JimandChristy

Well we have our first approval of the day, NOA1 date 10th December, Congrats to edin-gal

Come on Vermont, start as you mean to go on....touch wood we'll have at least half a dozen today.

Talk about dead. Not a single approval yet. Are you kidding me?

We'll join you. :ranting:

Congrats to Pegasus and Yasser!

Vermont is starting to really lag behind California again, California has already approved over 60% of December petitions and 35% of January petitions on VJ. Fingers crossed Vermont have a big week in terms of approvals because it is a little disheartening when you see other people being approved in less than 90 days. Lucky buggers

HEY Everyone, I just got the special email from CRIS. I just got to work and i was checking my email and it reads :

*** DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS E-MAIL ***

The last processing action taken on your case

Receipt Number: EAC**********

Application Type: I129F , PETITION FOR FIANCE(E)

Current Status: Approval notice sent. MARRCH 17, 2009.

I'M APPROVED !!!! Wooo hooooo , Thank You JESUS !!

I can't even type now my fingers are shaking....

CONGRATULATIONS Jim and A.D. :dance:

December Approvals here we come!!

We're still about Looking like end of March/beginning of April when December filers start to get approvals. We have both been very busy recently with work but we've also been looking up documents required for Packet 3 and the interview.

Very much looking forward to Wednesday, Christy is due to come over to the UK for her Birthday and is flying into Manchester, so we will have a good 10 days together, enjoy ourselves and remain updated on the latest proceedings.

That reminds me, I will have to update our signature for her visit.

FAO Nich-Nick, After reading the information you provided about the affidavit in more detail, I have come to the conclusion that I can only use options 1 to 4 when it comes to evidence. So just to wrap up will I be OK if my sponsor and co-sponsor provides any two of these four? Thanks.

Yes London suggests two forms of evidence to prove income. The tax form 1040 and the W2 are ONE piece of evidence.

Let me explain the tax stuff. You fill out the 1040 when you're going to file your taxes. Your tax return could easily have other parts like a Schedule A, C, D, etc depending on your situation and source of income. When you're ready to mail the forms, you staple your W2(s) to the front page. That's a statement each employer sends out in Jan. telling your total income for the previous year. If you had 3 jobs during the year, then you'd have three W2s. You could also get income not earned from working shown on a Form 1099. So a complete tax return might be as simple as a form 1040 and one W2, or it could be Form 1040, Schedule A, Schedule D, three W2s and a 1099-R. Whatever you are required to send in to the IRS if mailing, is considered your complete tax return, no matter how many pages. So that's a bunch of papers that equals ONE proof of income. Anybody could fake up a form 1040 and say they made $40,000 so that's why embassies must have the W2 with that 1040. The W2s back up the amount of money your 1040 says you made.

Tax transcripts are summaries of your whole tax return provided free by the IRS. They can't be faked because it's a copy/summary of your whole tax return picture, basically certified by the IRS because it's issued by them. That's why you don't have to include any 1040, Schedules, W2s or 1099s if you send a transcript.

Okay, so your task is to show London your income in the best way you can by presenting at least two pieces of evidence. They suggest various ways and you pick what you want to provide. Some ways are:

1. Complete tax return or tax transcript for the most recent tax year. If you've got 3 previous years that are well above the income level you may submit them but it's not required. If you had a poor 2006, then that wouldn't help your case much so don't submit it. If your 2006 was a fab year and you had more income then than 2007, it would be to your benefit to show it.

2. Letter from employer. He states you earn $x amount of money, are working 40 hrs a week and are in a permanent position. That could be great proof. Example: You were a student in 2008 and didn't work much so your tax return for 2008 shows $5000 earned the whole year. Not too great for your case. BUT you graduated and started working for Big Company now earning $4000 a month. So on your I-134 Affidavit, you state your income is $48,000 a year. Your letter from Big Company backs up that claim.

3. Pay stubs. You don't want to bother Mr. Big Company to write you a letter, but you've got months of pay stubs showing $2000 earned bi-monthly. You make copies of them to show you've got regular money coming in twice a month. How many? Whatever you think makes you look good.

4. Bank statements. You've got a whopping savings account and your great salary is deposited into that account. Show enough months so they believe that it's a regular thing. A letter from the bank could also be used to show you've had an account 5 years and your balance has averaged $30,000 each of those 5 years. To me that kind of letter from a bank officer would be a pain to get, so I wouldn't pick that as one of my proofs.

5. Investments. You don't work so can't provide pay stubs or letter from employer. BUT you've got $250,000 in certificates of deposit, stocks, bonds, etc. You show proof of those investments. Maybe you get a monthly statement showing a total of your investments. Maybe your stock broke could write a letter. Maybe you provide a list of of all the stock you own and the serial numbers of the share certificates.

