Had a Heartbreak Today

[daisy16 0]

What about your 2005 tax return? Will that show that you're over the poverty line now? It may be worth waiting to file with the latest tax return.

Also, consider going to the UK. They rarely get much snow!

[Keigwyn 1]

From what I understand, or have picked up from here, at the time of interview in the UK the I134 Affidavit of Support will be used to ensure you meet the poverty level. Now, I have seen from time to time that they only appear to be interested in you meeting 100% of this value at this time. The AOS once he gets there is a different matter but the I864 allows for household income, so if he is earning by then you may be able to swing this.

I am in the same sort of situation, my fiancee only earns around 13K, but she does have her own house which would add at least $10K to this amount (divided by 5) as assets.

I have no idea if this is enough for us, technically it is. I will post more after the interview. There is n't much on here from folk that have scrapped through the requirement. I know its a worry to many of us at the lower end of the scale.

Good luck and I suggest you try and find a co-sponsor. easier said than done (I know this)

[meddykomp 0]

If you multiply your current weekly income by 52, does it exceed 100% of the poverty level for you and your dependants (including your fiance)? If so you will qualify for the I-134, but when you adjust status you will need meet the 125% level. Good luck!

[pax 0]

The OP has already said that it does not.

[digbeezgrl 0]

UPDATE FOR THOSE INTERESTED!

So, after about 2 hours on the phone, we've exhausted almost every possibility. This is sooo frustrating.

I am willing to quit my current nanny position at $300 per week and seek a much higher paying job immediately, so I guess a more appropriate question would be, as long as I'm earning the required amount at interview time, maybe this will suffice? This still doesn't help the fact that I can't show the last 3 years employment or income/tax returns..

He's telling me that within 2 or 3 months' time, he could come over with about $10-12K (actually, pounds)

so maybe that will help our cause too.

I realize that I probably sound super psychotic about this, but I am just so scared at the prospect of us spending more months, perhaps years, apart. And don't get me wrong, I will wait as long as it takes, but as you all know, this is pure agony!

So, looks like, I'll be immediately searching for a higher paying position.

Also, I don't have a bank account, nor do I qualify for one. (Again, long story.) Will paystubs suffice? I guess

everything is looked at on an individual basis, but it's just scary not knowing if we'll get laughed out of

our interview... GAH!

Thank you all again for your kind words of support. I'm so glad I found you.

[meauxna 15]

UPDATE FOR THOSE INTERESTED!

So, after about 2 hours on the phone, we've exhausted almost every possibility. This is sooo frustrating.

I am willing to quit my current nanny position at $300 per week and seek a much higher paying job immediately, so I guess a more appropriate question would be, as long as I'm earning the required amount at interview time, maybe this will suffice? This still doesn't help the fact that I can't show the last 3 years employment or income/tax returns..

There are two different Affidavits of Support; the I-134 is often used (but not required) for the K-1 visa. London will allow UKers to 'self sponsor' by showing sufficient funds to buffer their move. This amount is not fixed and you can inquire about it by emailing the London Consulate.

The I-864 is for the Adjustment of Status application and is stricter, so looking ahead to that threshold makes sense.

I'll clarify this, because no one has.

There are two requirements under discussion:

1) meet or exceed the poverty guideline income for your household size.

2) provide your last 3 years' income tax returns

Nowhere does it say that all 3 years income must meet/exceed the PG.

Nowhere does it say that you must be employed currently, or for the past 3 years.

Remove that worry from your head.

A bank account is also NOT required. It is helpful though, and you might want to look into an online account, like ING, or see if a credit union in your town will give you an account.

In my experience, two can not live as cheaply as one, no matter what the old sayings say. You need to look seriously at the future for actual living expenses. Example: your immigrant will not be eligible for means tested benefits, including medical, for the first 5 years here. Doing without medical care/insurance is a big culture shock for UKCs coming over here, and living 'poor' in the US is a different critter than living poor in the UK.

As a K-1, there will be a period of 4-6 months where he will not be earning, for all practical purposes. Plan for it, and make sure that will not be a barrier to your success.

