Affidavit of Support (I-134)

[alexd 0]

I've been reading around here and have heard that the Consulate in Manila does not/is reluctant to/may or may not accept a co-sponsor for the I-134 at the interview. Can anyone substantiate this?

Also, assuming that it is at the discretion of the interviewer to consider a co-sponsor, can anyone say whether or not the following factors will create a better chance that the interviewer will even look the co-sponsor info:

1. Co-sponsor is the father of the primary sponsor (fiance) and both currently live in the same home.

2. Primary sponsor (fiance) and beneficiary (fiancee) plan to live with the co-sponsor for at least one year from the time the beneficiary arrives in the U.S.

Also, for those who have personally experienced the interview, do the interviewers actually allow/give time for explanations? Or is it more of the interviewer looking at and considering whatever he or she wants and only allowing for specific/short explanations? What I'm trying to get at is whether or not the Consulate looks at the "big picture" [e.g. a history of gainful employment + a reasonable explanation as to the lack of income for the last 2 years (studying in the Philippines) + the ability to become employed immediately after returning to the U.S. + co-sponsor]

[penguin mahal 0]

I've been reading around here and have heard that the Consulate in Manila does not/is reluctant to/may or may not accept a co-sponsor for the I-134 at the interview. Can anyone substantiate this?

Also, assuming that it is at the discretion of the interviewer to consider a co-sponsor, can anyone say whether or not the following factors will create a better chance that the interviewer will even look the co-sponsor info:

1. Co-sponsor is the father of the primary sponsor (fiance) and both currently live in the same home.

2. Primary sponsor (fiance) and beneficiary (fiancee) plan to live with the co-sponsor for at least one year from the time the beneficiary arrives in the U.S.

Also, for those who have personally experienced the interview, do the interviewers actually allow/give time for explanations? Or is it more of the interviewer looking at and considering whatever he or she wants and only allowing for specific/short explanations? What I'm trying to get at is whether or not the Consulate looks at the "big picture" [e.g. a history of gainful employment + a reasonable explanation as to the lack of income for the last 2 years (studying in the Philippines) + the ability to become employed immediately after returning to the U.S. + co-sponsor]

Oh my gosh.. I never heard this before. This is making me nervous. Our situation is similar. I hope someone can shed some light on this.

[alexd 0]

After reading a little more, I am starting to be under the impression that the petitioner/fiance does not necessarily need to be the sponsor? In other words, instead of trying to have my father as a "joint" sponsor, I could actually just have him be the ACTUAL sponsor? Is this correct?

[new1 2]

I've been reading around here and have heard that the Consulate in Manila does not/is reluctant to/may or may not accept a co-sponsor for the I-134 at the interview. Can anyone substantiate this?

Also, assuming that it is at the discretion of the interviewer to consider a co-sponsor, can anyone say whether or not the following factors will create a better chance that the interviewer will even look the co-sponsor info:

1. Co-sponsor is the father of the primary sponsor (fiance) and both currently live in the same home.

2. Primary sponsor (fiance) and beneficiary (fiancee) plan to live with the co-sponsor for at least one year from the time the beneficiary arrives in the U.S.

Also, for those who have personally experienced the interview, do the interviewers actually allow/give time for explanations? Or is it more of the interviewer looking at and considering whatever he or she wants and only allowing for specific/short explanations? What I'm trying to get at is whether or not the Consulate looks at the "big picture" [e.g. a history of gainful employment + a reasonable explanation as to the lack of income for the last 2 years (studying in the Philippines) + the ability to become employed immediately after returning to the U.S. + co-sponsor]

I also have heard of that before, that US Embassy in Manila does accept co-sponsors.. Although i did not personally experience this but i have a friend who did.. The co-sponsor was her fiance's father.. She is already here in the US, already have her GC too.. And they both live in her father in laws house.. I guess it is at the discretion of the consul, and i am sure they will take time to listen to your explanation..

Good Luck!

[Dan & Jenni 457]

After reading a little more, I am starting to be under the impression that the petitioner/fiance does not necessarily need to be the sponsor? In other words, instead of trying to have my father as a "joint" sponsor, I could actually just have him be the ACTUAL sponsor? Is this correct?

the petitioner will always be the primary sponsor with a K-1 visa

[penguin mahal 0]

I did read somewhere else on VJ that it also depends on the relationship and how long the sponsor and co-sponsor know each other. I really hope that having a parent as a co-sponsor will be accepted. I hope the consul will be understanding for our case.

[TeapotGirl 66]

I've been reading around here and have heard that the Consulate in Manila does not/is reluctant to/may or may not accept a co-sponsor for the I-134 at the interview. Can anyone substantiate this?

That's true. I haven't personally seen who was approved with co-sponsor (if there's any please share your input), mostly those who's income is just around the border of minimum.

do the interviewers actually allow/give time for explanations? Or is it more of the interviewer looking at and considering whatever he or she wants and only allowing for specific/short explanations? What I'm trying to get at is whether or not the Consulate looks at the "big picture" [e.g. a history of gainful employment + a reasonable explanation as to the lack of income for the last 2 years (studying in the Philippines) + the ability to become employed immediately after returning to the U.S. + co-sponsor]

I mentioned those who's income was around the border, and yes they are usually young, newly graduate and shows potential. Most approved peeps mostly didn't spend over 15mins with the co. For sure someone they did a research before the interview; run the SSN, read the G325A, ITR and W2 brought for them.

Edited December 1, 2011 by teapotgurl1983

[Zharren Young 32]

the petitioner will always be the primary sponsor with a K-1 visa

Agree

i know a few that did used co sponsors, most of them newly grads and have their father/parents as co sponsors. they also live with them. It will be up to you to prove that you are capable of getting employed and will be able to support your fiance. so it will help showing them school records as reason why you were unemployed. say you were a full time student?

Theres really no one who can assure you that you will be approved or considered using a co sponsor, it will be all up with the CO who will review your packet/paper works. so have everything to have that you know that will convince him to grant your fiance a visa.

[Tahoma 2,292]

Manila accepts cosponsors on a case-by-case basis. It' has been my experience here on VJ that the U.S. Embassy Manila, more often than not, accepts cosponsors for K-1ers. Also, I personally know someone who successfully used a cosponsor for a K-1 in Manila.

The consular officers are supposed to look at the totality of the circumstances when deciding whether to approve a visa. However, it's up to you to build the best financial case possible in order to convince the CO that the beneficiary won't become a public charge in the U.S.

If I were in your shoes:

> I definitely would attend the interview in order to personally explain my circumstances and to make my case. A personal appearance also sends a powerful message to the consular officer...that you are serious about your relationship and that you care enough to be there. I believe that it makes it more difficult for the CO to say no.

> At the prescreening/interview, I would attempt to submit my cosponsor's I-134, I-864, and their supporting documents. Yes, try to submit an I-864. My friend did exactly that. It shows the CO that you will have a cosponsor when the beneficiary adjusts status in the U.S. Having a close relative as your cosponsor is a plus.

> I would try to submit a letter which explained the "big picture" -- fresh college graduate-- low expenses because you're living at home-- cosponsor-- history of employment-- fiancée's education or work history-- etc.

Good luck!

[NikkiWicki 3]

Hi I am as the same boat as the people posting above. My fiance and I are both fresh medical graduates, here in the Philippines, reveiwing for the US medical boardswhile waitng for the fisa. we are planning to use his brother as a co sponsor, but his brother is in cali but is earning pretty good. apparently were not staying in cali but in chicago where myfiance really lives.

is that okay if we use him and he will not be living with us? I cant use his mom cause she is already receivng her pension. appreciate all your replies