6. Other proofs. You don't work for an employer because you free lance (self employed) as a web designer. You're not going to have W2s so you've got to figure out some way to show where your income comes from. Aha..you can show a pile of contracts from your clients showing you really get paid and how much. You don't keep good records of your business? Tsk tsk...what a shame. Now what are you going to do?

Your task is to convince the person at London that you have enough money to meet the requirements. There is no exact list of what to bring, but it is suggested that at least two proofs would be nice. It's up to you to figure out what you can show that will convince them you can support an immigrant. Each person's situation is different, so use your brain and come up with what is easiest for you to get, that best proves your case. Don't bother with things that won't help you out. Example: I fill in once in a blue moon at an office. I had a W2 for the whole year totalling $536.00. Is it part of my tax return? Yes. Did I need a letter from that employer? No. Why bother, it doesn't prove enough income, so isn't going to help my case.

Just one other important note if you have a co-sponsor. In addition to two proofs of their income, you have to show they are US citizens or LPRs. So photocopy their US born birth certificate or US passport or naturalization papers or green card. Show some piece of evidence showing their citizenship or status in the US. Your fiance already established that or you wouldn't have gotten past USCIS, so no need to show that again with the I-134 for the fiance.

Class dismissed.

Thank you so much for taking the time to write an essay on the American tax system!

No seriously, this has made it much clearer for me, Thank you for your help.

Heya you just need two forms of evidence. W-2s and Tax Returns should be fine for both sponsor and co-sponsor (please correct me if I'm wrong, VJers). Knight's a full-time student so while he had to fill out a form, he didn't have W-2s to send. W-2s are proof of employment forms (employment verification). Knight's mum did send her W-2 and tax return, the most recent ones -- but I'm not sure how recent they have to be, so the others might be able to clarify that. You don't have to have them notorized but you can do . I hope that helps!

Magpie.

Thanks Magpie! Based on what you are saying then the following pieces of evidence would be sufficient...

Sponsor's 2008 W-2 and 1040

Co Sponsor's 2008 W-2 and 1040 (Don't know if 2007 and 2006 would be needed for the sponsors)

Does that mean the Statement from the Employer would not be required since that is the point of having the W-2? Would this mean if you didn't have a W-2 you can replace this piece of evidence with the Statement from the Employer? So I'd guess the pay stubs aren't a requirement if you have the above forms to hand?

Lastly, what is a tax transcript, is it just a copy of the above forms (W-2 and 1040) if the originals were lost?

Thanks alot, god knows where i'd be without this place!

Aye this forum is a life saver, this whole process is just way too complicated.

the sheep are mysteriously quiet.

They have been since just after the election. Where did they go?

worst case of buyer's remorse i've ever seen.

Nope, that's after the idiots re-elected W.

yeah but this thread ain't about gwb

Good point They can't resist bringing him back into the conversation, no matter the topic.

8 years of bush and look what he left us with, now we got somebody in there who is trying to fix this mess and some people no matter want to see him fail, well sad to say we the american people will stand by our guy and will do our part.

Absolutely, you can't expect the current administration to wave a magic wand and fix all the problems of the last eight years. The USA I felt went "backwards" under Bush in the last eight years in terms of policy at home and abroad than in any other administration within the past 20yrs.

The economy is a mess, the health system is broke and needs replacing. Obama is going to find the first few years tough, a lot of his decisions will be questioned and scrutinised because he now represents the one shining ray of light in a lot of people lives in the USA. They were let down badly by the previous administration.

Question regarding Affidavit of Support and proof of financial income........

Just confused at the moment about what evidence I need to show that I don't become a public charge in the USA. What are the requirements as far as the US Embassy in London are concerned? I found the instructions on the Affidavit to be very vague.

My Fiancee will sponsor me and we will have a co-sponsor since she doesn't quite make enough to meet the minimum requirements. I've heard all about tax transcripts, pay stubs, W2's, 1040's etc etc but can our US/UK forumites clear this up for me? Which of these do I need and what are the purpose of each form? Do they need to be notarised? Do they have to be original copies? Over how long a period of time, for the past year, two years etc?

Basically I am asking if you had to do a checklist for the Affidavit what would be in it? Thanks!

I'll be joining you lot soon, got approved today!

Congrats

Vermont is really buzzing at the moment, that is now 217 approvals since the turn of the year, over 6 approvals per week day.

Wow, thanks everyone for the help and advice, I just like to plan ahead, so I know I've got every base covered!

Heya there =D. Got a few responses for you! Guys, please correct me if I'm wrong on any of these points, but I'm pretty sure.

