james1970

Hi,

My fiancee is planning to go to St. Lukes for the medical next Monday, Nov. 30th. She just realized that it may be a holiday, bonifacio day. Will St. lukes be open next Monday the 30th? How can we find out? She already has the plane tickets and we need to make sure before she goes there.

Thanks for any help,

James

Hi everyone, I wanted to list what my fiancee has for her interview and make sure we aren't leaving anything out. Her interview is December 8th.

Payment for the Visa ( will pay this week)

Medical (will go nov. 30th and dec. 1st)

Passport

DS-156 2 copies

DS-157 2 copies

DS-156K 1 copy

Mine and her Birth certificates

NBI Clearance

Evidence of meeting

Evidence of ongoing relationship

Cenomar

I-134 and supporting documents ie, Bank letter, work pay stubs, disability income info, letter from employer

She has visa Photos, many

She has appointment confirmation sent to her email she printed it..I guess that is the appointment letter?

Copy of I-129F

I just noticed today about document verification and my fiancee went to the local metrobank in her city to ask about this, and the person there didn't know anything about it. Is this required? What do we need to do if so?

Are we missing anything? Thanks for any information.

James

My fiancee's interview is December 8th, and we know she can't take a cell phone or electronic device in. Our question is, can you take a handbag/pocketbook into the embassy for the interview?

Thanks for any help,

James

yes, she can bring her handbag/pocketbook/purse with her except any electronic gadgets (camera, handphone, etc.). good luck to your fiancee.

Thanks for both replies. I just asked because I noticed somewhere else that they maybe didn't allow pocketbooks in the London embassy. Thanks again.

James

Hi everyone, I wanted to list what my fiancee has for her interview and make sure we aren't leaving anything out. Her interview is December 8th.

Payment for the Visa ( will pay this week)

Medical (will go nov. 30th and dec. 1st)

Passport

DS 156 2 copies

DS 157 2 copies

DS 156K 1 copy

Mine and her Birth certificates

NBI Clearance

Evidence of meeting

Evidence of ongoing relationship

Cenomar

I-134 and supporting documents ie, Bank letter, work pay stubs, disability income info, letter from employer

She has visa Photos, many

She has appointment confirmation sent to her email she printed it..I guess that is the appointment letter?

I just noticed today about document verification....we will do that this week...is this always needed?

Are we missing anything? Thanks for any information.

James

My fiancee's interview is December 8th, and we know she can't take a cell phone or electronic device in. Our question is, can you take a handbag/pocketbook into the embassy for the interview?

Thanks for any help,

James

Hi everyone,

I have seen many discussions about question number 11 on the I-134 form in the embassy and consulate forum. I am still debating to use the example listed here on visa journey (N/A K1 visa process for permanent residence) or if I should just check I intend. So I wanted to see what others who have already been through the process in Manila, how did you answer that question and did you have any problems?

Thanks for any replies, I just want to make sure my fiancee won't have any problems once at the interview.

Thanks again,

James

Hi,

Has anyone here experienced their fiancee having TB, and finishing the treatment just before the medical exam. If the fiancee gets a clear xray at the medical exam, will everything be ok with no delays?

Thanks for any information,

James

If her x-ray is clear, nothing to worried.. she will be fine :-)

But if the x-ray show that she had a scar or what - she need to go for SPUTUM exams.

Good luck

Shiela

Thanks!! I will pray for a clear x-ray.

God bless you.

James

Hi,

Has anyone here experienced their fiancee having TB, and finishing the treatment just before the medical exam. If the fiancee gets a clear xray at the medical exam, will everything be ok with no delays?

Thanks for any information,

James

No cover letter is required.

No, but thanks. I have the letter of intent to marry and plan to write a new one with a more current date. I just thought I had read somewhere, that it is good to write a letter explaining your finances and if you are a citizen. Here is a copy and paste of the info I am reading.

Persons in the United States who desire to furnish sponsorship for an applicant in the form of an affidavit of support should use Form I-134, Affadavit of Support, available from the USCIS.

