College Grad/Peace Corps volunteer, can I support my fiance?

[mlm399 0]

Hi

I graduated college in 2004 and then joined the peace corps, from 2004-2006 i lived in Ecuador as a Peace Corps volunteer. I returned from the Peace corps September 2006 and started working as a full time high school teacher in December 2006 until present.

During college I only worked about 10 hours a week, and during the Peace Corps I lived off what the government gave me which was about 3,000 a year.

Obviously I'm making plent right now to support the both of us, but......what do you guys think will I need a co-sponsor for my affidavit of support? I'd rather not have one, but I'm thinking I just might need one seeing that 2004-2006 I made next to nothing due to college and Peace Corps.

Please let me know your opinions! ASAP as I would like to get the affidavit of support notarized and in the mail to my fiance ASAP.

THANK YOU!

[Otto 83]

If you're going to use 2006 as your most recent tax year (for the I-134) then you might need a co-sponsor (assuming you don't have the assets needed to overcome the income requirements). If you're interview is in 2008 (which it looks like it will be) and you're going to use 2007 for the I-134, you might not need a co-sponsor.

If it were me - I'd use 2007 tax return (which I assume you'll be preparing shortly) for the affidavit of support - of course, time is of the essence.

[pushbrk 13,105]

If you're going to use 2006 as your most recent tax year (for the I-134) then you might need a co-sponsor (assuming you don't have the assets needed to overcome the income requirements). If you're interview is in 2008 (which it looks like it will be) and you're going to use 2007 for the I-134, you might not need a co-sponsor.

If it were me - I'd use 2007 tax return (which I assume you'll be preparing shortly) for the affidavit of support - of course, time is of the essence.

I agree. State your 2007 income and then file your tax return as soon as possible, so you can include it with your affidavit. Then make sure your work history is understood in case they ask about it at interview.

[Nutty 2]

The question is when are you filing your Affidavit of Support...Now or in a few months?

If you are working all of 2007 and can meet income requirements, maybe you should hold off on filing your Affidavit of Support until after you filed your tax return. This way you ensure not needing a joint sponsor.

If you file your Affidavit of Support now, using 2006 tax return, you will need a joint sponsor.

My scenario:

Did not work for all of 2006. Worked for half of 2007. Started full time job in August 2007. Got a letter from employer stating my annual income is approximately $27,000.00 gross. Filed my Affidavit of Support with tax return, employer letter and bank statements showing $12,000.00 saved. NVC ok'd Affidavit of Support.

BUT - at the Embassy interview the Consular Officer issued my husband a 221(g) blue slip stating, "joint sponsor" needed.

REASON: despite currently making over the income requirements, they went by the tax return.

So, even though the NVC won't deny the Affidavit of Support, the Embassy can set the bar higher.