1) Today I received the vaccination records from my GP, now according to the vaccination requirements I apparently need MMR and TdaP. Is that still the case with my record below....not entirely sure about the "life" of these immunisations.

1981 - Three sets of DTP and Polio

1982 - Measles

1986 - DT booster and Polio

1994 - MR (Measles/Rubella)

1995 - Tuberculosis (BCG)

1996 - DT Booster and Polio

1999 - Meningitis A & C

It's worth talking to a nurse about it...I actually showed a nurse my visa documents and she told me what I needed, and whether I needed boosters.

2) Is it worth applying for my Police Certificate now and getting it out of the way or should I wait for the NOA2?

I waited until I actually got my Packet 3 before applying. It only takes about ten working days for them to send the certificate to you. You can do it earlier, but it might be better to do it after your NOA2 just to be secure.

3) When we get the NOA2 (fingers crossed), should we wait for Packet 3 from the Embassy to arrive or should I download the forms off the website and sent it off early, before they sent out a Packet 3?

If you try to send forms to them before your approval, they'll probably send them right back at you. Only when you're approved will they be happy to take your forms because you need the IV-15 checklist that they send you. It's a good idea to keep them all printed and ready, though! =D

4) My fiancée is due to come over from the States next month for a visit would now be a good time for her to collect all the evidence for the affidavit of support and bring it across with her? Or would the letter from employer/pay stubs/tax returns etc etc be too far out of date come the interview?

Well, if they're 2009 tax returns, you should be okay...you might want to wait until closer to the interview for the employer pay documents just in case there are changes. The more recent, the better!

Hope that helps, and good luck!

Magpie.

only thing i can say different is that as soon as i knew London had received our file i sent in pkt3, i think i waited 3-4days to allow it to start filtering into their system.

I have the IV-15 checklist as a word document, PM me your email addy if you want it emailing over.

Thanks for the information, just one more query really, I live in North Wales and to be honest I don't really fancy making two trips down to London for the Medical and Interview? Can you book to have these on the same day, if so does the order matter?

Rob&Dawn - PM sent.

Hello to all fellow UK filers! December filer here, we are about 2 months into our visa journey and at the current rate of approvals coming out of Vermont we are expecting our NOA2 at the end of April/beginning of May.

However even though we are two months off that deadline, myself (Jim) is interested in pressing ahead in terms of collecting the information required for Packet 3 and the interview. There are just a few questions I need clearing up on:

1) Today I received the vaccination records from my GP, now according to the vaccination requirements I apparently need MMR and TdaP. Is that still the case with my record below....not entirely sure about the "life" of these immunisations.

1981 - Three sets of DTP and Polio

1982 - Measles

1986 - DT booster and Polio

1994 - MR (Measles/Rubella)

1995 - Tuberculosis (BCG)

1996 - DT Booster and Polio

1999 - Meningitis A & C

2) Is it worth applying for my Police Certificate now and getting it out of the way or should I wait for the NOA2?

3) When we get the NOA2 (fingers crossed), should we wait for Packet 3 from the Embassy to arrive or should I download the forms off the website and sent it off early, before they sent out a Packet 3?

4) My fiancée is due to come over from the States next month for a visit would now be a good time for her to collect all the evidence for the affidavit of support and bring it across with her? Or would the letter from employer/pay stubs/tax returns etc etc be too far out of date come the interview?

Thanks everyone! B)

Hi, everyone!

I'm excited that my estimated date for adjudication has gone down. At one point it told me July, so glad to see May - June.

Based on timeline data, your I129f may be adjudicated between May 30, 2009 and June 11, 2009*.

It's an awesome feeling to see those dates getting closer and closer. I'm working around my timeline dates (if all goes well and no RFE) and if you look at others that have had a 'smooth' journey, you can take off about another 30 days. Lets hold thumbs that we're all approved by end April.

hallo! im from the january 09 vsc filers. may i just know where can i find all the adjudication dates? ive ben searching and searching but seem to not find it. noa1 dated januay 23. thanks so much and let us all have a good waiting!

You can find this out by going into your profile and clicking on "My Timeline" or you can just click this link via the message board My Timeline

Then at the bottom of the page it gives you your estimated date for adjudication.

On February 18, 2009, we mailed you a notice that we have approved this I129F PETITION FOR FIANCE(E). Please follow any instructions on the notice. If you move before you receive the notice, call customer service.

AMEN!!!!!!!!!!

Took a few days over 6 months but for those who havnt gotten theres yet keep your head up they are on the way !!!!!!!

Congrats Please don't forget to update your time line! Nice to see Vermont back into full swing.

Looks like a new approval popped up today with an NOA1 of Oct 7.