Sponsors may also elect to furnish a statement in the form of an affidavit sworn to before a notary public or other official competent to administer an oath, setting forth his or her willingness and financial ability to contribute to the applicant's support and reasons, in detail, for sponsoring the applicant.

The sponsor's affidavit should include:

Information regarding his or her annual income;

Where material, information regarding his or her other resources;

Obligations for the support of members of his or her own family and other persons, if any;

Other obligations and expenses;

Plans and arrangements made for the applicant's reception and support;

An expression of willingness to deposit a bond, if necessary, with the Immigration and Naturalization Service to guarantee that the applicant will not become a public charge in the United States; and

An acknowledgement that the sponsor is aware of his or her responsibilities under the Social Security Act, as amended, and the Food Stamp Act, as amended; that the affidavit will be binding upon to sponsor for three (3) years after entry of the named persons; and that the affidavit and supporting documentation may be made available to a public assistance agency. (The provisions of the above laws are contained in form DS-1858, Sponsor's Financial Responsibility Under the Social Security Act, and printed in Part III of the instructions for Form I-134).

The sponsor should include in the affidavit a statement concerning his or her status in the United States. If the sponsor is an American citizen the affidavit should include a statement about how United States citizenship was acquired. If naturalized, the affidavit should indicate the date of naturalization, the name and location of the court, and the number of the sponsor's certificate of naturalization. If the sponsor is an alien who has been lawfully admitted into the United States for permanent residence, he or she should state in the affidavit the date and place of admission for permanent residence and the alien registration number which appears on his or her Alien Registration Receipt Card.

To substantiate the information regarding income and resources the sponsor should attach two or more of the following items to the affidavit:

Notarized copies of his or her latest federal income tax return;

A statement from his or her employer showing salary and the length and permanency of employment;

A statement from an officer of a bank regarding his or her account, the date the account was opened, and the present balance;

Any other evidence adequate to establish financial ability to carry out his or her undertaking toward the applicant for what might be an indefinite period of time.

If the sponsor is well established in business, he or she may submit a rating from a recognized business rating organization in lieu of the foregoing. If the sponsor is married, the affidavit should be signed jointly by both husband and wife. Affidavits of support should be of recent date when presented to the consular officer. They are unacceptable if more than one year has elapsed from the date of execution. A sponsor may prefer to forward his or her affidavit of support directly to the consular office where the visa application will be made, in which event the contents will not be divulged to the applicant.

Am I misunderstanding this? I just thought i needed to write a letter explaining my income, citizenship and willingness to support my fiancee. Thanks again for all the replies.

James

the I-134 is not mandatory, it is a convenience form and can be substituted with the letter you suggest, but WHY would you do that when you have a handy form prepared for you, universally accepted? The consulates do not have to accept your letter of support, but they WILL accept the I-134. Unless you just enjoy making things much more difficult than needed, why not use the form provided?

No, I don't enjoy making things harder, lol. I just thought it was helpful, I didn't realize it was an either or situation. I will just submit the I-134. I thought the letter was helpful as well, I'm glad to know its not needed. Thanks again.

James

No cover letter is required.

No, but thanks. I have the letter of intent to marry and plan to write a new one with a more current date. I just thought I had read somewhere, that it is good to write a letter explaining your finances and if you are a citizen. Here is a copy and paste of the info I am reading.

Persons in the United States who desire to furnish sponsorship for an applicant in the form of an affidavit of support should use Form I-134, Affadavit of Support, available from the USCIS.

Sponsors may also elect to furnish a statement in the form of an affidavit sworn to before a notary public or other official competent to administer an oath, setting forth his or her willingness and financial ability to contribute to the applicant's support and reasons, in detail, for sponsoring the applicant.

