Employment concerns

[wazzuvius 0]

Well... this is my first post here, but I've done a TON of reading already. Now I'd like to post my specific scenario and hopefully get some relative advice. I met my love last december and we hit it off immediately. We're already discussing visa options, but there's still questions to be answered. So here's our situation:

I recently graduated with a BA and I'm currently seeking employment. I had an interview last week and my chances are good that I'll get the job. It's commission based, however, my draw would still be just over 125% of poverty. This would be guaranteed pay, in the case I don't earn enough through commission (but this doesn't happen with any of the other salespersons). But I don't want to take a job just to take it, and then quit soon after. I have savings to support myself right now. I didn't file taxes for 2006 and 2007, but I was working on a house renovation that was intended as an investment venture. My share will be paid to me this year. Also, I've done a few other projects in the meantime to bring in some income. What I'm worried about is that I won't have employment history that meets their requirements, if that is indeed what they're looking for. I plan on applying for the visa by october. However, the summer job I worked in between school sessions (2001-2005) paid about 185% of the poverty level, but I don't imagine they would consider that. I don't own a home and I'm currently living with my brother.

So I guess my questions are:

1. Is employment history important? How many months at current employer should I put in before applying for K1?

2. What kind of assets would I need to support my case, if needed? What amount of savings?

3. Are there any different criteria between K1 and K3 regarding income requirements?

4. How late into the process can I still petition for a co-sponsor without starting all over?

What's frustrating is that I have a BA, which I paid for myself, and I have absolutely no debt. Not only did I pay for it myself, but I did it without government assistance. I would think this proves I have means of providing support. I just don't have the employment history. Of course I could have skipped going to college after high school and got a job. I hope they apply reasonable judgement on an individual basis because I really feel like I'm in a predicament here.

I am REALLY grateful for this site. I have learned SO MUCH already. I can't believe the assistance one can find here. You all are a tremendous help and I hope I am able to receive some answers that can alleviate some of my concerns. And I hope I can eventually return the favor. Thanks for your time - whoever is reading this!

[pushbrk 12,824]

Well... this is my first post here, but I've done a TON of reading already. Now I'd like to post my specific scenario and hopefully get some relative advice. I met my love last december and we hit it off immediately. We're already discussing visa options, but there's still questions to be answered. So here's our situation:

I recently graduated with a BA and I'm currently seeking employment. I had an interview last week and my chances are good that I'll get the job. It's commission based, however, my draw would still be just over 125% of poverty. This would be guaranteed pay, in the case I don't earn enough through commission (but this doesn't happen with any of the other salespersons). But I don't want to take a job just to take it, and then quit soon after. I have savings to support myself right now. I didn't file taxes for 2006 and 2007, but I was working on a house renovation that was intended as an investment venture. My share will be paid to me this year. Also, I've done a few other projects in the meantime to bring in some income. What I'm worried about is that I won't have employment history that meets their requirements, if that is indeed what they're looking for. I plan on applying for the visa by october. However, the summer job I worked in between school sessions (2001-2005) paid about 185% of the poverty level, but I don't imagine they would consider that. I don't own a home and I'm currently living with my brother.

So I guess my questions are:

1. Is employment history important? How many months at current employer should I put in before applying for K1?

2. What kind of assets would I need to support my case, if needed? What amount of savings?

3. Are there any different criteria between K1 and K3 regarding income requirements?

4. How late into the process can I still petition for a co-sponsor without starting all over?

What's frustrating is that I have a BA, which I paid for myself, and I have absolutely no debt. Not only did I pay for it myself, but I did it without government assistance. I would think this proves I have means of providing support. I just don't have the employment history. Of course I could have skipped going to college after high school and got a job. I hope they apply reasonable judgement on an individual basis because I really feel like I'm in a predicament here.

I am REALLY grateful for this site. I have learned SO MUCH already. I can't believe the assistance one can find here. You all are a tremendous help and I hope I am able to receive some answers that can alleviate some of my concerns. And I hope I can eventually return the favor. Thanks for your time - whoever is reading this!

If you don't file a petition until October 2008, you'll be providing the 2008 tax return with your affidavit of support, several months after filing. You don't submit the I-134 and tax return with the petition. Each three dollars of liquid assets can replace one dollar of income shortfall. Sounds like your 2008 income and your "current annualized income" next spring will be good enough to get you qualified.

As for employment history, I recommend indicating the occupation of "student" and listing the College as "employer" for any periods the description matches.

[wazzuvius 0]

If you don't file a petition until October 2008, you'll be providing the 2008 tax return with your affidavit of support, several months after filing. You don't submit the I-134 and tax return with the petition. Each three dollars of liquid assets can replace one dollar of income shortfall. Sounds like your 2008 income and your "current annualized income" next spring will be good enough to get you qualified.

