Pamme

Another option would be adjusting your father while you are a LPR. When the case is pending, your father's status is not technically "illegal". When you got your citizenship, update your status in your filed case with USCIS. Then proceed from there. This is just my idea, I don't know if this will work.

Hi,

I'm a USC and now filing I-485 for my mother who overstayed her tourist visa for 9 years. I-130 was approved. The question is do I need to worry about the waiver? Also, we just got a Notice of Appear regarding the deportation . I think it's the beginning of the proceeding. The dates are not set. What effect will it have on her status if she skips the interview (or hearing)? Is it true that the overstay and deportation issues will be forgiven when the beneficiary is the immediate relative of the petitioner ?

Thank you very much

They only request for 1 year of tax return.

I have my teacher as a co-sponsor but they won't accept it in Bangkok. They disallow co-sponsors in general but they will accept it if 1) the petitioner is a full-time student and 2) co-sponsor is a family member. I am given one year to find a co-sponsor or work on my I-134. My mom is the only family member I have in the States but she does not make a lot of money to meet the 125% poverty line. So, my only option is to be a sole sponsor.

I had not been working because I was living off of financial aids. With $15000 a year, I see no point of working just to make money. I know that this is not the time to do so. Therefore, I spend my time studying, volunteering, and running the club. My motto is study for a living. I want to be a doctor so studying is my first priority. And I am doing well academically.

I guess scholarships and grants won't fly. My backup plan is to work on my letters and paystubs from the restaurant. If it can be prorated, this letter would say my estimate annual income is $13K. In addition, I work as a TA for 3 courses at my university. They hired me in Jan 08 and they paid me $5K for spring and summer. They will pay me another $3K for this fall. For 2008, I get $8K from this job.

If these two jobs seem legit my finances would be:

1) $21K (income from being a TA at school and server at a restaurant) would put me above the poverty line

2) Financial aid of $17K will be coming in for 2008

3) stocks and savings of $25K

If more money is needed, I might be able to max out my credit cards and apply for student loans. But this is really really my last resort.

Any suggestions?

I have my teacher as a co-sponsor but they won't accept it in Bangkok. They disallow co-sponsors in general but they will accept it if 1) the petitioner is a full-time student and 2) co-sponsor is a family member. So, I am given one year to find a co-sponsor or work on my I-134.

One more thing is that income does not have to be only from employment. Social security benefits, disability, child support, retirement could be considered income on I-134.

I agree, those things ARE income, but you need to realize that the CO has the final say in this. I'm saying that whatever the income is, it has to be stable. I'm just wondering if the CO will consider your student aid as a stable form of income. Make sense?

The concern the financial documents must satisfy the Consular officer about is that of the foreign fiance becoming a public charge, so all financial submissions are evaluated with that in mind.

Your timeline says your interview occured a couple weeks ago. What was the outcome?

Yes, I agree.

One more thing is that income does not have to be only from employment. Social security benefits, disability, child support, retirement could be considered income on I-134.

I attend a public university so the tuition, fees, and books add up to about $1500 each semester. My financial aids total $17000 so the amount left over is $14000. This $14000 is considered taxable income and I filed taxes for that amount in 2007.

If the irs consider it as income, why would the CO disregard it?

Thank you for everyone's input.

Hello everyone,

My present situation is I have to be a sole sponsor for my fiance. Co-sponsor is not an option for my case. My question is can scholarships and grants be qualified as income on I-134? I filled taxes on these income last year (2007) and I have financial aid award package for 2008-09. They both are on the borderline ($17K) but I will have stocks and savings to make it more solid.

I also work part-time at a small restaurant. But I just started in June 08. The paystubs are a small piece of paper that looks more like a receipt. Worse, they are handwritten!!. I'm wondering if this is needed. If so, I would probably have to remake my paystubs using excel. In addition, the tips are tricky. Tips are paid in cash daily. It was included in the paystubs to calculated taxes, but it's not shown on the check. The check only includes wages. To make it more complex, I don't know what to write for ANNUAL income since I just started two months ago.

Anyone has an insight or experience on any of these situations?

This thread might be similar to mine. But stipend from a fellowship is definitely an income, while scholarships and grants are more obscure in my opinion.

