Sailing certificate - is it required ?

[kheraa]

Does anybody know if the sailing certificate is really required for CP. The list of needed documents by the consulate doesnt mention that.
Thanks

[JoeF]

Technically, a sailing permit is required each time you leave the US. Normally, nobody checks for it, though.
Is it required for CP? In most cases, the consulate doesn't ask for it, but you can never know.
And do you want to risk a denial of CP just because you were too lazy to get a sailing permit? It took me about 5 minutes to get it, and it is nice for my peace of mind that I know I have all documents they can possibly ask for.
The bottom line: take every little piece of document that you can think of with you. Sailing permit and tax returns from the last couple of years are part of that.

-JoeF

[chatrathi]

JoeF:
Where do you apply for and obtain a sailing permit ?

Thanks in advance...

=chatrathi=

[JoeF]

You get a sailing permit from your local IRS office.
You can find the local office from here:
www.irs.gov/where_file/index.html (http://www.irs.gov/where_file/index.html)

-JoeF

[san]

JoeF,
Thanks for the info but I have couple of questions
1) What documents do we need to get the sailing permit
2) My wife is on H-4 and we filed out tax returns jointly so is my wife presence necessary

Thanks in Advance
San

[amiket]

Dear San,

Recently I got my Sailing Permit as I will be leaving for India (Interview in October).

Answer to your questions
1) What documents do we need to get the sailing permit
a.Take Passport
b.Last year Tax return
c.If you have airline ticket then take it as a proof as it has a question regarding "Date of Departure" (its is not necessary)

2) My wife is on H-4 and we filed out tax returns jointly so is my wife presence necessary

I too fall in the same category and you don't need your wife presence to get SP.

for all this its just taking 2-3 minutes. (form 2063 is required which you will get it from your local IRS office)

Hope this will help.

Amiket.

[zdnh]

Amiket:

If wife is on H4 and has filled joint return, won't I need get her Sailing Permit too?

[immihelp]

Get sailing permit for each departing alien.

[ssinglas]

Immihelp could you elaborate on the issue get SP for each departing alien. Like only myself is working and spouse has never worked in the USA but we are filling joint return for the lasr 4 years. DO we need to get two sailing permit for each of us separately and will the IRS issue it or one is sufficient. What about our minor child. Do we third for her.
Thanks

[immihelp]

One for you, one for your wife, and one for child.

If you are earning, you have to show that you have paid taxes. If your wife is not earning, she has to show that no taxes are due.

[san]

To IMMIHELP,
Even if my wife does not have a social security number she has to get one. I filed the taxes jointly using my SS number & my wife's TIN number.

As you said in your previous mail if the wife is not earning she has to show that no taxes are due, how can we show that.

Please respond as early as you can because my wife is leaving to India on Tuesday so I have only one day left.
Please confirm if she has to go and get the Sailing Permit.

Thanks in advance

Santu

[nscwaiting]

Just go to your local INS office with your wife, your passports, your last 2 years tax returns and your most recent pay stub (with IT deductions). The IRS office is very friendly and will *almost* fill the form for you and give you the sailing permit right over the counter. takes about 10 mins.

Good luck.

[immihelp]

What nscwaiting has mentioned is sufficient.

[raman]

Go to IRS office for Sailing Certificte NOT to INS office