As for employment history, I recommend indicating the occupation of "student" and listing the College as "employer" for any periods the description matches.

Thank you very much for your reply. So I am to understand that they will be more concerned with "current annualized income" as opposed to historical earnings (i.e. requiring me to present tax returns for the 3 previous years)? Is there a specific reason why we are required to present tax returns for the previous 3 years? That's really the only thing that concerned me, as I am comfortable about my current wages (that I will be earning with my new job). I was worried they would focus too much on past employment history. I was a full time student and then for a while after that I was part time while I was working on a house renovation (as an investment).

So for a realistic example, let's assume the following:

1. Savings account = $20,000

2. IRA or any other investment portfolio = $5,000-10,000

3. Car (yes old, 2001, but paid for) = $6,000

4. Job (Employed for 6 months) = $10/hr min, likely $25-30k for the first year (could still be higher)

5. Absolutely no debt and a high credit score (just for the heck of it)

Would I have any problems proving financial support for just myself and my fiance? Can I not even bother worrying about an IRA or any other investment portfolio? If they were subjective they could take into account that I obtained a 4 year degree that is paid for, by ME (btw, not family - just me) and NOT the government. Even with my education I wasn't a burden on the state. Anyway, I suppose I could be going overkill here. I just want to cover my bases. I'm young and I don't have a professional career to back me up. Also, if for some reason I get to the interview portion and I fail this requirement, am I able to add a co-sponsor without starting all over? If I don't start over, what type of wait am I looking at? Although, I would really rather not have to consider a co-sponsor. Again, I'm trying not to be a burden on anyone else, haha

Thanks for all your help! Thanks to anyone who replies!

[wazzuvius 0]

I forgot to mention... I see you live in Kennewick? I grew up in Washington and moved away less than 2 years ago. Lived on the Puget Sound through high school and then attended WSU in Pullman. Go Cougs! My roommate there is from Yakima and neighbors from the Tri-Cities. It's funny... I grew up in a very wet, moderate climate and thought I would never live in a climate like Eastern WA. Now I'm living in almost the exact same climate here in Southern Central MT!

[pushbrk 12,824]

If you don't file a petition until October 2008, you'll be providing the 2008 tax return with your affidavit of support, several months after filing. You don't submit the I-134 and tax return with the petition. Each three dollars of liquid assets can replace one dollar of income shortfall. Sounds like your 2008 income and your "current annualized income" next spring will be good enough to get you qualified.

As for employment history, I recommend indicating the occupation of "student" and listing the College as "employer" for any periods the description matches.

Thank you very much for your reply. So I am to understand that they will be more concerned with "current annualized income" as opposed to historical earnings (i.e. requiring me to present tax returns for the 3 previous years)? Is there a specific reason why we are required to present tax returns for the previous 3 years? That's really the only thing that concerned me, as I am comfortable about my current wages (that I will be earning with my new job). I was worried they would focus too much on past employment history. I was a full time student and then for a while after that I was part time while I was working on a house renovation (as an investment).

So for a realistic example, let's assume the following:

1. Savings account = $20,000

2. IRA or any other investment portfolio = $5,000-10,000

3. Car (yes old, 2001, but paid for) = $6,000

4. Job (Employed for 6 months) = $10/hr min, likely $25-30k for the first year (could still be higher)

5. Absolutely no debt and a high credit score (just for the heck of it)

Would I have any problems proving financial support for just myself and my fiance? Can I not even bother worrying about an IRA or any other investment portfolio? If they were subjective they could take into account that I obtained a 4 year degree that is paid for, by ME (btw, not family - just me) and NOT the government. Even with my education I wasn't a burden on the state. Anyway, I suppose I could be going overkill here. I just want to cover my bases. I'm young and I don't have a professional career to back me up. Also, if for some reason I get to the interview portion and I fail this requirement, am I able to add a co-sponsor without starting all over? If I don't start over, what type of wait am I looking at? Although, I would really rather not have to consider a co-sponsor. Again, I'm trying not to be a burden on anyone else, haha

Thanks for all your help! Thanks to anyone who replies!

Since your current income is sufficient you may simply leave the asset portions of the affidavit blank. Three years of tax returns are not required, they are simply the best practice when available. People who haven't filed, need to give the reason and IRS code for why they were exempt. That's really simple for people who didn't file to do too low or no income as in college students.

Your 1 through 5 above will not be a consideration so, other than the beneficiary being aware of it, not need to disclose any of it. Credit ratings are definitely not an issue.

You'll have it covered. Relax.