From what I read, the interviewer did not even look at the co-sponsors' I-134. Thus, I believe that in those particular cases, co-sponsors are disallowed. The petitioners are in the similar situation: working men and lower income (did not meet the poverty level). I did some more reading in VJ and this is what I found. The US embassy has the discretion to determine if co-sponsors are allowed. The law does not state that you can have co-sponsor or you can't. US embassy in Hanoi and Manila will tell you that co-sponsors are not allowed. However, they do accept it under special circumstances. And this is not new. Some of the posts were in 2006. Well, this is what the embassy replied to someone here in VJ. So, I think it's credible. And it makes sense because littleasianman7 was told in the email from the US embassy that they don't accept co-sponsor. Nevertheless, they do during the interview. Therefore, I believe littleasianman7's case is one of special circumstances.

My fiance will have his interview on Aug 20th. I'm also a student and I'm relying on my co-sponsor to get the visa approved. Unlike littleasianman7, my co-sponsor is a family friend. So I think this will very much diminish my chances of having them accept the co-sponsor. I will definitely let you know if my theory is correct.

Also, I can't find the post about co-sponsor in Hanoi and Manila. I post it when I find it.

Pamme,

Here's the thing about "special cases". Before I started the process, I asked my lawyer about whether or not co-sponsors were accepted in Thailand, and they told me "yes". They also told me that, of course, the co-sponsors needs to be 125% above the poverty line, etc., but that in general they are accepted.

When I emailed the embassy before my fiance's interview asking them about whether or not they accept co-sponsors, they responded by telling me they DO NOT accept co-sponsors. I called my lawyer and asked them about this and they said "don't worry, they accept co-sponsors. Technically they don't but as long as your co-sponsor is sufficient, then it's fine", which they were right.

I just asked my lawyers about co-sponsors again on Friday and they told me that the embassy views all primary sponsors the same, meaning whether you are a 40 year old mcdonalds employee or a 23 year old student, they will judge you on the same criteria as the other.

It's up to the CO's discretion as to whether or not he PERSONALLY BELIEVES your fiance will become a public charge. I think my fiance was granted her visa more because of my co-sponsor who is WELL above the poverty line. Also, she filed taxes with my dad and together their income is WAY MORE than sufficient.

Also, the lawyers said they haven't had a single case this month be denied due to a co-sponsor not being allowed.

Thank you for the time you put into finding this out. But I'm still skeptical about these facts:

1) Why is it that the embassy replied to you and me that they do not accept co-sponsors? If they do, what is the purpose of telling us that they don't?

2) From what I read in usvisa4thai.com, the CO said to the beneficiaries that co-sponsors are disallowed. And the their cases will be opened for one year for the petitioner to resubmit I-134 as the sole sponsor. If it was just 1 case, I would probably doubt it. But three people are saying the same thing. Why would they lie? If the reason was really that their co-sponsors are not good enough, all they need to do is just find another co-sponsor that's more qualified. No need to be so frustrated. Apparently, one of the girls is now filing for CR1.

Pamme,

Because technically they don't accept co-sponsors for the I-134. I asked my lawyer about this awhile ago and they said "dont worry they accept co-sponsors". My main thing was that I was wondering WHY/HOW they would change the rules in one month without warning.

No one said anything about anyone lying, or at least I didn't say that. Not sure if you're referring to me being frustrated? I am in no way frustrated as my fiance already has the visa and the only reason I am on this thread is to help you guys figure this out.

Also, an update, my lawyer sent me an email three days ago and told me that their firm has been hearing things as well about co-sponsors not being allowed. She did, however say that her last case was approved with a co-sponsor, but that was the day before she sent me the email.

I really appreciate all the input everyone contribute on VJ. I'm sorry if I offend anyone. What I was trying to say is that co-sponsors issue seems legit.

As I promised, I'm reporting back the status of my case.

It wasn't approved. As a full-time student, only co-sponsors who are family members are allowed. My co-sponsor was a family friend. Co-sponsors are not accepted in general except in special circumstances. The case will be opened for 1 year for me to resubmit I-134. At least, it wasn't denied. I emailed the embassy to ask if I can have my cousin as a co-sponsor. But I wonder how are they going to prove that he is my cousin.

