A very common question that comes up about the DV lottery is about the requirement to prove you will not become a public charge (i.e. be in need of financial assistance from the government). Many people have a hard time accepting that is even a requirement. Well it is. For sure. Everywhere, for everyone. Got that? OK – let me explain…
For DV lottery there is a set of rules that frequently refer to the Immigration and Nationality Act. Essentially the DV lottery is operated within a framework of immigration law and there are standard aspects of the laws that apply to all immigration cases. The public charge requirement is one such example. The instructions for the DV lottery include information about this in their FAQ (Question 37 in DV2015 and DV2016 instructions). The notes say:-
37. If I receive a visa through the DV program, will the U.S. government pay for my airfare to the United States, help me find housing and employment, and/or provide healthcare or any subsidies until I am fully settled?
No. The U.S. government will not provide any of these services to you if you receive a visa through the DV program. If you are selected to apply for a DV, you will need to demonstrate that you will not become a public charge in the United States before being issued a visa. This evidence may be in the form of a combination of your personal assets, an Affidavit of Support (Form I-134) submitted by a relative or friend residing in the United States, an offer of employment from an employer in the United States, or other evidence.
OK, so it is required. OK???
So how do you prove that you will not become a public charge. The simplest way is to demonstrate that you have enough money/assets to support yourself. This can be in various ways, for example:-
- Bank/other financial statements
- Real Estate/Property
- Stocks/Bonds
- Income from business investments
The CO will be far more interested in “liquid” assets (such as savings in a bank account) than other non liquid assets.
If you intend to show the above you will need to show around $10,000 for each adult, and a bit less for children (for example $25,000 for a family of four, $10,000 for a single person). This can be from a combination of the above.
If you cannot show that level of personal finance a job offer can help, and of course someone already working in the USA on a temporary visa can show existing salary (payslips, tax records, job confirmation letters and so on).
If the selectee cannot provide the above, they may be advised obtaining an “affidavit of support” from a family member or friend already in the USA. The affidavit of support should be in the form of the I-134 which must be filled out by a US legal resident and supported by tax filing records, payslips and so on. The instructions for the I-134 are clear and helpful.
The selectee only needs to provide one I-134 to cover their case (it covers the principal and all derivatives). The income of the person filling out the I-134 should be greater than that shown on the Federal Poverty Guidelines for total number of family members for the sponsor/family AND the selectee/derivatives.
The original (or now scanned/emailed) signed I-134 plus supporting documents is presented by the selectee at the interview IF requested. Not all embassies request it as a matter of course, and some hardly ever request it. However, not providing it if requested can lead to AP/disqualification.
Supporting documents for the I-134 are the sponsors:
- 1040 (annual tax report – most recent copy)
- W2 (annual employee earnings statement if employed – most recent copy)
- Recent Payslips
- Photo ID
The I-134 should be sent to you prior to the interview by mail or scanned and the supporting documents can be photocopies or sent by email.
There are several African countries where the “host” system serves to satisfy the requirements. If the selectee is planning to stay with a host, they could be asked what is the relationship between host and selectee. If there is a good relationship (family, or close friend) the Consular Officer is allowed to use their discretion to take that as evidence that the selectee will not become a public charge.
If you are unsure about the difference between the I-134 and the I-864, then please check out this post for more information.
For more info including how to complete the I-134, please watch this video.
Sources:
November 15, 2016 at 13:00
i am a bit worry that my sponsor may not sign AOS for me since we r not close relative and he think that AOS have legal obligation up on him. so, i try to persuade him to give early, if he may resist i will find another sponsor before the interview. My question is that……
1. is there any problem to get AOS early, on February for July or August interview . (My case #AF33***)
2. as i said he is not my close relative,to be honest i didn’t exactly know z r/n with our family but he is somewhat relate with my mother. so, what will be my answer when z CO ask me ‘what is ur relationship with z host?’……
November 15, 2016 at 15:03
1. It should have recent payslips/tax records.
2. That is a problem. They ask about your relationship to the sponsor to assess how likely this person would be to support you. An AOS given by a stranger would not be very convincing.
November 18, 2016 at 08:30
1)Is there any requirement for bank statement ?