The sponsor's affidavit should include:

Information regarding his or her annual income;

Where material, information regarding his or her other resources;

Obligations for the support of members of his or her own family and other persons, if any;

Other obligations and expenses;

Plans and arrangements made for the applicant's reception and support;

An expression of willingness to deposit a bond, if necessary, with the Immigration and Naturalization Service to guarantee that the applicant will not become a public charge in the United States; and

An acknowledgement that the sponsor is aware of his or her responsibilities under the Social Security Act, as amended, and the Food Stamp Act, as amended; that the affidavit will be binding upon to sponsor for three (3) years after entry of the named persons; and that the affidavit and supporting documentation may be made available to a public assistance agency. (The provisions of the above laws are contained in form DS-1858, Sponsor's Financial Responsibility Under the Social Security Act, and printed in Part III of the instructions for Form I-134).

The sponsor should include in the affidavit a statement concerning his or her status in the United States. If the sponsor is an American citizen the affidavit should include a statement about how United States citizenship was acquired. If naturalized, the affidavit should indicate the date of naturalization, the name and location of the court, and the number of the sponsor's certificate of naturalization. If the sponsor is an alien who has been lawfully admitted into the United States for permanent residence, he or she should state in the affidavit the date and place of admission for permanent residence and the alien registration number which appears on his or her Alien Registration Receipt Card.

To substantiate the information regarding income and resources the sponsor should attach two or more of the following items to the affidavit:

Notarized copies of his or her latest federal income tax return;

A statement from his or her employer showing salary and the length and permanency of employment;

A statement from an officer of a bank regarding his or her account, the date the account was opened, and the present balance;

Any other evidence adequate to establish financial ability to carry out his or her undertaking toward the applicant for what might be an indefinite period of time.

If the sponsor is well established in business, he or she may submit a rating from a recognized business rating organization in lieu of the foregoing. If the sponsor is married, the affidavit should be signed jointly by both husband and wife. Affidavits of support should be of recent date when presented to the consular officer. They are unacceptable if more than one year has elapsed from the date of execution. A sponsor may prefer to forward his or her affidavit of support directly to the consular office where the visa application will be made, in which event the contents will not be divulged to the applicant.

Am I misunderstanding this? I just thought i needed to write a letter explaining my income, citizenship and willingness to support my fiancee. Thanks again for all the replies.

James

Hi,

I am trying to write my affidavit of support letter, basically the cover letter to go with my I-134. Does anyone have a link to an example letter? I know most of what to put in the letter, but it would really help to see a sample or someone elses that has been approved, I would feel much better about writing mine.

Thanks for any help,

James

Thanks everyone!

Hi,

We determined that my income is suffient with my disability and H&R Block work I did part time, but I went ahead and filled out the stocks info, mortgage info and real estate info and insurance info. Is this ok or can it cause more problems then help?

Thanks,

James

Hi,

I'm using the Manila embassy website to try and send a correspondence, and it asks for a priority date? My fiancees letter has the case number and all that info I needed, but no priority date? Could the priority date be the date our I-129F is approved through, which is January 21, 2010?

Thanks for any help,

James

Thank you so much for your reply. It really helps to hear from others who have already been through these steps.

Thanks again and GOD bless you.

James

wow congrats...!!!1st u need to collect those documents (like the one u send when you file for the K1) then send it to her. The affidavit of support would be the I-134 the I-864

will be the one to use if she's applying for AOS already. If everything were already complete then tell her to call for her interview date. Sometimes they ask you when u want

to have it and let you know if that date would be available if not they will give you the available date to choose from. In my case I did the medical exam 1st to be sure then

when they (St. Lukes) told me that everything were fine right ahead i call to sched my interview. it's still up to you guys if you do the scheduling 1st.

one more thing her cenomar and birth certificate does she have it in hand? if she's planning to get one in NSO, Quezon City it took couple of days before they release esp. the

CENOMAR . So I hope she have it before her interview. Hope I was able to help

Hi,

My fiancee just received the letter from the embassy letting her know they have received our case. It gives information that our case is eligible to schedule a visa interview. Should my fiancee call the number now and set up an interview date? Will she get to choose the date or will the embassy just tell her when to come?

When should my fiancee go for the medical exam? I know before the interview, but can she do that anytime before the interview..no matter if its a month or more before the interview?