Hi all,

I just want to share this experience to you. I've been using e-bay for almost 3 years now and I bought few items from them and had no problem. I've been using pay pal to pay the items that I bought in e-bay because according to them Pay Pal is the safer, easier way to pay and get paid online.

I bought an item on July 13, 08 and paid it right away thru pay pal the item was describe as brand new, never been used. I paid little less than $100 for the item. I got the item on July 26, 08 and was very upset because the item was not brand new at all, you can see dirty finger prints on it, scrape etc. So I contacted the seller right away I told him that I am not happy with the purchase because the item is not as what he describe in his auction. I e-mailed him few times and didn’t hear from him so I decided to file a dispute to pay pal and then waited for few days and escalated the case. He then replied to me in one of my e-mails to him saying " if you don't like the item I'll be happy to refund you." And then e-bay sent me an e-mail that the seller requested for me to send back the item and he will refund me. So I sent the item back to the seller on July 29th and gave both pay pal and seller the tracking number. I had checked the tracking number a week after I sent the package and it says " Status: Arrival at unit, Your item arrived at 7:15 am on July 31,08". I was wondering why it's still in the unit when It's over a week now. What happened was the post man was trying to send it to the seller but then he wasn't home that is why they keep the package in the post office and wait till the guy come and pick up the item. On August 15, 08 pay pal sent me an e-mail saying that they needed more time to investigate the case and I was so surprised because on August 16, 08 pay pal sent me an e-mail again saying " They closed the case because I had given them an invalid tracking number and there is no confirmation of delivery that's why we can't give you a refund." I was furious! I sent them an e-mail telling them that I have the confirmation receipt/tracking number here with me from the USPS and as far as confirmation of delivery is concern the guy didn't want to pick up the item because he know full well that he was lying about his auction. Now, the guy has the money and I bet he's going to pick up the item soon now that the case is closed.

And I check his name in Google and I was surprised because the guy has TV program in Florida. Pay pal gave me his phone number and e-mail address. At first I was thinking maybe somebody is using his name but Can’t be because the e-mail add in his sites and e-mail add in pay pal and e-bay is the same so that means it's the same person.

I just give you a heads up people, I know e-bay is a nice place to shop but be extra careful specially when it's payment time. I thought I was covered with pay pal so called "buyers protection" but I wasn't, it's too bad.

I feel bad because I paid for nothing, I was thinking to report the seller for postal fraud and let the post office know that pay pal closed my case because according to them I gave them invalid tracking number (sigh) - I don't know - .

NOTE: I post this because I want to give everybody a warning when buying things online, thank you

If you pay using your credit card, you can contact your credit card company.

From what I read, the interviewer did not even look at the co-sponsors' I-134. Thus, I believe that in those particular cases, co-sponsors are disallowed. The petitioners are in the similar situation: working men and lower income (did not meet the poverty level). I did some more reading in VJ and this is what I found. The US embassy has the discretion to determine if co-sponsors are allowed. The law does not state that you can have co-sponsor or you can't. US embassy in Hanoi and Manila will tell you that co-sponsors are not allowed. However, they do accept it under special circumstances. And this is not new. Some of the posts were in 2006. Well, this is what the embassy replied to someone here in VJ. So, I think it's credible. And it makes sense because littleasianman7 was told in the email from the US embassy that they don't accept co-sponsor. Nevertheless, they do during the interview. Therefore, I believe littleasianman7's case is one of special circumstances.

My fiance will have his interview on Aug 20th. I'm also a student and I'm relying on my co-sponsor to get the visa approved. Unlike littleasianman7, my co-sponsor is a family friend. So I think this will very much diminish my chances of having them accept the co-sponsor. I will definitely let you know if my theory is correct.

Also, I can't find the post about co-sponsor in Hanoi and Manila. I post it when I find it.

Pamme,

Here's the thing about "special cases". Before I started the process, I asked my lawyer about whether or not co-sponsors were accepted in Thailand, and they told me "yes". They also told me that, of course, the co-sponsors needs to be 125% above the poverty line, etc., but that in general they are accepted.