AOS will cost money, a good chunk. Are you prepared for that.

You as the USC *will* be the reponsible party.. he's new here, he won't know how things function and it will be more expensive than you thought. Please, for your own sake, make sure you have realistically looked at how you two will meet your obligations. Like you have done with planning to change your employment etc.

There's nothing wrong with living off the grid.. I'm a big fan of it myself, but when you are taking full responsibility for someone else, make sure you can handle it all

Edited February 6, 2006 by meauxna

[digbeezgrl 0]

OK, that DOES clarify a WHOLE lot. THank you sooo much.

4-6 months he can't work? I was of the understanding that he could apply for a temp work permit the

minute he sets foot here... and I know this doesn't mean he walks on to a job the next day, however, is this 4-6 months some kind of waiting period that I have neglected to realize? Thank you soo much for your input, this has been extremely helpful, and has also given me a glimpse of hope.

PS I worked under the table at a lot of nanny jobs, which is why I don't have tax returns. Needless to say, I will never do this again as long as I live. It has bitten me in the butt on more than one occasion, and I am not the type to cheat the system (I work off the books at the parents' request...)

Thank you again. What is this ING thing you were mentioning? An online bank account? Sweet! I will Google it.

THANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOU THANKYOUTHANKYOU

[meauxna 15]

OK, that DOES clarify a WHOLE lot. THank you sooo much.

4-6 months he can't work? I was of the understanding that he could apply for a temp work permit the

minute he sets foot here... and I know this doesn't mean he walks on to a job the next day, however, is this 4-6 months some kind of waiting period that I have neglected to realize? Thank you soo much for your input, this has been extremely helpful, and has also given me a glimpse of hope.

PS I worked under the table at a lot of nanny jobs, which is why I don't have tax returns. Needless to say, I will never do this again as long as I live. It has bitten me in the butt on more than one occasion, and I am not the type to cheat the system (I work off the books at the parents' request...)

Thank you again. What is this ING thing you were mentioning? An online bank account? Sweet! I will Google it.

THANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOU THANKYOUTHANKYOU

I base the 4-6 months on practical experience (others'-not my own). Unless the immigrant K-1 has a job lined up ahead of time, with a flexible and understanding employer, it's difficult to say that a K-1 can hit the ground running and maintain employment. I have seen too many people who were *counting* on that income be disappointed (or worse).

A temporary work stamp can *usually* (not always) be had IF the K-1 enters through New York's JFK airport. It is valid for 90 days. Add in "some" time for getting a Social Security card. Say in a best case scenario he would be documented for 60 more days. Until he gets married, files for AOS + EAD, does the biometrics (IF nothing goes wrong with the application) and received the EAD card, he can't work after that intial 90 days.

PS: I feel ya, but unfortunately you now see why a plan for one (what you were doing) and a plan for two, where #2 is a foreigner, doesn't work. Funny how parents want to cut the corners when they're leaving their precious darlings with a caregiver! You are not required to document any of that, or bring it up. You must answer truthfully any questions put to you directly.

Yes, ING is an online bank. Get some impartial info at www.clarkhoward.com and I know several people personally who are happy with using them.

Glad you've got something to work with now Stick with it!

[digbeezgrl 0]

MEAUXNA~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

YOU ROCK.

thank you!!! Got a lot of research to do. I will get on the case immediately!!

PS thank you again

[meauxna 15]

Thanks

Now, whatever he says, don't let him trick you into eating Marmite. Those Brits will eat anything.

And no cooking liver and onions, that's my rule.

[Criag 0]

Well, just received a piece of mail today from Homeland Security that caused me to burst into tears.

I fall short of the income requirements for the affifavit of support, nor do I have the last 3 years tax returns to prove income. I've had quite a rough few years since 2000 and a sporadic job history, and last year didn't file at all (I just babysat on and off). We know absolutely NO ONE that we could ask to co-sponsor my fiance here in the US, so we are thinking this is just impossible to overcome.

I make a modest wage now, that technically could support us both, but I fear it will be not good enough.

