Beau79

Congrats again! I am sooo happy for you!!!

You're next Early next week!

I shouldn't have created another thread..(I couldnt help it) but, I wanted to update everyone here too!

For those of you who chimed in, I just wanted to give you a quick update. My wife received her passport/visa this afternoon!!

Exactly two weeks from the interview date. The visa was approved on the 8th and we received it today. I blame the holiday weekend for the delay.

I don't know if they even utilized the co-sponsor info they "requested", at this point I don't care as long as she has her passport. She's set to be with us Sunday

You know how they say everything happens for a reason? Well it must be true for had this not have happened, I wouldn't have meet all of you fantastic people.

Thank you to everyone...may your journey be an interesting one

I'll be sure to visit the site frequently...I'm so excited!

For those of you who chimed in, I just wanted to give you a quick update. My wife received her passport/visa this afternoon!!

Exactly two weeks from the interview date. The visa was approved on the 8th and we received it today. I blame the holiday weekend for the delay.

I don't know if they even utilized the co-sponsor info they "requested", at this point I don't care as long as she has her passport. She's set to be with us Sunday :dance:

You know how they say everything happens for a reason? Well it must be true for had this not have happened, I wouldn't have meet all of you fantastic people.

Thank you to everyone...may your journey be an interesting one

I'll be sure to visit the site frequently...I'm so excited!

Shiri do they have the passport? are you just waiting for them to review the documents and send all your stuff back including the passport??

Good luck I hope you get it all soon.

Did you know you can go on the Canada Post website and enter the tracking number with your email address and it will email you when it gets mailed with updates...

I did that when I sent my I-130 to Toronto...

Yes, they have the passport and I have tried typing in the return tracking number and haven't heard anything yet. I did sign up for the email thing... I just... I am really wanting my husband here by my side.

I know the feeling all to well I too check the stupid Canada Post website even though I've set up the email notifications. I go on hoping to see it in the system but no luck as of yet. I hope they don't come back with any more requests...If they want to teach someone the "patience is a virtue" lesson, the immigration process def is top 3.

Any word back from the embassy?

Negative. Didn't hear anything all week, Friday they were closed, and I think they're closed tomorrow (Monday) too

Getting impatient though....thats for sure.

Keeping an eye on your thread Beau, I hope you get an update soon

What if your 2006 and 2007 tax years were insufficient income level, and your 2008 was sufficient income, will they require a co-sponser or issue a denial?

and what if your self employed and dont have pay stubs?

Well, you really need to send in the most recent year. So if they have your 2008 return, and its sufficient, it should be fine. I'm sure trailmix can shed some light on the previous years. If I had to guess, the past years may not be held against you since the most recent return is above the minimum. Is your interview for montreal?

Beau79 Just wondering how things were coming along...

Reena:

My wife had her interview last Monday. The Consulate had the requested paperwork delivered at 10AM Thursday morning.

I sent them my 2008 Tax Return including all slips.

I also sent them required information for a co-sponsor (if needed). Included are 2005-2007 return copies, and W-2's for 2008 since his returns are not completed for 2008.

After reading the post above, I should have probably included pay stubs for the last few months of 2009 to show them that I still have my job. All they asked for as 2008 info, I'll be really irritated if they ask for 2009 info as my 2008 info demonstrates my earnings are satisfactory.

So now, we check the tracking number for the Canada Post mailer daily hoping that they process and send something out soon

That is all so far. Thanks so much for asking.

Would it be reasonable to assume that your past income just barely meets the requirements?

Sorry you didn't find this place a lot sooner. It would have saved you a lot of $$. Many of us did it all ourselves because of this place. And of course most of us are first-timers, too. So you're not alone there!!

It'll work out. You just have a few documents to send them.

But seriously, Montreal is normally very cool -- my husband was given his visa the day of his interview in fact. And he isn't alone in this experience. The whole process is generally painless so it is a shock to see them slow you down like this.

No, my 2005,2006, and 2007 were all WELL above the limit, and increased year over year. So, I don't know what it was, but they want 2008 tax info, which I will get them. I can tell you that the CO didn't ask very many questions, instead she discussed how, like my wife, she was a teacher and was working at the consulate in the mean time. So, yes, I guess they were cool. Had I known they needed my tax info, we wouldn't be in this position. The reason WHY they asked for it, is because they know I am currently in school, so current/future income is of their interest.