When I emailed the embassy before my fiance's interview asking them about whether or not they accept co-sponsors, they responded by telling me they DO NOT accept co-sponsors. I called my lawyer and asked them about this and they said "don't worry, they accept co-sponsors. Technically they don't but as long as your co-sponsor is sufficient, then it's fine", which they were right.

I just asked my lawyers about co-sponsors again on Friday and they told me that the embassy views all primary sponsors the same, meaning whether you are a 40 year old mcdonalds employee or a 23 year old student, they will judge you on the same criteria as the other.

It's up to the CO's discretion as to whether or not he PERSONALLY BELIEVES your fiance will become a public charge. I think my fiance was granted her visa more because of my co-sponsor who is WELL above the poverty line. Also, she filed taxes with my dad and together their income is WAY MORE than sufficient.

Also, the lawyers said they haven't had a single case this month be denied due to a co-sponsor not being allowed.

Thank you for the time you put into finding this out. But I'm still skeptical about these facts:

1) Why is it that the embassy replied to you and me that they do not accept co-sponsors? If they do, what is the purpose of telling us that they don't?

2) From what I read in usvisa4thai.com, the CO said to the beneficiaries that co-sponsors are disallowed. And the their cases will be opened for one year for the petitioner to resubmit I-134 as the sole sponsor. If it was just 1 case, I would probably doubt it. But three people are saying the same thing. Why would they lie? If the reason was really that their co-sponsors are not good enough, all they need to do is just find another co-sponsor that's more qualified. No need to be so frustrated. Apparently, one of the girls is now filing for CR1.

I'm just gonna go the IR-1 route. I know I can use a co-sponsor for that. For IR-1, the I-864 AOS stuff is all done in the US, so the embassy is irrelevant when it comes to financial support issues.

How far back do you have to start over?

From what I read, the interviewer did not even look at the co-sponsors' I-134. Thus, I believe that in those particular cases, co-sponsors are disallowed. The petitioners are in the similar situation: working men and lower income (did not meet the poverty level). I did some more reading in VJ and this is what I found. The US embassy has the discretion to determine if co-sponsors are allowed. The law does not state that you can have co-sponsor or you can't. US embassy in Hanoi and Manila will tell you that co-sponsors are not allowed. However, they do accept it under special circumstances. And this is not new. Some of the posts were in 2006. Well, this is what the embassy replied to someone here in VJ. So, I think it's credible. And it makes sense because littleasianman7 was told in the email from the US embassy that they don't accept co-sponsor. Nevertheless, they do during the interview. Therefore, I believe littleasianman7's case is one of special circumstances.

My fiance will have his interview on Aug 20th. I'm also a student and I'm relying on my co-sponsor to get the visa approved. Unlike littleasianman7, my co-sponsor is a family friend. So I think this will very much diminish my chances of having them accept the co-sponsor. I will definitely let you know if my theory is correct.

Also, I can't find the post about co-sponsor in Hanoi and Manila. I post it when I find it.

Pamme,

Here's the thing about "special cases". Before I started the process, I asked my lawyer about whether or not co-sponsors were accepted in Thailand, and they told me "yes". They also told me that, of course, the co-sponsors needs to be 125% above the poverty line, etc., but that in general they are accepted.

When I emailed the embassy before my fiance's interview asking them about whether or not they accept co-sponsors, they responded by telling me they DO NOT accept co-sponsors. I called my lawyer and asked them about this and they said "don't worry, they accept co-sponsors. Technically they don't but as long as your co-sponsor is sufficient, then it's fine", which they were right.

I just asked my lawyers about co-sponsors again on Friday and they told me that the embassy views all primary sponsors the same, meaning whether you are a 40 year old mcdonalds employee or a 23 year old student, they will judge you on the same criteria as the other.

It's up to the CO's discretion as to whether or not he PERSONALLY BELIEVES your fiance will become a public charge. I think my fiance was granted her visa more because of my co-sponsor who is WELL above the poverty line. Also, she filed taxes with my dad and together their income is WAY MORE than sufficient.

Also, the lawyers said they haven't had a single case this month be denied due to a co-sponsor not being allowed.