2)Can I just downloaded online from e-bank account ?
3)1 month is enough or 3 months required ?
4)is it better to have bank certificate in addition to bank statement stated that I have “this amount of money” ?
5) my family is two adult & 3 kids , I can show up to 35 K $ bank certificate / statement , is it enough?
6) If the officer informed me in the interview that I have been accepted , Can I transfer the money from my account or I must keep it for their further verification after the interview ?
7) Is it a must to show the bank statement / certificate in US $ currency or I can show it with local currency ?
Thank you Simon
November 18, 2016 at 14:19
1. That is one possible way to show you can support yourself.
2. Printed statement – nothing that can be altered.
3. Use your judgement
4. Use your judgement
5. Typically, yes
6. It can be moved.
7. Any currency.
November 18, 2016 at 12:41
Hi simon
I dont know when my visa interview will be scheduled so what should my sponsor put like date in the form i134??
November 18, 2016 at 14:14
Ask the sponsor to wait until you get the 2NL. The supporting documents need to be recent.
November 23, 2016 at 18:55
Thanks for your respond
I am wondering also if its okey that my host is different then my sponsor. I mean the person to whom i am going and i put his adress in the ds260, is not the one whos gonna sponsor me
November 23, 2016 at 18:59
That’s OK
November 26, 2016 at 20:38
Hi Simon,
Is there a link to print out the I-134 document?
November 26, 2016 at 20:46
Sorry I found the link in the post! After they complete the I-134, does it need to be the original form filled out or can it be a scanned copy to bring to the interview? Also, the supporting docs for the I-134 (1040, W2, Recent Payslips, & Photo ID) can they be copies or do they need to be original?
November 26, 2016 at 21:30
The I-134 should be sent by mail. Supporting docs can be scanned/emailed
November 26, 2016 at 21:34
Do they need to provide all 4 of those supporting docs? Is there a fee the sponsor has to pay for filing I-134 form?
November 26, 2016 at 21:49
No fee. They need income and identity supporting docs – your choice.
November 26, 2016 at 22:01
Thank you for your help and clarification!!!
December 2, 2016 at 12:55
Dear, Mr. Simon,
Thank you really for your great Webdite, please help me another time because my sponsor have questions cencerning the official documents for the I-134 Form, in your publication you have to mention the 04 documents below
01-1040 (annual tax return – most recent copy)
02- W2 (employee annual earnings statement if employee – most recent copy)
03- Latest salary bulletins
04-ID photo
What is the official form of 1 and 2
Best Regaes.
BA.
December 2, 2016 at 15:02
Any taxpayer in America will know what those forms are. The numbers given are the official names.
December 2, 2016 at 16:39
Thank you for your replay Mr Simon,
i think i found the form how i need, please can you confirme me is the form in the link below is what i need
https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw2.pdf
https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040.pdf
theank’s for all your help.
Best reguards.
BA.
December 2, 2016 at 17:49
I already answered. YOU don’t need to do anything with these forms. These are to be provided by the sponsor.
December 3, 2016 at 15:20
Hi Mr.Simon, the instructions of the DV2017 shows that :
Form I-134, accompanied by a photocopy of his or her U.S. passport, naturalization
certificate, or legal permanent resident card,
My question is : My sponsor should send me both Passport copy and certificate of naturalization? Or it’s ok only one of those? Thank you in advance.
December 3, 2016 at 15:26
Either.
December 4, 2016 at 22:52
I have another question please…
My sponsor send me by email the pdf form 1040 for 2015 taxes (the sum was $170.000 for him & his wife), that is filled online by him, not hand written. But there is no sign and date at the end of it. What do you think is there any problem???
Thank you a lot!
December 4, 2016 at 23:12
No that’s OK.
December 21, 2016 at 13:22
Dear Mr. Brit Simon I recived the i134 form by mail, from my cousin. One from him and another from his wife. I noticed that her signature was not the same as in her passport (maybe she has been busy, and my cousin has filled both of the forms)
If you have any idea please, will it be any problem for my interview?!
December 21, 2016 at 15:07
No. You only use the one from the “head of household”.