Excellent, VSC is finally up and running for this week. I'm expecting 6 to 7 approvals a day based on VSC approval history since the beginning of the year.

Thanks to all for your input! I'm going to wait a few more weeks, see if we hear any good news from uscis... I saw a really cheap ticket and was inclinded to just go ahead and book it, but this whole process has made me nervous, I don't want anything to go wrong. But I think I should be ok, maybe I'll go over in April, it will make the whole waiting process that much easier.

I hope at least one of us in this thread will get the good news this week!!

By April, I'm hoping some of us will be having interviews (or at least have them scheduled) You might be too.

I've been watching flights for the past few weeks and there are some real bargains to/from Europe right now with just a 7+ day advance purchase. It's easily half of what it was in December so I'm taking advantage and going to the UK in early March for less than $500. I'm hoping the prices stay this way for the interview as I am planning on going back for that as well (and to help pack ).

I have a feeling we'll see a fair amount of approvals this week and next. Like others, I am SO ready for this waiting game to be over.

Less than $500? Which airline websites do you search? Thanks! B)

I wish magic 8 balls actually worked.

And I would like to see how many August fillers there actually are because if you try to look at some of the timelines you get re-directed to the forum page, and some people i have noticed have entered in the NVC dates and not the NOA2 dates, and they are still on IGORs as unapproved.

And considering there are far fewer September filers left than August filers I think a good chunk of them are people that simply haven't come back to update their timelines. And what about the people with more than one entry?? I still think its a great tool but maybe someone here (like admin) could do a little audit and email these people right back to April and ask for an update?? Just a thought.

I think that is great idea, I've noticed myself that some people have not put a NOA2 date in their time line when they have mentioned by text in their own profile that they received it. I don't know which Mod on here would be responsible for amending time lines.

According to Igor's list there are apparently 60 petitions still left to approve in August at VSC, that amount may actually be significantly lower

I am so happy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, i been reading this post multiple times every day, hopping to see more and more people from october approved, i just got an email with NOA2!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, my NOA1 was dated on OCT 1st, this is the best day for it to be approved, my fiance's birthday is today, what a gift this is, i can tell you that you guys are the first to know, i havent told anyone yet.

Thanks for your support and comments all this time, visajourney is teh best tool to be informed. good luck for everybody.

Congrats

Ensure to update your timeline.

Remember this?...

Well boys and girls, a lot of us are officially one month into the fun. That's some solid progress. If we were filing at CSC we would have been approved by now

Just kidding.

I think soon we'll start to move along much faster and CSC's employees will be so burnt out they'll all go on vacation at the same time, and NO ONE at CSC will be approved for three months, and we will dance on their petitions as they gather dust.

Oh. I said that out loud didn't I?

MUWAHWAH

Well it's official. We will be approved any minute. And look at CSC? I am dancing on their petitions Mwahahahaha.....

We're up to 352. In just a couple of weeks. I can't believe it. It's crazy! And exciting! And I REALLY need to get those papers ready! lol

We've also been keeping a very close eye of the amount of approvals coming out of Vermont recently. Since the beginning of the year Vermont has approved 157 petitions in 25 work days, so that works out to over 6 a day. If they keep up that rate, assuming all petitions are approved from August to November they will reach the December petitions in about 42 work days (8 weeks). So there is a distinct possibility some of us could be approved in April/May time.

Fingers crossed Vermont keeps up the current rate for the months ahead.

Oh my God i can't believe this. I was checking my emails like crazy all day at work and when i came home what the hell let me check it again and we got approved. I'm so happy. I just want to thank you all for the help and support. For the people that haven't got approved yet hopefully it will be soon. I have one thing to say don't even bother callin the Service Center because they are not helpful at all. They will even get you more depressed.

Congrats, please update your timeline

Thats what i'm trying to do but i don't remember how i did it the first time.

Go into your own profile, click on "My Assistant" at the top of the screen, opens up a separate window and then click on "Edit/Add my timeline". That should do it.

It is so promising to see so many Vermont approvals.

Oh my God i can't believe this. I was checking my emails like crazy all day at work and when i came home what the hell let me check it again and we got approved. I'm so happy. I just want to thank you all for the help and support. For the people that haven't got approved yet hopefully it will be soon. I have one thing to say don't even bother callin the Service Center because they are not helpful at all. They will even get you more depressed.

Congrats, please update your timeline

GUYS! WE APPROVED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OH, THANK YOU GOD! THANK YOU!

Congrats, nice to see Vermont still putting out approvals.

Please update your time line.

We'd be happy with 30 approvals a week but naturally we are hoping for more.....don't think it will reach the dizzying heights of 74 which the CSC had at the beginning of December.