Thank you for the time you put into finding this out. But I'm still skeptical about these facts:

1) Why is it that the embassy replied to you and me that they do not accept co-sponsors? If they do, what is the purpose of telling us that they don't?

2) From what I read in usvisa4thai.com, the CO said to the beneficiaries that co-sponsors are disallowed. And the their cases will be opened for one year for the petitioner to resubmit I-134 as the sole sponsor. If it was just 1 case, I would probably doubt it. But three people are saying the same thing. Why would they lie? If the reason was really that their co-sponsors are not good enough, all they need to do is just find another co-sponsor that's more qualified. No need to be so frustrated. Apparently, one of the girls is now filing for CR1.

Linda,

Please keep us posted. I would also like to see pictures from your engagement. I hope the process is going well.

From what I read, the interviewer did not even look at the co-sponsors' I-134. Thus, I believe that in those particular cases, co-sponsors are disallowed. The petitioners are in the similar situation: working men and lower income (did not meet the poverty level). I did some more reading in VJ and this is what I found. The US embassy has the discretion to determine if co-sponsors are allowed. The law does not state that you can have co-sponsor or you can't. US embassy in Hanoi and Manila will tell you that co-sponsors are not allowed. However, they do accept it under special circumstances. And this is not new. Some of the posts were in 2006. Well, this is what the embassy replied to someone here in VJ. So, I think it's credible. And it makes sense because littleasianman7 was told in the email from the US embassy that they don't accept co-sponsor. Nevertheless, they do during the interview. Therefore, I believe littleasianman7's case is one of special circumstances.

My fiance will have his interview on Aug 20th. I'm also a student and I'm relying on my co-sponsor to get the visa approved. Unlike littleasianman7, my co-sponsor is a family friend. So I think this will very much diminish my chances of having them accept the co-sponsor. I will definitely let you know if my theory is correct.

Also, I can't find the post about co-sponsor in Hanoi and Manila. I post it when I find it.

I heard lately that many Thai women went to interview and they have not got visa yet.

Becasue from thier fiance's income are not enough.

The Embassy is not accept a co- sponsor.

But the Embassy give opportunity for them that they can have other assets to show, like stock etc

If don't have, have to wait until get new tax return and have income enough

But co-sponsor can use for CR1 and IR1 Visa

rukthur,

Where are you getting your information? I am not questioning your credibility, but rather just wondering where you are hearing that many thai women are being denied due to the co-sponsor not being allowed anymore.

Guys, I think that making STATEMENTS such as "THE EMBASSY DOES NOT ACCEPT CO-SPONSORS" is unnecessary right now, especially when you don't know FOR SURE.

This is how incorrect information gets spread around on this website. I think that until we know FOR SURE whether or not the co-sponsor has been completely disallowed we shouldn't make assumptions into facts.

Right now there are probably a lot of people panicking about whether or not the co-sponsor is allowed, and we don't want to make them panic when we don't know for sure.

Lotuspearl, please keep us updated. I will email my lawyer right now and let you guys know what she says.

I read in usvisa4thai.com and I can account for at least 3 people who were told directly by the interviewer that US embassy there no longer accepts co-sponsors. My guess is your situation is not the same as those 3 people? It could be that since you are a student, it is understandable that you don't have solid financial support yet. Therefore it is acceptable to have your mom jointly sponsor your fiance. I'm wondering if there is a criteria to judge whether co-sponsers are allowed for each case?

About i-186, I meant I-864. I'm familiar with it since I'm also getting a visa for my mom .

I emailed the embassy asking if I can use a co-sponsor. This is what they said:

"The law does not change. The I-134 is different from the I-864 Affidavit of Support for immigrant visa applicants that the I-864 is legally binding. Since it is legally binding, you can have a joint sponsor for I-864. However, the I-134 Affidavit of Support is not legally binding as you and the visa beneficiary have not yet been married. So, you cannot have a joint sponsor for this form."

First of all, I did not ask about i-186. So it seems like they try to dodge the question. Secondly, if the legally binding issue is really the reason, why is it that they have accepted in the past and just change the rule now? Why is it that the rest of the world (except in Manila) accepts co-sponsor while US embassy in BKK doesn't?

Please keep us updated regarding your contact with the embassy.

Thanks