December 21, 2016 at 17:56
I asked because the instructions of my country it is written that, if the sponsor is married, his wife also should send a form i134, including passport
December 21, 2016 at 19:21
Ahhh are you interviewing at Tirana? Yes – they ask for that (the only embassy that I know of that does). It’s wrong, I have tried to tell them it’s wrong, but they don’t listen. So – comply with their request. I don’t know if they will notice or object to the signature. If it were my case I would get a replacement form.
December 21, 2016 at 19:31
Yes, in Tirana, I know that they are intolerant :/ Ok I will request another form from his wife
Thank you a lot for your advices
December 21, 2016 at 19:36
FYI, they also apply a 125% of poverty guidelines – so make sure that the sponsors income adequately covers the combined family size at 125% of FPG.
December 21, 2016 at 20:59
No, in fact they have changed it to 100% for this year.. Also mysponsor has $80.000 income.
After my interview on january, I will share my experience with you, hoping to get the visa thank you very much for all your support
December 21, 2016 at 21:16
Ahhh well that is good news. That was one of 2 of more serious mistakes they were making. I pasted below my email to them sent 2 years ago.
“It has come to my attention that you are applying different standards to your handling of the public charge requirements – and I believe your standards are contrary to the guidance of the Department of State. I would like to bring these differences to your attention and get your statement to pass on to any DV applicants that may be interviewing at your embassy.
The issues I have stem from the statements in your instructions to DV applicants (http://photos.state.gov/libraries/albania/388734/documents/instr-dv-eng.pdf). There are 3 issues with the way you present the instructions.
I will make reference to the Foreign Affairs Manual – in particular the section that deals with the requirements regarding public charge concerns. Their document is published at http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/86988.pdf.
1. The I-134 is listed as a required document. In the Foreign Affairs Manual (9 FAM 40.41 N5 ) the notes make clear that when adjudicating a case (including DV cases) you must consider the “totality of the circumstances”. In other words, whilst the I-134 is one possible factor, you must consider other factors (such as an applicants own resources). Your instructions imply that the I-134 is required and that is not correct.
2. The instructions you publish state that the sponsors income described on the I-134 will be assessed at 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. 9 FAM 40.41 N5.6-3 (d) states very clearly that the 125% level is only required in assessing the I864 form – the minimum income requirements do not apply in cases such as DV cases using the I134.
3. The instructions mention that where a sponsor is married, the spouse also has to submit a I-134. That is not required for I-134 cases – perhaps that is required for I-864, but it is not stated anywhere in relation to I-134.
4, Your instructions also imply that only a US citizen or LPR can complete the I-134. The form itself contradicts that position and whilst you may be concerned about a non immigrant visa holder sponsor (covered in 9 FAM 40.41 N5.6-3 (d) , they are not excluded as you suggest. A sponsor holding an H1-B visa for instance should be able to submit a I-134.
I believe points 1 and 2 above are particularly important to correct. I am aware of at least one pending case where the applicant is on Administrative Processing after submitting a I-134 which was ruled inadequate based on your Embassies incorrect position regarding point 2 above (the sponsor exceeded the Federal poverty guideline, but at above 100%, not 125%). Given the likelihood that visas will run out again this year and AP cases will have lost their pre-allocated visa slot – that misapplication of the rule could be HIGHLY impactful to that applicant and other cases. It is therefore imperative that Tirana Embassy takes action to correct this position as soon as possible.”
December 21, 2016 at 22:28
I read it carefully this post, and I just wanna thank you so much in the name of all Albanians…
Maybe all these arguments you have written have influenced them to change that unfounded condition (even if it’s only one from all others)!
December 21, 2016 at 22:48
Well it would be nice to think my emails had some impact, but I don’t know. They have kept the 2 I-134s rule which is also wrong – so that suggests they didn’t listen to my advice. It must befrustrating to selectees that endured problems with the 125/100% rule.
January 13, 2017 at 00:40
Hello Mr.
Today was our interview for me & my husband (husband was the DV2017 winner)
Case number: 2017EU00002xxx
Interview location: Tirana-Albania
DS260 submission: 17/06/2016
2NL: 21/11/2016
Interview date: 12/01/2017
Our appointment was on 08:30 Am and we were at te Embassy at 08:00, we entered at 08:15 and tell them our passports. Then pass the securty checks. After waiting to listen our Surname… At 09:00 my husband did the payments then we gave our finger print. After about 1 hour the CO called us for interview .
