I-134,bank statements, 2yrs tax returns,letter from employer...everything that was requested...be sure to have telephone records, e-mails, and photo's to prove the relationship is legit. the CO's are different, so it is best IMHO to cover all bases. in my wife's interview, the photo's seemed to be the most important of all...remember, you have 1 shot...IMHO leave nothing to chance...you do not want to waste time gathering additional info after the interview...all will be okay....good luck....Larry

[slim 1,514]

If I submit the I-134, what should I enter for:

Savings, Stocks, Assets, etc.?

[russ 1]

If I submit the I-134, what should I enter for:

Savings, Stocks, Assets, etc.?

You can leave that part blank. For the I-134 in Moscow, I only had 1 tax return (wasn't a problem). You only need 1 tax return for the AOS (I 864) now as well. (you can submit more if you want.)

[slim 1,514]

Cool! Thanks for the help guys. I'll probably be getting all this together and sent out this week. Only one month away, and with the good reputation of the Russian postal system.... I'd better not delay any more.

[Neonred 3,461]

Yes Slim you better get on it quick. I have sent a few cards over using regular mail and some took a month while others took a few weeks. I have sent two DHL envelopes and even those took more than a week. Funny thing is that DHL guaranteed 3 or 4 day delivery on their website. When I called them and complained and asked what good was the guarantee the did send me a refund of the entire amount....for both envelopes.

Edited February 20, 2006 by Neonred

[slim 1,514]

It's been hit or miss for us as well.

Sometimes a letter takes a month, and a package takes two weeks. Sometimes the package takes two months, and the letter takes a week. It's a crapshoot at best.

She's still waiting on her packet 3 anyway, (sent to mom's house, instead of her current address.) but with only about a month to go before the interview, I pretty much know what I need to send, so I'm going to go ahead and get it to her now.

These interview dates sure are coming up fast!

[Chuckles 0]

I was able to send a package to Russia with someone who was visiting through some contacts I made in Russia. Maybe you can send it with someone travelling over there soon? *cough*castawaysailer*cough*

[russ 1]

Sometimes a letter takes a month, and a package takes two weeks. Sometimes the package takes two months, and the letter takes a week. It's a crapshoot at best.

I wouldn't trust the regular mail for this. Too much of a pain if there is a problem. While FedEx is a bit pricier, my discount is still pretty good with them. Took 2 business days, the last package I sent. Letters have been running about 2 weeks or more.

[skinsfan 0]

Hi Russ......are you sure you only need 1 tax return for AOS.....i thought it was 3 tax returns....just curious as i will soon be ready to send all of the docs for AOS....thanks, Larry

[slim 1,514]

Yep, going to use FedEx for the K-1 docs. Hopefully they'll get there soon.

Thanks again guys.