B

Since Montreal is so cool about things, I have to wonder if something didn't go as well in the interview as you think. I'm not trying to make you paranoid but they don't usually throw up roadblocks for no reason there.

I don't agree with Montreal being so cool with things (they've been no help via email), the person at the Window asked my wife for 2008 tax info for me, so the issue began from the window person, not the CO. It was NOT that I was unprepared, actually, I covered just about every base for this interview, but A. this is my first time doing this sort of thing, B. My lawyer is an idiot and extremely unhelpful besides doing the paperwork. C.I didn't find this website until it was too late.

It's never to late! You found us now...

Just take your time, double check everything, and go with the flow.

Hang in there, the payoff is worth it, don't you think?

I'm trying to stay cool, everything was approved, they just want to see my 2008 tax 'info'. So once thats sent in, it SHOULD be approved. They advised my wife to send in my info with her passport. So thats a good sign. The whole issue came up with the possibility of them requiring a co-sponsor even though my income is well above the poverty guidelines.

Since Montreal is so cool about things, I have to wonder if something didn't go as well in the interview as you think. I'm not trying to make you paranoid but they don't usually throw up roadblocks for no reason there.

I don't agree with Montreal being so cool with things (they've been no help via email), the person at the Window asked my wife for 2008 tax info for me, so the issue began from the window person, not the CO. It was NOT that I was unprepared, actually, I covered just about every base for this interview, but A. this is my first time doing this sort of thing, B. My lawyer is an idiot and extremely unhelpful besides doing the paperwork. C.I didn't find this website until it was too late.

Just a suggestion - but you are getting inundated with information here - take a deep breath and go back and read through the thread again

I've read through all of the info. Now I need everyone's help on something. I've attached a picture. Please view it. WHAT do they mean by "joint sponsor" and WHAT form would they fill out?? I-134 or I-864? I know for a fact that my co-sponsor does NOT have transcripts for his tax returns, and the form requires the last 3 years. So then what? Just turn in full tax returns?

Ugh, this has been such a long, hectic day.

I swear this is the family I was missing. You all have been VERY helpful.

Here is my game plan.

1. I am sending them my 2008 Returns - I just confirmed, they are more than three times the required minimum.

2. I am getting my co-sponsor to submit an I-864 (to avoid delays) and provide income tax returns for 2004-2007. He filed for an extension, so I will have to figure out HOW to prove that his 2008 returns won't be ready until October of this year.

My accountant is preparing my tax return TONIGHT, he will then overnight first thing tomorrow. I will take the return and go to the local IRS office and submit them(I am currently in NYC for school) so once I have the returns stamped, I will overnight them to my wife ALONG with my I-864 from my co-sponsor to my wife in Toronto, who will THEN overnight along with her passport along with some paperwork they gave her today to Montreal.

How can I prove to them that my co-sponsor will not have his 2008 returns until October. It is totally legal. His income is more than 25 times the required limit on average the past 4 years.

Please folks, if you notice an issue with my logical, please feel free to PM me.

Again I appreciate all of your help!!

You mention nothing about sending in your corresponding W-2's - make sure you and your co-sponsor send them!

I need to send 2008 W's if I send them my 2008 Tax Return? Really? Isn't this reflected in my tax return already?

I swear this is the family I was missing. You all have been VERY helpful.

Here is my game plan.

1. I am sending them my 2008 Returns - I just confirmed, they are more than three times the required minimum.

2. I am getting my co-sponsor to submit an I-864 (to avoid delays) and provide income tax returns for 2004-2007. He filed for an extension, so I will have to figure out HOW to prove that his 2008 returns won't be ready until October of this year.

My accountant is preparing my tax return TONIGHT, he will then overnight first thing tomorrow. I will take the return and go to the local IRS office and submit them(I am currently in NYC for school) so once I have the returns stamped, I will overnight them to my wife ALONG with my I-864 from my co-sponsor to my wife in Toronto, who will THEN overnight along with her passport along with some paperwork they gave her today to Montreal.

How can I prove to them that my co-sponsor will not have his 2008 returns until October. It is totally legal. His income is more than 25 times the required limit on average the past 4 years.

Please folks, if you notice an issue with my logical, please feel free to PM me.

Again I appreciate all of your help!!

Below is my conversation with the Montreal Consulate. Not much progress.