CO: Hello
WE: Hello
CO: How many time do you have been together as a couple?
WE: 5 years
CO: Which is the winner?
WE: xxxxxxxxxxxx
CO: When did you graduate from university
Husband: xxxx
CO: Ok, bye you can go at home now…
We just stuck…. And feeling shocked ? waiting from him another thing to say. Then the CO said only this : Everything is ok here, you can go home now. Bye
He gave us our proof of relationship, and he held our passports!
When we came home, we were a little bit worried ? and we check the visa status that was : Adminitratice Processing..
We felt like a huge stone hit our head, but fortunately after one hour the status was changed to : Issue.
Thank you very much Mr.Brit for everything!
January 13, 2017 at 00:54
Excellent!
December 3, 2016 at 15:44
Hello, i got a bit confused about income of the sponsor and the Federal Poverty Guidelines,
So my sponsor lives in NYC, and has 2 kids, so they are 3 in total living together, how much his income per year should be to be available to support me?
December 3, 2016 at 22:41
You have to add your family size to their family size and take the number for the combined family.
December 4, 2016 at 10:35
Dear Brit,
Please clarify: /source is uscis/ “To determine the amount of assets required to qualify, subtract your household income from the minimum income requirement (125% of the poverty level for your family size). You must prove the cash value of your assets is worth five times this difference (the amount left over)”
Does it mean [monthly poverty amount] multiply five? Or [annual poverty amount]
December 4, 2016 at 15:12
For a sponsor filling in an affidavit of support with ONLY cash, that cash is “worth” on 20% of income. Affidavits are therefore best handled with proof of income. If you are showing your own resources, you don’t normally need that cash value. Normally about $10k per person is acceptable.
December 5, 2016 at 07:07
Dear BritSimon,
What do you think if along with my saving account (40K for 6 people) I will also present my current employment contract with supplement confirms that in case of my immigration I can continue to work remotely for that company. This company is not resident in the United States. I understand that everything will depend on CO judgment but how it looks according to your experience? The current salary is very high by the way.
Thank you in advance and thank you for all your advices in this web-site.
December 5, 2016 at 14:53
THat might be enough savings. Again. DON’T present a document that is not true. The lie would be worse than anything else.
December 10, 2016 at 17:08
Dear Brit Simon. The one who I put him to sponser me in ds-260 is now I don’t know why he is not replying me he lost his contact with for long time. Now what I want to ask you is can I change a person to sponser me directly to interview and if it’s possible how I can convince to CO.
December 10, 2016 at 17:55
You can change that sponsor at the interview.
December 11, 2016 at 19:56
hi simons i have a question i won the lottery but my husband is the one that has a job in Usa we dont have all the money they ask for the interview that will help? we are four in my family and we have near 15.000 $
December 11, 2016 at 21:49
I suggest getting an I-134.
December 12, 2016 at 09:19
Good day sir,
Please most every body have the I-134 form like a supporting document
December 12, 2016 at 14:51
Just as the article above explains.
December 13, 2016 at 05:56
Hi Simon,
My sponsor is a close family friend. My mum and his dad grew up together and were school mates. How do I prove that to the CO at the interview? Thanks.
December 13, 2016 at 06:12
The CO will ask you and you about the relationship and you simply answer truthfully. The CO’s are expert at judging credibility. If you have proof, take it to the interview.
December 13, 2016 at 09:35
Ok. Thanks.
December 16, 2016 at 22:18
Hi Brit
My sponser only lived two years in USA (6/2014) is that a problem
December 16, 2016 at 23:05
No
December 17, 2016 at 21:46
Hi Brit
My interview in early January and no way for my sponser to present tax documents of 2016 .My sponsor annual income is less than the required according to 2015 supporting documents(tax) but the recent payslip from his company show a sufficient income for us ….so which is one is taken by the cost ?
December 17, 2016 at 22:03
Sorry by the CO
December 17, 2016 at 22:42
Recent payslips would be accepted.
December 17, 2016 at 22:10
Hi sir
My sponsor is a retired person
Here income is more then what they ask for !