My fiancee has only lived in the philippines, but...she has lived in 3 or 4 different cities working for a certain period of time. Will she need a police certificate for each city she has lived in? I have noticed conflicting reports about this, I have seen where she will need the police certificate for any city in her own country that she has lived in since age 16, if she lived there for more than 6 months. But I have also noticed on the manila embassy website that it just stated needing a police certificate for foreign countries lived in? I know she will need the NBI one as well.

http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/info/info_3741.html

Do I just need to fill out the I-134, there is one site at the state dept that shows you will need the I-864 instead of the I-134. I am planning on just filling out the I-134 for now, unless someone tells me different. http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/info/info_3742.html

Thanks for taking the time to respond. God bless everyone.

James

Hi

I have a couple more follow up questions. Ok, now that I am getting everything together, I looked at my 1099G from last years tax return and it shows $18,706.80 as my net benefits for 2008 in box 5. Box 3 shows $18,706.80 as net benefits as well, but it has an asterisk there. Down below, it shows that I was paid by direct deposit or check, $17,550.00. right below that it shows medicare premiums deducted from your benefits as being $1156.80. Then it shows total benefits for 2008 as $18,706.80.

One other thing, for the asterisk, it shows at the bottom of the page that $2010.00 paid in 2008 for other tax years.

Now, on to my current situation. The letter I received from social security at the begining of the year shos that my new monthy amount will be $1472.40. Then on the nex line it shows that they will deduct $96.40 each month for medicare insurance. So they will deposit $1376.00 into my account each month.

Do I use the $1472.40 figure as my total disability income or the $1376.00 figure? If I use the $1472.40 then my yearly benefits will be $17668.80 for this year. If I use the $1376.00 figure my total benefits will be $16,512.00 for this year.

Now, I am showing that H&R Block paid me $1959.10 for this year (2009). So if I add that to even the lowest total from above, the $16,512.00 that gives me $18,471.10 for this years income.

On top of this, I do have the land as an assest with a net value over my mortgage of $62,000 and a $50,000 life insurance policy.

Am I still ok? I think so, but I want to be sure and I would like to know which figures to put as my total income.

Also, for question number 7, what should I list as employment? Disability? I only worked for H&R block for those few months and I may work there again next year, I'm not sure yet.

For stocks and bonds, I do have about $8000.00 in investments in stocks, is my monthly broker statement enough as proof?

Thanks again for any help, I think I am about ready to finish this up, I just want to make sure I am doing everything right. I don't want to leave any stone unturned.

James

Thank you Gary and Thank you Pushbrk! I feel better, now all I have to do is put it all together. Both of you have helped me so much and I really do appreciate it.

James

Yes James, you need to give them last year's tax return, but do not worry about the negative.

It's an I-134 and he's not self-employed so no tax return is required. I would skip the tax return, since it won't help. State the income and assets and show evidence of both.

You are correct Pushbrk, if the consulate allows for that. Do you know if Manilla will allow him not to present last year's tax return?

Sure. They want proof of income. He'll have that with proof of income that doesn't go on a tax return to begin with.

Thank you Gary and Thank you Pushbrk! I feel better, now all I have to do is put it all together. Both of you have helped me so much and I really do appreciate it.

James

Yes James, you need to give them last year's tax return, but do not worry about the negative.

It's an I-134 and he's not self-employed so no tax return is required. I would skip the tax return, since it won't help. State the income and assets and show evidence of both.

You are correct Pushbrk, if the consulate allows for that. Do you know if Manilla will allow him not to present last year's tax return?

Sure. They want proof of income. He'll have that with proof of income that doesn't go on a tax return to begin with.

Thank you for the replies and help. Just a follow up question to make sure I am on the right track.

Should I use last years tax return that shows negative income in the gross income line? Or should I just make copies of my bank statements showing my disability income being direct deposited in there, and show the H&R Block income from earlier this year. So basically, just show this years income. Of course I have the 1099G showing all of last years SSA as well.

Then, to be safe, I will make a copy of my mortgage statement and a copy of the appraisel for the land. I also have life insurance in the amount of $50,000, but took out a loan of $8000 on it, so it has a net value of $42,000. Should I just list the net value of my insurance?