-----Original Message-----

Sent: Monday, March 30, 2009 1:54 PM

To: Montreal, IV

Subject: Case # -

Dear Sir or Madam:

My wife had her interview at the Consulate in Montreal

this morning. The consulate/officer has requested my financial

documents for the 2008 calendar year.

I was unaware that she would need to present these documents at the

time of the interview, as my 2008 tax returns have not been prepared.

Would you accept or consider my W-2's and paycheck stubs as evidence

that I earned above the poverty guidelines for 2008? I have these

documents readily available.

I hope to hear from you soon!

On Mon, Mar 30, 2009 at 2:12 PM, Montreal, IV <Montreal-IV-DV@state.gov> wrote:

You also need a joint sponsor.

Please follow instructions on the refusal sheet & mail

Op3

Dear Sir or Madam:

I am a bit confused about why I would require a joint sponsor. My income for 2008 (and 2009) will demonstrate that I earned above the poverty guidelines at 125%. I have no children or any other dependents. I would appreciate it if you could review my file again.

Thank you!

-------------------------

On Mon, Mar 30, 2009 at 3:22 PM, Montreal, IV <Montreal-IV-DV@state.gov> wrote

Please mail & the consul will check your file

Op3

No need to mail it in. Do it online for free at www.turbotaxonline.com. It is very easy to use. Just print out a copy of your returns and send in your w-2's with it. That's all. Takes just a couple of hours and you are done. Good luck.

But what would you suggest in my case? I didn't make over the amount for the 2008 year as I was out of the country for the majority of the year. What's the most important thing that they look at? Last year's return, or the fact that I'm currently employeed and in good standing? If this all boils down just last year's returns, I think that's so crappy because that would require me to add sponsors.

Thanks for any help guys!

I'm not very familiar with what they'd accept. Possibly a letter from your employer stating that you were on leave last year, verifying the drop in 2008 overall income. WIth that I'd include current or most recent stubs, showing that your pay is now back to normal and will continue there. I'm back in school full-time, so my 2008 income has also dropped, which as me worried. It's above the minimum, but its dropped vs. 2007. Good luck. Email the consulate? See what they have to say.

So my wife had her interview today at the Montreal Consulate, and everything went well until they reviewed tax returns. They said that since its tax season now, they want my 2008 tax returns. This is unfair as my tax returns are not DUE for another 2 weeks! My income was more than sufficient from 2005-2007. I'm so down. This process has taken SO long. Now have to rush my tax returns, mail them, and then sit and wait. Does anyone know what the required minimum is for a 2 person household in the U.S.? If I'm not above it, I'll need a 2nd affidavit of support. Please help...

Why would it be unfair? Providing the sponsor's current income information is part of the visa qualification process. Requesting this current information from the sponsor two weeks before the national due date to file taxes is not unreasonable. This tax filing is for income from 2008....what they have of yours is for 2007....more than a year old.

What visa has your wife applied for? Did you fill out a I-134 or I-864? The 2008 poverty guidelines state that for a household of 2, your annual income must be $14,000 (@100%) and $17,500 (@125%).

It's unfair that just 4 weeks ago she received information about her interview, where it was, and what to bring. If the tax returns are something they want to see, as in most up to date, one would imagine that they could have requested "bring most recent tax return documents" and this would NOT have happened. There is a due date for that reason, not everyone can have their taxes done well before the due date, especially if you own multiple businesses or have shares in corporations. Either way I've made well above the poverty guidelines and I thank you for your advice. I will keep everyone posted.

From the I-964 instructions:

You must provide either an IRS transcript or a photocopy from your own records of your Federal individual income tax return for the most recent tax year. If you believe additional returns may help you to establish your ability to maintain sufficient income, you may submit transcripts or photo copies of your Federal individual income tax returns for the three most recent years.

The "most recent tax year" for the US is 2008. The filing due date for 2008 is April 15th, but the tax year has been over since December. I understand that some may not be able to complete their filings until the due date, or close to, but given given that the information they have for you is more than a year out-dated, and you can come up with updated information in a short period of time (you have to file in two weeks anyways) I don't think its unreasonable to request this year's tax returns.

good luck and a speedy reunion to you and your wife.