But a retired person don’t have a tax form !
What should that she give me like documents of support?
Thanks
December 17, 2016 at 22:42
Even a retired person has proof of income and files tax returns if their income is at the level needed to offer an AOS.
December 19, 2016 at 21:04
Hi egain Sir
So in this case of retired sponsor, and you told me that : ( Even a retired person has proof of income and files tax returns if their income is at the level needed to offer an AOS.)
With your experience Sir what do you think they are exactly the papers that I need in the day of interview with the form i-134 ?
From my sponsor ? Name of the documents or the forms exactly please?
Thank you.
December 19, 2016 at 21:39
A person with sufficient income to be your sponsor would be filing a 1040 (annual tax return).
December 25, 2016 at 08:32
Hello Sir
My sponsor is my brother who lives iin the usa since 2006 ( won DV 2005) , he send for me all these documents:
1- Affidivate of support I-134
2- Form 1040
3- Form W2
4- Bank statement
5- His payroll
6- Copy of his US passport
It is enough!
Thank you
December 25, 2016 at 20:28
YEs.
December 26, 2016 at 03:30
Brit Simon. You are great . How can we bring spouce in USA? How long take time? Is marriage certificate is need or court marriage is enough? How can we bring brother and sister and time duration ? Thank you.
December 26, 2016 at 06:36
Sponsoring a spouse takes around 2 years. It needs to be a legally recognized marriage.
To sponsor brothers and sisters, you would first need to become a citizen (5 years) and then the process is a further 10 to 15 years.
December 26, 2016 at 08:37
Hi Simon
1/ is $50k is enough savings for 2 people, or should we show an affidavit of support ?
2/ is it fine if the savings are on several accounts in different currencies ?
Many thanks!
December 26, 2016 at 16:14
1. Typically enough.
2. Yes
December 26, 2016 at 22:07
Hi Simon,
Do you think a job offer from my current company AND savings around 10k € are enough to show that I won’t be a public charge ? Do I still need an affidavit of support ?
This would be for a single applicant at the London embassy.
Thank you for your help.
December 27, 2016 at 03:11
If the job offer is to relocate to the USA, then yes, that would be OK.
December 27, 2016 at 18:42
Hi Simon
My sponsor is a friend of mine
She is retired women she born in USA
She sent me :
1- form i-134
2- Form 1040 for her last year of working ( 2010)
3- Form W2 for her last year of working ( 2010)
4- deposits from payroll and ACH credits for the pass 13 months
5- Social Security Benefit/monthly deposits
6- letter of ( Information About Current Social Security Benefits ) .
It is enough ??
Thanks.
December 27, 2016 at 19:53
I don’t know if it is enough. It depends on her current income. The 2010 information is too old to be used.
December 27, 2016 at 19:58
Her annual income is 1966 $
And she is single .
What do you think ?
December 27, 2016 at 20:04
I hope that is a monthly income, otherwise she would need help.
So – use the method described above to decide whether that is enough or not.
December 27, 2016 at 20:10
Yes that’s her monthly income ( 1966 $ )
December 27, 2016 at 19:57
Hi brit
How much dollar i have to show for a family Of 3 (father,mother and baby)?
December 27, 2016 at 20:05
The method is described in the article above. It depends on the sponsors family as well as the DV family.
December 27, 2016 at 20:06
Hi brit
How much dollar i have to show for the family Of 3 (father,Mother and baby)?
December 27, 2016 at 20:08
I mean How much i have to show in My bank account?
December 27, 2016 at 20:18
READ THE ARTICLE!
December 28, 2016 at 18:09
BritSimon,
I wish you bring my close friend from mexico for vacation. I would like to sponsor I 134 for her.
How good our relationship work for this I 134 application. I work here in H visa from X country (not mexico). Can i sponsor I 134 for mexico citizen.
December 28, 2016 at 18:40
I have no idea. I only advise on DV lottery cases.
December 31, 2016 at 22:41
in you happen to be in America , are legible for health and housing services or the social security services provided.
December 31, 2016 at 23:13
Some, but it is far better to come with a plan to succeed!