Lastly, should I request the bank make a printout of all my deposits for this year? Should I have H&R Block write a letter about working for them earlier this year, even though I'm not sure I will be able to work there next year for various reasons. Do I need to have any information notorized, or have then bank verify it somehow?

Thanks again and sorry if I ask too much, I just want to make sure I do everything right. I want to get that approval and start a new chapter in my life. I'm starting to feel better, now I just have to get this all togther.

Thank you!

James

Hi, I just received NOA 2 last week, now I am stressing over the I-134. I thought I would have more time to prepare all this..lol, we received our approval in 70 days, I was surprised to see it in the mail and see approved. I thought maybe the letter was requesting more information. Anyway, I'm so happy to have step one behind us, now I have several questions since my situation isn't simple.

I am in a wheelchair and have been disabeled for 20 years. I still live with my parents for now. I was thinking I will need my parents as co-sponsors, but I'm not sure now.

Last year, on my tax return, I earned $18,707 from social security, for disability. But that doesnt show up as total income on the tax return on line 22 and 37. I show negative income because of a $3000.00 loss being carried over from previous years. (loss is from the sale of stock many years ago, you can only claim $3000 a year). So, my tax return shows a loss of $2855 for my adjusted gross income because the Social security isn't added in to my total income. I also have some land, that I need to get appriased, many years ago it was appriased at $150,000 and then in December of 2008 it was appraised at $175,000. Do I need it appraised again? I have a mortgage on the land of $113,000.

What are my best options?

About my parents, both are retired and collecting social security retirement. I guess both of them would need to co sponsor me if I use their income. If we did that, how do they fill out their I-134...do they put Mr. & Mrs. McCarter on the name and use both of their income? Or should each parent fill out an I-134.

Thanks for any help, I'm so excited to be so close, but will be glad to get this I-134 part over with. What are my best options, can I sponsor my finacee by myself, or should I get a co-sponsor? BTW, I am in the process of trying to get a job now doing some type of office work so I can show income and stability. I worked for H&R Block doing taxes this past winter, but thats no on last years tax return.

Thanks again.

James McCarter

James

OK, do not worry. First, disabilty income IS income and is counted for the purposes of the I-134. It is common for people to say (me included) "line 22 of the tax return", but this is not correct in all cases.

Non-taxable income which does not appear on a tax return also counts. This income you have, child support, military combat pay, workman's comp, and tax free income from government bonds are examples.

For the I-134 you should state you income INCLUDING the disability income. State the source(s) of income, including disability AND the H&R Block job in your current (this year) income. Attach your award letter from the SSA and check stubs from SSA and H&R Block to verify this. Attach a letter explaining your "loss" for 2008 and that it was a carryover and not a real loss, AND atatch documentation of unclaimed income from last year, a SS statemnt or check stubs. Your current income is $18,700 PLUS your H&R Block income, PLUS anything else you may have. As long as it is all verifiable you are above the guidelines for two people already.Your only problem is that your verification is a little more complicated than most people with a single, regular job, but it is not a problem, per se. A little more copying for you, that's all.

If you want to include assets, you would attach a recent mortgage statement to show balance due, and an appraisal of the property to establish net value. You can get a free appraisal from your county tax assesor's office but these are not always up to date, but it is free, so check it. If you feel it does not do you justice, then you need a professional appraisal, which is going to cost you, unless you know an appraiser that will do a freebie for you. The NET value of your property will be considered at 1/3 for "income purposes" $30,000 in net assets = $10,000 in income calculation. If you are borderline then I woul dsuggest using the assets OR having a co-sponsor, but the co-sponsor will have to exceed the guidelines also.

Hi, I just received NOA 2 last week, now I am stressing over the I-134. I thought I would have more time to prepare all this..lol, we received our approval in 70 days, I was surprised to see it in the mail and see approved. I thought maybe the letter was requesting more information. Anyway, I'm so happy to have step one behind us, now I have several questions since my situation isn't simple.

