Re: sponsoring family's application for B2 - what documents?
Kevin Keane (see Web site for email)
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Julia wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> My husband and I want to invite my mother and siblings to the US for
> our wedding. We already had our civil ceremony, so I am in the AOS
> process (interview scheduled for early 2006). The wedding is in mid
> next year. My husband is a US citizen by birth.
>
> I think we need to provide the affidavit of support, since we are more
> capable financially.
That is not necessarily true. Generally, it is a good idea to avoid an
affidavit of support if you can, since it can also be interpreted as
evidence of ties to the USA, and therefore cause a problem with immigration
intent.
You will need an affidavit of support if the consulate requires it, of
course, or if the visitor is clearly so poor that he couldn't afford to
support himself in the USA.
> I am looking at the requirements for B2 visa (for
> the sponsor), and after collecting details from various immigration
> websites, came up with the list underneath, which is rather
> overwhelming. We have more than enough fund in the bank, but I am not
> sure whether we should send that much financial and personal documents
> to the US consulate, via international mail. Could you please let us
> know if any of these can be omitted? Thanks in advance :)
>
> * Letter from yourself stating that you will take care of their
> expenses in USA.
If they can afford it, don't do that.
> * A personal letter of invitation
I think for a wedding, the regular wedding invitation that you send out to
all guests should be enough.
> * I-134, Affidavit of Support Form
> One form should be filled for each applicant. You need to get it
> notarized.
See above.
> * Statement from your employer (1 original for each applicant) on
> business stationary
> * Copies of recent pay stubs. 3 or 4 should be enough.
> * Letter from your Bank (1 original for each applicant) on their
> business stationary, giving the following details:
> o Date account opened
> o Total amount deposited for the past year
> o Present balance
> o Average balance last year
> Also send copies of few recent bank statements. It should have good
> balance at least over last 6 months.
> * Copy of last 3 years income tax returns and W2s. Don't need to
> include state income tax returns.
Only if you actually send the I-134, and even in this case, it seems like a
bit of overkill to me. Some of these documents will often be enough.
These instructions were probably written mostly for fiances, where you also
need to file an I-134 with all that detail.
> * Husband' proof of US citizenship (birth certificate, all pages of
> passport)
Should not be necessary for a tourist visa. Of course if the consulate
demands it, by all means send it.
> * photocopies of all pages (including blank pages) of my passport
> and birth certificate
> * Photocopy of marriage cert
Same as above - shouldn't be needed.
- --
Please visit my FAQ at http://www.kkeane.com before asking a question here.
It may answer your question. Remember, I am strictly a layperson without
any legal training. I encourage the reader to seek competent legal counsel
rather than relying on usenet newsgroups.
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