January 5, 2017 at 12:08
Dear britsimon
Greetings
I just new immigrant. I have not got a job yet, My wife is 7 months pregnant, and she wants to apply for Medicaid. Is Medicaid makes her a pubic charge? will state ask my sponser to pay delivery baby cost ?
Best regards,
January 5, 2017 at 13:33
Medicaid doesn’t normally make you a public charge (although it can, so you must be careful). I don’t know what the State will do about costs.
https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-processes-and-procedures/public-charge
January 14, 2017 at 20:37
Dear BritSimon,
I am a single Lebanese working in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia since 2015 with a yearly income of USD 58k. My Case Number is 2017AS00006***, therefore I am expecting my 2NL in 2-3 months. I started saving money in my bank account ever since I received my 1NL in May 2016, having saved USD 22k as of today and planning to reach around USD 30k by the time of my interview. Are my personal savings enough to show proof of financial support and that I will not become a public charge? According to your post I acknowledge that USD 10k would be enough for a single person. Nevertheless, travel.state.gov is not clear about the proof of financial support for DV applicants and I have noticed in many posts of yours the importance of the Affidavit of Support Form I-134, which should be filled by a US legal resident family member or friend; however, I do not have a family member in the US and I have a very limited number of friends residing in the US. Asking someone to sponsor me is not easy and I would prefer to avoid it; however, I do not want to jeopardize my chances in getting my green card. Can you please advise?
Thank you.
January 14, 2017 at 22:47
Your savings will normally be considered enough.
January 18, 2017 at 19:20
Hi brit
The guy hosting me when I go to the United States is not financially capable to provide the affidavit support. So, I found someone else who is financially capable, but living in a different state. Can I still go to the same state I mentioned on the DS260 where the financially incapable guy is living?
January 18, 2017 at 19:49
Yes
January 19, 2017 at 14:46
Hey Britt,what’s the requirements of getting a joint sponsor. CU’s I noticed that my friend who is helping with my affidavit has a low income. So please tell me whether I could ask someone else???,and whether I can just just take it with me nomatter two or three???but I am worried because the sponsor who name on my papers income is low,than I am about to talk to someone else whose name isn’t on my DS260.please I am confused while writing CU’s I am stressed out,I hope you understand.
January 19, 2017 at 14:50
There is no such thing as a joint sponsor. The income is either sufficient, or it isn’t. If it isn’t that sponsor is useless. An I-134 can be someone other than the person you will stay with.
January 27, 2017 at 07:08
Hello Brit,
My brother has been a green card holder for 7 years now. He wants to provide an Affidavit of Support to his friend who has a family. They have an interview in February. My question is that can one person, my brother in this case, provide the AOS for for his friend and his family and me?
My interview may probably take place in
April and if I obtain the AOS from my brother, do you think the CO may disapprove of the form because it should be provided to one family?
January 27, 2017 at 14:40
The new form requires a sponsor to answer if the have sponsored someone else. If they have, that will weaken their sponsorship (increasing the earnings required). So, it is best to have a sponsor who has not sponsored someone else.
January 27, 2017 at 09:21
Hi Brit, hope you are ok, can you please help me.I submitted my old passport number on the ds 260, because it will be expiring Nov 8,2017. I will like to carry my new passport on my date of interview. Is there any problem with that? Because I don’t want to reopening my ds 260 again. Anyway, I have been denied twice with that same passport. I could change it, but still valid for 11 month yet.
Thanks bro
January 27, 2017 at 14:37
Take old and new passports to the interview.
February 20, 2017 at 02:58
Hi Brit,
so I understand that we need to show that we won’t become a public charge by showing that we have 125% of the poverty line in assets. The only way for me to do so would be to show property ownership, but from what I’ve read that is not the best way to do so(could you also clarify if its true that when showing a house as asset there is a higher threshold for the financial requirement). Any advice because I am out of options?
February 20, 2017 at 05:40
Get someone else to prepare an I-134 for you. Read the article.
February 21, 2017 at 14:57
Hi Brit,
I have a question regarding bank statements. I plan to present a printed out statement of a bank account under my name with just over $10,000 in it. Is a printed out document “official” enough to present as proof? And if I present this bank statement, I don’t need to fill out the I-134 or I-864 forms at all, do I?