I am in a wheelchair and have been disabeled for 20 years. I still live with my parents for now. I was thinking I will need my parents as co-sponsors, but I'm not sure now.

Last year, on my tax return, I earned $18,707 from social security, for disability. But that doesnt show up as total income on the tax return on line 22 and 37. I show negative income because of a $3000.00 loss being carried over from previous years. (loss is from the sale of stock many years ago, you can only claim $3000 a year). So, my tax return shows a loss of $2855 for my adjusted gross income because the Social security isn't added in to my total income. I also have some land, that I need to get appriased, many years ago it was appriased at $150,000 and then in December of 2008 it was appraised at $175,000. Do I need it appraised again? I have a mortgage on the land of $113,000.

What are my best options?

About my parents, both are retired and collecting social security retirement. I guess both of them would need to co sponsor me if I use their income. If we did that, how do they fill out their I-134...do they put Mr. & Mrs. McCarter on the name and use both of their income? Or should each parent fill out an I-134.

Thanks for any help, I'm so excited to be so close, but will be glad to get this I-134 part over with. What are my best options, can I sponsor my finacee by myself, or should I get a co-sponsor? BTW, I am in the process of trying to get a job now doing some type of office work so I can show income and stability. I worked for H&R Block doing taxes this past winter, but thats no on last years tax return.

Thanks again.

James McCarter

Hi,

I will need a co-sponsor for my application and I need to know what I can and can't use. My parents are willing to help, but I am unsure of one thing with them, they have some income, but I feel like the majority of their income is social security as they are retired. Would I be able to use my parents as co-sponsors?

Thanks for any help.

James

Hi,

I am asking my brother to co-sponsor my fiancee, I have a question I need answered so I can better explain to him and my sister in law. IF my brother and sister in law co-sponsor my fiancee on the I-134, how long will they be held liable? Will they be off the hook when we file for the AOS, because I plan to have more earnings at that time and sponsor her myself.

Basically, I want to give my brother a time frame. I told him at first he would be responsible for up to 5 years, but I got to thinking about the AOS, so I'm hoping once we file the AOS I will be the only one to sponsor my fiancee. What should I tell my brother, he will be respobsible for about 3 months?

Thanks for any help in understanding this process. I can't wait to get my fiancee here, I am just fretting over the I-134 right now!

James

Hi, I mailed the I-129F paperwork in today, so now begins the waiting game. I wanted to go ahead and start work on the I-134 since I am sure I will need a co-sponsor, I just didn't have enough income last year and I don't have a stable job right now.

I am asking my brother and sister-in-law to co-sponsor. How long would they be responsible for my fiancee legally? I want to be able to answer any questions that have.

Do I just fill out a I-134 and have them fill one out as well?

When is a I-864 needed instead of the I-134? I just want to make sure I'm filling out the correct paperwork.

Thanks for any help and good luck to everyone!

God Bless!

James

Hi,

I have been filling out the G-325A and had a question. Where we put the information for our family name, the last thing is asks for is City and Country of residence, do they want the city and country of residence at the time my parents were born, or the current city and residence of my parents?

Thanks for any replies,

James

Thanks everyone. It's good to know this site is here to help with any questions. I am so glad I found it because I was clueless of what I needed until I started reading this site. Thanks again!!

James

Hi, My name is James. I am engaged to Erma who lives in the philippines. I flew to Hong Kong in May of this year to meet Erma, she flew to Hong Kong as well. This is our meeting before filing the papers. Does it matter that I haven't been to the Philippines? I was planning on including boarding passes and copies of passport and my passport dates as well as Ermas to show that both of us went to Hong Kong. I have plenty of pictures to include as well. Should this be enough to prove we met?

Also, I am in a wheelchair, that is part of the reason why I didn't fly to the philippines, though I do plan to go to the philippines when Erma's interview is scheduled to be there with her. I am really new to all of this and any help is apprectiated.

I will have more questions later about the I-134 and that I may need a co-sponsor...not sure yet. I am wondering how that process works and how likely we can be successful with it.

Thanks again!

James