howdiedudie

We had our interview on March 29th, and fortunately we passed. The only thing we are waiting for is a Macau Police Clearance, which so far the US Embassy has not received and it has been over 2 weeks. Apply early for those clearances!!!

But in regards to the interview, we tried to pass in Manila with assets and a co-sponsor. Assets totaled 80,000 USD, with some slight income of around 10k per year.

The immigration officer first stated under no circumstances will he accept a co-sponsor, even considering continuation of college upon arrival to the USA. That threw plan B out the window. He then proceeded to say there are no signs of sustained income and he cannot pass any case with just assets. So it seemed we were screwed. He then said ok let's try something else...

Most questions were addressed to me, the US Citizen, which I was not prepared for (I figured visa interviews would mostly be questions for the beneficiary). The only thing that saved us is that my fiance had worked for a US company before, and he asked if she could work there when we got to the US. Fortunately she would be able to work in that position (Skilled work) and we told him how much the salary would be. He then told us ok, you guys seem like you will make it.

Lessons learned:

- It matters if your fiance can work or not, and what positions he/she has had in the past, this can save you!!

- The petitioner must be at the interview if you have any doubts.

- We dressed really well, made us stand out and I am sure it helped.

- Assets even if they are enough, might not be considered at all. SUSTAINED income is a must, the Immigration Officer kept repeating this phrase.

- Do not even think a co-sponsor will work. We had the ideal situation for a co-sponsor and it still was not accepted.

The only thing we need to complete our packet is a police certificate from Macau, though the requirement from Macau states they need a bank draft for $19.00 US dollars. We already got this from BPI but the post office and LBC will not allow us to send this bank draft overseas. It's like we are stuck with no way out except for traveling to Macau to get the certificate, which unfortunately is not an option at this time.

I guess the question is, has anyone had this problem? Anyone have any idea how to get this, or is there a way to state this at the interview? Mail services in the Philippines are pretty strict...

I agree with Alcheringa: you want to make your best possible financial case. That is why I strongly recommend that you attend the interview. I believe that a personal appeal from the petitioner gives the consular officer a reason to approve the visa. I've seen it happen here on VJ. At the interview, you can present your financial case to the consular officer. And I believe that you will have a better chance of your cosponsor being accepted.

If I were in your shoes, I would submit both an I-134 and an I-864 from your cosponsor, along with their accompanying documents. This would demonstrate to the consular officer that you would have a cosponsor for the AOS. I have seen this strategy work in Manila for one case here on VJ, and it also worked for a friend of mine who also went through Manila.

Thanks Tahoma, I will definitely take your advice and use both forms, as well as attend the interview. I am going to bring a lot of materials, better more than not enough.

I will definitely have a co-sponsor secured... Just worried about all the stories I hear in Manila about them not accepting co-sponsors.

The stocks are not a problem. They are long term, I know the taxes I will pay as far as invested/return. The question is, applying for k-1 with 60-70k in assets. And if the domicile is adequate, having my house in US as my parents house, all my bills are sent there even though I have lived in Asia for 4 years. I would completely discount current income and have a co-sponsor.

Thanks for the replies. The stocks are easily liquidated as they are personal account no brokerage firm. Will only pay small fee (100 USD) to liquidate and taxes wouldn't be large as long term capital gains under 31k is currently not taxed (0% rate) up until 2013. As for domicile, I have a permanent residence listed as my parents house, in which all bills and mail are sent to. Business is Asia based and income so far is rather low, under 2k USD, and work is based on contracts from hotels/resorts such as Shangri-La (I am running an entertainment company). Guess I just have to throw everything together and give it a test run.

I guess I was just trying to see if anyone ever took this route. Or anything similar to it...

Somebody?

Anyone?

Does anyone know if around $60,000 USD in stocks would be an acceptable amount to petition for K-1 using I-134 and having the appointment in the Manila Embassy? I currently have been unemployed since early 2010, and have lived in Asia for the last 4 years, the last two being with my girlfriend in The Philippines. I started a business in 2011, though would have no tax records since I have not filed for this year. If we combine our assets, me and my girlfriend, we could have closer to $70,000 including bank accounts and some land in The US. Any help would be greatly appreciated, Thanks!!