DOS Cable on I-864 Supporting Documents for Dependents
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO ALL DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR POSTS
SPECIAL EMBASSY PROGRAM
AMCONSUL GUANGZHOU
POUCH BUJUMBURA
UNCLAS STATE 047122
Visas Inform Consuls
E.O. 12958: N/A
Tags: CVIS, CMGT
Subject: I-864 Affidavit of Support, Update 9: Supporting Documents for Dependents
Ref: (A) State 235260 (B) State 235178
1. This message reflects a change in procedures, consular section chiefs should ensure that all IV Line Officers and FSNs comply with the following new procedures.
2. Effective immediately, principal immigrant visa applicants (PA) and accompanying dependents who will travel together require only one complete set of supporting documents (tax returns, employment letters, etc.). The supporting documents should be included in the PA’s visa packet, and the PA’s alien registration number should be recorded on each accompanying dependent’s I-864 in the "For Agency Use Only" box on page 1.
3. Following to Join applicants who will travel together will require one complete set of documents. The documents should be included in one applicant’s issued visa packet, and his/her alien registration number must be recorded in the "For Agency Use Only" box on the I-864 of all accompanying FTJ immigrants.
4. Every applicant must still submit a signed and notarized I-864 and I- 864A (if needed). It is essential that the alien registration number of the file containing the supporting documents be marked in the agency use box of each accompanying family member’s I-864.
5. This procedure can only be used with derivative family members, including Following to Join dependents. If separate petitions are filed for relatives (i.e. IR-5 parents or F2-2 siblings) a complete set of supporting documents is required for each principal applicant.
6. This reduction in documentation is a result of ongoing consultations with INS and should be a welcome change for IV units who have been inundated with paper and facing unprecedented 221(g) refusals related to incomplete or incorrectly completed I-864 forms. INS has distributed instructions to field offices and ports of entry and will publish a notice explaining the new paperwork requirements in the Federal Register shortly.
7. VO will provide posts with copies of a new checklist which we believe petitioners will find helpful in assembling supporting documents. Posts may attach copies of the checklist to I-864s being returned for corrections. Officers should also change the language in the "complete documents for each applicant" paragraph of the information sheet (Ref B) as follows:
Q: Does each accompanying family member need separate documents if they are traveling with the principal applicant?
A: Each applicant must submit a signed and notarized I-864 from the petitioner, any joint I-864 that may be required and Form(s) I-864A if needed. Accompanying family members’ documents may be copies of the principal applicant’s forms, but all I-864 and I-864A forms must bear original signatures and notarizations. Only the principal applicant must submit supporting documentation (tax returns, employment letters, proof of assets, etc.) This applies only to principal applicants and accompanying dependents who are applying together for an immigrant visa or adjustment of status.
Family members who may apply for visas and travel together, but for whom separates visa petitions have been filed, must each submit a complete set of supporting documentation along with a signed and notarized I-864, any joint I-864 that may be required and Form I-864 if needed.
8. Since not all posts received the information sheet, the complete text will follow Septel.
9. Minimize considered.
Madeleine Albright