Thanks!
February 21, 2017 at 15:12
That might be enough for a single person. An I-134 is safer.
February 22, 2017 at 05:49
Dear Britsimon,
My wife & LPR petitioner has barely made any US-based income for several years, and only filed her 2015 tax return. We can however show assets (joint and individual bank account statements) that far exceed 5x the difference between her income and the federal poverty guidelines for our household of 2. Do you think failing to submit tax returns for previous years can get me denied even if we have enough funds to show I will not be a charge? My I-130 was approved almost a year ago and I’m currently waiting for my case to be completed at the NVC.
Thank you!
February 22, 2017 at 14:20
I only advise on DV lottery cases.
February 25, 2017 at 18:42
Hi Brit, if one has personal assets beyond the expected amount and an offer of employment in the US already, should he/she still get an I-134 just in case?? Thank you.
February 25, 2017 at 19:00
It’s a personal choice. An I-134 is the most certain way to meet the requirement, but other ways can work also.
February 26, 2017 at 17:57
Hi brit
I want to ask you regarding I134 as my friend told me last year with out I134 has interviewed in ethiopia …my question it is must be to prepare I134 or depend on the embassis? I have interview in ethiopia.
February 26, 2017 at 18:12
It depends on the embassy and the specific case. Ethiopia don’t usually ask for it, but having one prepared can be a worthwhile precaution.
February 26, 2017 at 23:51
Brit — first, accept many kudos on doing a public service job worth more than all DoS team combined. Second, I searched here and on travel.state.gov for close to an hour to verify two questions —
1. Are all DL applicants required to submit an I-134 OR is it either I-134 or a bank statement with $10-25 K cash + etc ?
2. Is I-134 prepared BEFORE DS-260 and is attached electronically to CEAC OR is I-134 MUST be presented as an original signed document at an interview?
If this has been answered before – my apologies. Did not manage to find.
February 27, 2017 at 00:47
1. It varies by embassy and even case to case. Read the link below for more info.
2. The I-134 is presented at the interview.
britsimonsays.com/all-about-public-charge-affidavit-of-support-i-134/
March 4, 2017 at 14:36
Hi Brit, My wife and I got our visas late last year. I used by bank statement to show support. We want to travel in 2 weeks but I would prefer to send across $ 10,000 and the other $10000 later. The reason being I will be coming back to my home country while she will be staying.
Will they verify at the airport that we have the $ 20,000? The current Trump climate is worrying.
March 4, 2017 at 14:43
NO
March 6, 2017 at 22:35
hi brit.My sponsor sent me the form 1040 and his annual income are 32,859 $.He is married and has 2 kids.If he sponsors me that would make a family of 6(including me and my wife who he is going to sponsor).I read that for a family of 6 the poverty line is 32,960$.I am so scared.My interview is in a month.Can this cause denial?I dont have another sponsor.How can i work this out?
March 6, 2017 at 22:43
So this sponsor is no good. You can try with that I-134, if they don’t accept it they will ask you to find another sponsor.
March 6, 2017 at 22:58
My uncle is the only one i have in USA.Does that mean they will issue us a visa but wont let us to travel till we find another sponsor or will completely deny our green card?
March 6, 2017 at 23:48
Like I said, they will either accept this one or give you time to find another sponsor.
March 6, 2017 at 23:58
My uncle also owns a house (for which he pays a mortgage interest) and has a saving account .I hope that will be enough.One more question.Does he has to fill two i-134 forms one for me and one for my wife or just one for me that i am the pricipal applicant and it that form he also includes (like it is written in the form) my wife?Thank you for your time and patience.
March 7, 2017 at 00:06
One form.
March 7, 2017 at 20:59
Hi Brit ,I have recently evaluated my house(I’m not the principal applicant).
Does it help my wife(the principal applicant) during interview concerning being a public charge?
March 8, 2017 at 17:16
Hi Brit;
How long a sponsor will help a new arrival in USA ? untill he or she found a job?or this sponsoring have a limited time?
March 8, 2017 at 17:18
and thank you.
March 8, 2017 at 17:25
The embassy prefer to see unlimited. But that is up to you and the sponsor.
