How much should we have saved up?

[kristinakiko 0]

We've just started the K1 process, we are about to start filling out forms. This is my first post I've got a question (many more to come!). My fiance is British, I'm American, and we live in Tokyo so I do not have a job in the US now. We'll both be actively pursuing jobs as the time comes closer to our departure from Japan. We will have saved up around 15k so even though we'll probably be unemployed should my dad cosponsor him? I don't want the K1 to be rejected on the grounds of unemployement in the US. I haven't lived there in about 3 years. If we need to save up more that's totally doable. Thanks!

[payxibka 10,045]

We've just started the K1 process, we are about to start filling out forms. This is my first post I've got a question (many more to come!). My fiance is British, I'm American, and we live in Tokyo so I do not have a job in the US now. We'll both be actively pursuing jobs as the time comes closer to our departure from Japan. We will have saved up around 15k so even though we'll probably be unemployed should my dad cosponsor him? I don't want the K1 to be rejected on the grounds of unemployement in the US. I haven't lived there in about 3 years. If we need to save up more that's totally doable. Thanks!

When using assets, you need a ratio of at least 3:1 (assets:income). If 125% of the poverty level income for a family of 2 is $20K, then you need $60K. Look up the poverty level guidlelines (I-864-P) and do the math. I will tell you $15K is well short of the need.

[kristinakiko 0]

Ok, so I'm gonna need my dad to co-sponsor to show we have financial support. I assume this is done on the I-134 Affidavit of Support form. So, possibly a stupid question, but should my dad be filling out this form since he is the one that will be providing the basis of financial support in the eyes of the government with our savings and job applications as secondary back up? I gathered from another thread that the I-134 should be brought to my fiance's interview, should we attach my dad's tax returns as well as our savings account statements? Is there a form earlier on in the process that expresses our intent to use my dad as financial co-sponsor?

(Sorry for the barrage of questions, I really feel this is the only thing that will hold us back from getting a K1 so I'm nervous.)

[ScottThuy 140]

Yes, if he is the cosponsor, he must provide his info on the 134 submitted for cosponsor.. you will also complete 1.

[Anh map 2,098]

Your "backup" will not matter. For the I-134 it is a single person's eligibility that is evaluated. Your fiance(e) will present the petitioner's (your) I-134 along with any co-sponsor's I-134 at the interview. Each affidavit must have all needed documents.

Look at the I-864P for the required income levels. Dad's household count will be his plus your fiance(e). If he files a joint tax return he will complete the I-134 for only his income, not the combined income. He can use the joint tax return when submitting documents.

Have you been filing US taxes while in Japan? If not, go ahead and get that taken care of. It will need to be addressed further along at the adjustment of status step, which occurs after you marry in the US.

[kristinakiko 0]

Thanks for the info. I will make sure my fiance brings two I-134 forms, dad's and mine, as well as tax documents with him to the interview.

[baron555 934]

Thanks for the info. I will make sure my fiance brings two I-134 forms, dad's and mine, as well as tax documents with him to the interview.

What about the AOS filing fees? Can you afford that? And, living expenses and lots more once they get here?