Form I-134: Affidavit of Support

[BughouseMaster 3]

I had a question about this form... I know we must demonstrate that we make at least 125% above the current poverty rate in the U.S., which is around $18K for 2 people last I checked... and I understand we must use at least 2 of the 4 points in "supporting evidence" on the instruction sheet, but was wondering if I dont actually have proof that I'm making at least 125% of poverty rate, but can show them I have more than enough money in the bank (close to 80K+), but my "self-employment" position I do have proof for totals less than 18K for a year, is this going to adversely affect my chances of proving I am more than financially stable even though I got money in the bank? For years previous to 2012, I have proof that shows I made much more than 18K but not last year.

If so, was planning on using my parents as a co-sponsor, but would like to know what form to fill out if I went that route... want to know what's my best course of action, thanks.

[JensJrny2Ray 367]

Well, you could have your parents fill out the same form. You need proof that you are making more than the poverty rate, bank deposits etc. If I were you, I'd have your parents fill out the form too as a co-sponsor if needed.

[BughouseMaster 3]

Well, you could have your parents fill out the same form. You need proof that you are making more than the poverty rate, bank deposits etc. If I were you, I'd have your parents fill out the form too as a co-sponsor if needed.

Thanks for the reply.

Is the amount in my bank acct alone not enough proof? How would I distinguish on the form my parents fill out that they are my co-sponsors? So the USCIS would look at not only my info, but also my parents and take the sum total of that? Because my parents alone make leaps and bounds more than enough without even looking at my bank acct balance...

[Inky 1,111]

Thanks for the reply.

Is the amount in my bank acct alone not enough proof? How would I distinguish on the form my parents fill out that they are my co-sponsors? So the USCIS would look at not only my info, but also my parents and take the sum total of that? Because my parents alone make leaps and bounds more than enough without even looking at my bank acct balance...

Philippines generally does not accept co-sponsors for K-1 applicants. Be mindful of this.

[BughouseMaster 3]

Philippines generally does not accept co-sponsors for K-1 applicants. Be mindful of this.

What?!?!?! Why is that? Where can I see discussion of this somewhere?

[Inky 1,111]

What?!?!?! Why is that? Where can I see discussion of this somewhere?

They are all over the VJ forums. Just pop it in a search.

[BughouseMaster 3]

Okay, why is that though?

Are they the only country that doesn't accept co-sponsor? What other countries do that?

[JensJrny2Ray 367]

There are other countries that do not.

[BughouseMaster 3]

Okay, so what are my options then?

Is the amount in my bank acct alone not enough proof?

[Inky 1,111]

Okay, so what are my options then?

Is the amount in my bank acct alone not enough proof?

Depends on what the US embassy in Manila is willing to accept. They can be hard to get past sometimes. If they believe what you list is not sufficient proof of her not ending up on some type of benefit or aid then you will have to try another avenue, and they will give you time generally to provide more proof to them.

[KayDeeCee 4,893]

Okay, so what are my options then?

Is the amount in my bank acct alone not enough proof?

Yes, it should be. You only need 3 times the shortcoming in your income, and $80k more than covers that. Provide your last 3 years of complete tax returns. It may help to show the prior years you earned more. Provide the last 6 months of bank statements to show the money in your account was not just deposited in a lump sum recently to try and use for the affidavit of support. If you can, get a letter from your bank that states when your account was opened, current and average balance.

[BughouseMaster 3]

Yes, it should be. You only need 3 times the shortcoming in your income, and $80k more than covers that. Provide your last 3 years of complete tax returns. It may help to show the prior years you earned more. Provide the last 6 months of bank statements to show the money in your account was not just deposited in a lump sum recently to try and use for the affidavit of support. If you can, get a letter from your bank that states when your account was opened, current and average balance.

Where does it say we need 3x the shortcoming of our incoming? I haven't read that anywhere before.

Also, since they say 2 of the 4 are required on the instructional form, how will that work out since the bank acct is only 1 of those 4 since I dont meet the required amount currently... thanks

[KayDeeCee 4,893]

Where does it say we need 3x the shortcoming of our incoming? I haven't read that anywhere before.

Also, since they say 2 of the 4 are required on the instructional form, how will that work out since the bank acct is only 1 of those 4 since I dont meet the required amount currently... thanks

It is from the I-864 instructions. Most consulates tend to follow the I-864 guidelines, and not go by the I-134 instructions only. This is because the I-864 will be needed shortly after the foreign fiance(e) arrives, gets married and files for AOS. Reading the I-864 instructions can give you a better understanding of what the CO (and USCIS for AOS) will be wanting to see for your affidavit of support.

You said you did not meet the income requirement for only 2012. Did you make nothing? Your post made it sound like you just did not quite make the $19,388 needed for a household of 2. You can make up the difference with assets. For example, if you made $15k instead of $19k, then you are $4k short. You would need at the bare minimum, $12k in assets. You have $80k in assets. You have more than enough to use your assets to make up for the shortcoming in income.

I am not sure I follow about 1 of 4 documents. You will provide your tax transcripts for the last 3 years plus bank statements and/or a letter from your bank that proves your assets. These are the things you need to show to prove your fiancee will not become a public charge. That is more than one supporting financial document.

[nguyendo 0]

If I-134 required the income is 100% of poverty not 125%

[KayDeeCee 4,893]

If I-134 required the income is 100% of poverty not 125%

That depends on the consulate and most want to see 125%. I believe Manila is one that wants 125%.