My question is, realistically how much does he need in the bank to 'self sponsor'? He's from the UK, with an excellent job history and savings and checking accounts, although they are almost empty now due to his trip around the world last year (this is how he met me...)

And another question. What if I went to visit him in Enlgand and we got married there? I understand I would have to come back alone, but will this make it easier on us to eventually get him here without all the red tape? I've read as much as I can bear on this site, and it's been extremely insightful, but we are exploring ALL other avenues around this K1, which seems really out of reach at this time.

This is really killing my spirit, I can't stop crying and the thought of being without him just because the govt says so makes me really angry. If I have to, I'll say bon voyage to the US altogether and move to England, even though we both would much rather be here in Tampa.

Thank you so much for thoughts, help, advice, opinions, etc...

the government would like for you to make 16,500 per year which is 125% above the 13,200 poverty guidelines for a family of 2. Filing the Aff. of support you could have predicted there answers for you..i think they are pretty tough on the laws they work under. Since you submitted the documents already i would think the only option would be a sponsor or i think they allow you to list assets also...it seems though the burden of support lies in the us citizen lap...i feel for you though..although it appears that the support document was incomplete from the beginning...you filled this out? did you get any advice when you realized you were coming up short for the funds? these are my thoughts...

[Fandango 1,440]

Example: your immigrant will not be eligible for means tested benefits, including medical, for the first 5 years here. Doing without medical care/insurance is a big culture shock for UKCs coming over here, and living 'poor' in the US is a different critter than living poor in the UK.

As a K-1, there will be a period of 4-6 months where he will not be earning, for all practical purposes. Plan for it, and make sure that will not be a barrier to your success.

I'm a little freaked out by this, and had no clue...so if he gets a job which gives medical benefits, he's not eligible?

[gcox457 0]

Example: your immigrant will not be eligible for means tested benefits, including medical, for the first 5 years here. Doing without medical care/insurance is a big culture shock for UKCs coming over here, and living 'poor' in the US is a different critter than living poor in the UK.

As a K-1, there will be a period of 4-6 months where he will not be earning, for all practical purposes. Plan for it, and make sure that will not be a barrier to your success.

I'm a little freaked out by this, and had no clue...so if he gets a job which gives medical benefits, he's not eligible?

I think you missed the point. Most likely, he won't be able to *find* a job for 4-6 months because that's how long it might take, from time of initial entry, to get the "permanent" EAD in order to be able to accept permanent employment that might offer medical benefits. Since people from the UK are accustomed to government-paid health care...that period of time being completely un-insured might be a cause for discomfort.

[Fandango 1,440]

Example: your immigrant will not be eligible for means tested benefits, including medical, for the first 5 years here. Doing without medical care/insurance is a big culture shock for UKCs coming over here, and living 'poor' in the US is a different critter than living poor in the UK.

As a K-1, there will be a period of 4-6 months where he will not be earning, for all practical purposes. Plan for it, and make sure that will not be a barrier to your success.

I'm a little freaked out by this, and had no clue...so if he gets a job which gives medical benefits, he's not eligible?

I think you missed the point. Most likely, he won't be able to *find* a job for 4-6 months because that's how long it might take, from time of initial entry, to get the "permanent" EAD in order to be able to accept permanent employment that might offer medical benefits. Since people from the UK are accustomed to government-paid health care...that period of time being completely un-insured might be a cause for discomfort.

The part in red is what concerns me more...I'm not concerned with the 4-6 mo bit.

[meauxna 15]

Example: your immigrant will not be eligible for means tested benefits, including medical, for the first 5 years here. Doing without medical care/insurance is a big culture shock for UKCs coming over here, and living 'poor' in the US is a different critter than living poor in the UK.

As a K-1, there will be a period of 4-6 months where he will not be earning, for all practical purposes. Plan for it, and make sure that will not be a barrier to your success.

I'm a little freaked out by this, and had no clue...so if he gets a job which gives medical benefits, he's not eligible?

Not at all!

Employer-provided insurance benefits are paid for. We were discussing means-tested benefits (government-supplied health care).

Basically, gcox457 got it.

In addition to what he posted, jobs with medical benefits are getting few and far between.