-p

On the other hand, from the Adjudicator's field manual:

The sponsor must submit with the Form I-864 the sponsor’s U.S. Federal income tax return for the most recent tax year (that is, the completed tax year immediately preceding the date the sponsor signs the Form I-864). USCIS may generally expect a sponsor, after April 15 of any given year (or April 16 or 17, in a year in which April 15 is on a Saturday or Sunday), to have completed his or her tax return for the previous year. If the sponsor requested an extension, the sponsor should provide proof of filing fo r the extension. If the sponsor did not file a tax return, the sponsor must prove that he or she was not required to file. If a sponsor should have filed, the sponsor must file retroactively and provide proof of filing. Note that U.S. citizens generally have an obligation to file a tax return on non-U.S. earnings even if there was no tax liability.

Example 1 : Sponsor signs the Form I-864 on March 1, 2006. The US Federal income tax return for 2005 is not due until April 17, 2006. Therefore, the sponsor must submit his or her 2004 U.S. Federal income tax return.

Example 2 : Sponsor signs the Form I-864 on May 5, 2006. The sponsor must submit his or her 2005 U.S. Federal income tax return.

Example 3 : Sponsor signs the Form I-864 on May 5, 2006. However, the sponsor also filed with IRS a Form 4868, obtaining an extension of the 2005 income tax filing deadline. The sponsor must submit his or her 2004 U.S. Federal income tax return.

Good luck to you OP, I hope you don't mind i'm going to post your post in the Canada forum.

Feel free. Thanks for your help

No need to mail it in. Do it online for free at www.turbotaxonline.com. It is very easy to use. Just print out a copy of your returns and send in your w-2's with it. That's all. Takes just a couple of hours and you are done. Good luck.

I'm have the accountant work on this asap. I mean the good thing is that she was pretty much approved. Its just a matter of getting the paperwork done, and mailing it out and then waiting.

Thank you all for your quick help. Its much appreciated. Just about the best that can be done during times such as these.

That really sucks. I've also only sent the tax returns for 2005, 2006, and 2007. I applied for a CR1 for my wife, and if they now require me to add the 2008 papers, that will really mess things up. I currently make well over the poverty guidelines, and I also made over those numbers in 2007. But in 2008 I was out of the country most of the year. Will this ruin things and make me have to get a co-sponsor even though I currently make over the required amount? If I have to get a co-sponsor will I now have to redo all my I-864 papers so that those numbers match too? This sucks!

I mean, had I known that they would pull this, I would have turned my world upside to get my returns done for the interview. I would suggest you do the same, why give them the opportunity to delay things if you can avoid it. She doesn't know what I earned for 2008, so she told my wife that if I didn't make the limit, I would need a co-sponsor. I would seek professional advice or advice from members more familiar here.

So my wife had her interview today at the Montreal Consulate, and everything went well until they reviewed tax returns. They said that since its tax season now, they want my 2008 tax returns. This is unfair as my tax returns are not DUE for another 2 weeks! My income was more than sufficient from 2005-2007. I'm so down. This process has taken SO long. Now have to rush my tax returns, mail them, and then sit and wait. Does anyone know what the required minimum is for a 2 person household in the U.S.? If I'm not above it, I'll need a 2nd affidavit of support. Please help...

Why would it be unfair? Providing the sponsor's current income information is part of the visa qualification process. Requesting this current information from the sponsor two weeks before the national due date to file taxes is not unreasonable. This tax filing is for income from 2008....what they have of yours is for 2007....more than a year old.

What visa has your wife applied for? Did you fill out a I-134 or I-864? The 2008 poverty guidelines state that for a household of 2, your annual income must be $14,000 (@100%) and $17,500 (@125%).

It's unfair that just 4 weeks ago she received information about her interview, where it was, and what to bring. If the tax returns are something they want to see, as in most up to date, one would imagine that they could have requested "bring most recent tax return documents" and this would NOT have happened. There is a due date for that reason, not everyone can have their taxes done well before the due date, especially if you own multiple businesses or have shares in corporations. Either way I've made well above the poverty guidelines and I thank you for your advice. I will keep everyone posted.

So my wife had her interview today at the Montreal Consulate, and everything went well until they reviewed tax returns. They said that since its tax season now, they want my 2008 tax returns. This is unfair as my tax returns are not DUE for another 2 weeks! My income was more than sufficient from 2005-2007. I'm so down. This process has taken SO long. Now have to rush my tax returns, mail them, and then sit and wait. Does anyone know what the required minimum is for a 2 person household in the U.S.? If I'm not above it, I'll need a 2nd affidavit of support. Please help...