March 8, 2017 at 21:37
Hi Brit.My interview is25th April 2017 ,Tirana,Albania.I went to see a lawyer today and i showed him 1040 Form of my sponsor.I have a question for you.I trust you that is why i am asking you.My sponsor”s contabilist in USA which prepares my sponsor’s 1040 form every year said after he explained to her that he will sponsor me and my husband)he has a family of 4 including himself) that for dv lottery the embassy is referred to the TOTAL INCOME point 22 at 1040 Form as a base for poverty guideline to the cases that complete i-134 form for supporting dv lottery winners and not ADJUSTED GROSS INCOME.His total income was 36,122$ while his adjusted gross income is 32,859.She said he is ok to make a affidavit of support for me and my husband.This lawyer in Tirana said to me that his income is not enough for me and my husband and referred to ADJUSTED GROSS INCOME.My sponsor°s contabilist swears that she is right.Who is right please help me.Whom is referred poverty guideline?Please say total income,you would SAVE MY LIFE.i have been crying all afternoon because i am thinking i lost my chance of green card since i have no one else to sponsor me.Thank you.
March 8, 2017 at 22:55
I am impatiently waiting for your reply brit.Thank you for your patience.
March 8, 2017 at 23:18
I already told you two days ago to get another sponsor to save the stress of not knowing if they accept this income or not. I don’t know which number they will use. So – if you use that sponsor you won’t know whether they accept it or not until the day of interview.
March 10, 2017 at 23:09
Hello Simon, my problem is that the person who is filing my affidavid of support has filed it for 2 other people this year. He said he’s going to ask his lawyer if it is legal?
1) Could he file even for me if he has the right amount of money (I’m only 1 person – 13000 $ should be enough)
2) If not, is it a problem if the person who is waiting me (staying address) and the person who is filing i-34 with other documents are NOT the same person (and different states)
3) Can I change the permanent address and when( during interview or? )
Thank you so much.
March 11, 2017 at 00:28
1. That would be unwise. PLus the income has to be higher (it is you PLUS the sponsor and his/her family).
2. No problem.
3. During interview and then finally at the arrival airport (POE)
March 11, 2017 at 04:20
Hi Brit
I have interview next week and I have 2 affidavit(one has a high income but lives in a state that I won’t go, the other a bit low income and I’m planning to go there) so my questions is:
1-What Is the best choice for me during interview,I mean if I choose the seconde I’m not sure to get visa but I want to go to him?
2-is 2 or 3 affidavit additive?
March 11, 2017 at 04:35
1. Use the foumula to check the income. It is either high enough, or it isn’t. Simple.
2. No.
March 11, 2017 at 20:16
Hello Simon,
I’m migrating as a single person.
I have an online business that gives me a monthly income of around USD 2K.
As the business is 100% online, it will continue to generate income even when I move to the US and I’m planning on registering my business in the US as well.
Will I still need to make sure that I have 10K on my bank account at the date of the interview, or will bank statements showing my monthly income for the last few months be enough?
Thank you!
March 11, 2017 at 20:29
Sorry, a short follow up question to that:
I’m planning on living in NYC and have put my address there. Can choosing an expensive area like NYC factor in on what they believe is sufficient?
March 11, 2017 at 22:37
Possibly.
(And 2K a month won’t cover anything in NYC)
March 11, 2017 at 22:39
Bank statements would be wise.
March 15, 2017 at 22:50
Hi Brit, sorry for asking once again. My sponsor is having a problem with filling the necessary documents for affidavit of support. My interview is in 20 april (he had a problem with W-2 document that I sent to him) . I sent him those files for him to fill.
1. Please sir can you check if these are the correct documents:
i-134.pdf
fw2yr16.pdf
f1040
A photocopy of passport
2. Can you give me a link for the document of W-2 for 2016
3. Can he fill all documents writing by pen ??
Thank you sir !
March 15, 2017 at 22:57
The 1040 and W2 reports that he already has. You do not send them to the sponsor.
The I-134 can be filled by pen.
March 16, 2017 at 08:34
Can a green card holder sponsor someone that has won Dv Lottery?
March 16, 2017 at 12:19
If the GC holder fulfill the requirement, yes.
March 16, 2017 at 13:45
Yes