I-134 For The Self-Employed

[ielocal]

I am ready to start the K-1 visa journey (application going in this week). I have done my research and the only "issues" that I see is the I-134 for the interview.

I own my own contracting business so as the employer there is nowhere that I can go for a letter from your employer. I have read about getting client's letters but since the projects are short lived and for many, this would show very little. I can provide the financial documents to show the proper level of support (income and/or savings), I just can not provide the letter from anyone but myself.

I agree that a lawyer is not needed to process the application except under extenuating circumstances. I am beginning to wonder if this is extenuating enough to contact one when the time for the I-134 comes to insure all goes well.

What have been the experience of any other in this situation or know about a similar situation? How important is that letter verses having financial data?

Thanks in advance for any assistance.
-ielocal

[Son of Clyde]

I believe your tax returns for the last 3 years, bank statement and letter of explanation of your business would be more than sufficient.

They want to know you can support her. The I-134 in itself is not adequate so the tax returns and bank statement should be enough.

[Maxx]

I am self employed these past 15 years and I did a K3 for my Russian ex-wife two years ago.

I had her take 3 years tax returns, bank statements, and tax transcripts ordered from over the phone from the IRS for 3 years. Major overkill. All the embassy took in Moscow was the last years tax return and casually glanced at my income numbers.

I heard and I could be wrong (old info) that the embassy for Ukraine requires a notorized I-134.

As far as a letter from an employer being self employed that is impossible. They know it.  Don't sweat this stuff too much

Maxx

 

[Turboguy]

Personlly I would stay away from the lawyer.   Being self emplyed is not a complication.   I have heard many people say that they have typed themselves a letter, signed it and included it.  

The reality of it is that if you are self employed they do ask for the last three years tax returns.  (schedlue 1040 only not your schedle c)  That will suffice in lieu of the letter.   They really list a number of options.  They do not require "all' of the options.   All they really want is to feel that you are sufficiently capable of supporting your fiancee.   If you are not self employed you do not need the last three years tax statements but one year might be good to have with your gal as a safety net.

I am in a somewhat similar situation in that in reality I am self employed but leagally I am not.   I am an employee of a subchapter S corp in which I own 100%.  Of course I draw a regular paycheck and am just going to have my office manager sign a letter with my employment history.  I would like to try to avoid the 1040 thing because of possible complications but will have it with my gal in 57 days when she has her interview just in case.