What is considered "Sufficient Funds" with a fiancee K1 visa application?

[JamesB 0]

I have an approved visa petition to come to the US from the UK and marry my long term girlfriend, but on all the official documentation, it simply says proof that you have sufficient funds. Nowhere does it give some kind of figure.

How much is considered enough by USCIS without having to rely on the petitioner's affidavit of support?

Many thanks in advance.

[YuAndDan 153]

By approved visa petition you mean USCIS has approved the I-129F? You still need to interview for the actual visa in London, your US Citizen will prepare an I-134 and send it to you for the interview, that will be proof of sufficient funds.

Form I-864P will tell you what the current income level the US Citizen petitioner needs to be making as income to provide support.

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/men...00045f3d6a1RCRD

More here:

http://london.usembassy.gov/cons_new/visa/iv/faffidavit.html

http://www.visajourney.com/timeline/profile.php?id=48823

Edited May 6, 2008 by YuAndDan

[motu 6]

Generally for the USC petitioner - they must make 125% of poverty line for the new 'household' size. If you are trying to get by, on self petitioning (some have done this in the past) then you will need to show 3 times this amount in bank accounts/assets - but its generally considered difficult to prove this to the consulates examiners. Why can't your petitioner support you? or geta co-sponsor - this is the 'normal' means. http://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty/08poverty.shtml

Good Luck

[JamesB 0]

Form I-864P will tell you what the current income level the US Citizen petitioner needs to be making as income to provide support.

Thanks for that. Very helpful. Problem is that she only works a couple of days a week, but earns less than the minimum $17k.

So therefore I need to show that I can support myself.

[JamesB 0]

Generally for the USC petitioner - they must make 125% of poverty line for the new 'household' size. If you are trying to get by, on self petitioning (some have done this in the past) then you will need to show 3 times this amount in bank accounts/assets - but its generally considered difficult to prove this to the consulates examiners. Why can't your petitioner support you? or geta co-sponsor - this is the 'normal' means. http://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty/08poverty.shtml

Good Luck

Thanks for the reply. Unfortunately, my petitioner is a low earner, but I have savings and have a very good job here and prospects in the US.

I just need to know how much I need to show as assets to be considered self-sufficient really.

Or I could ask her parents to co-sponsor I guess? Although i'd be loathed to do it.

[YuAndDan 153]

Form I-864P will tell you what the current income level the US Citizen petitioner needs to be making as income to provide support.

Thanks for that. Very helpful. Problem is that she only works a couple of days a week, but earns less than the minimum $17k.

So therefore I need to show that I can support myself.

Then follow the link to the london consulate, there is lots of info about how you can provide additional support.

Example if you have some savings you can use that as an asset and add that to the petitioner's income.

Also London is a bit looser than most, and may accept a petitioner that makes only 100% rather than 125% for a sponsor. I-134 technically requires only 100%

Lastly assets are worth only 1/3 income, so if income falls below the line by $1000 then $3000 in liquid assets are needed.

More info:

Other Immigrant Categories - When an I-134 May be Needed

Do applicants who are applying for an immigrant visa in a visa category that does not require the I-864 Affidavit of Support, such as the diversity immigrant visa, need to meet the public charge provisions of Section 213A of the INA?

Consular officers will review immigrant visa applicants whose visa categories do not require the I-864 under the public charge guidelines in Section 212(a)(4) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. The applicants must show that they will not become a public charge. A consular officer may ask for an Affidavit of Support, Form I-134 and supporting documents. The sponsor will need to show income at 100 percent of the federal poverty guidelines for household size, not the 125 percent required under Section 213A of the INA.

Should K-1 fiancé(e) visa applicants use the I-864 or the I-134?

Since fiancé(e)s are nonimmigrant visa applicants, they should use the I-134. They will need to submit an I-864 to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) when they adjust status to conditional immigrant in the United States after they are married.

http://www.travel.state.gov/pdf/I-864GenInfo-FAQ-Final.pdf

[JamesB 0]

I'll look into it in more depth tomorrow. Many thanks for your time, it's very much appreciated.

[BigCityDave 0]

I'll look into it in more depth tomorrow. Many thanks for your time, it's very much appreciated.

You can send your money to her and make her Personal Savings account look good.

[JamesB 0]

I'll look into it in more depth tomorrow. Many thanks for your time, it's very much appreciated.

You can send your money to her and make her Personal Savings account look good.

That's another option, yes. Although she'll get stung by the IRS for it i'd imagine.

[YuAndDan 153]

I'll look into it in more depth tomorrow. Many thanks for your time, it's very much appreciated.

You can send your money to her and make her Personal Savings account look good.

That's another option, yes. Although she'll get stung by the IRS for it i'd imagine.

London has this:

Applicants Own Funds

An applicant who expects to be able to meet the public charge provisions of the law through personal financial resources may submit to the consular officer evidence of funds or income from one or more of the following sources:

• bank statement showing present balance of applicant's account, date account was opened, the number and amount of deposits and withdrawals during the past 12 months, and the average balance during the year. If there have been recent unusually large deposits, an explanation thereof should be given;

• proof of ownership of property or real estate, in the form of a title deed or the equivalent and a letter from a lawyer, or real estate agent showing its present valuation (any mortgages or loans against the property must be stated);

• letter or letters verifying ownership of stocks and bonds, with present market value or expected earnings indicated;

• statement from insurance company showing policies held and present case surrender value;

• proof of income from business investments or other sources.

If the financial resources are derived from a source outside the United States, a statement as to how the funds or income are to be transferred to the U.S. must be provided.

http://london.usembassy.gov/cons_new/visa/iv/faffidavit.html

[JamesB 0]

Good news!

Turns out she's just received a promotion and bonus, with it being that time of year... taking her 600 dollars above those 125% poverty guidelines. What a stroke of luck!

So she can now swear the affidavit and I can top up the assurance with my resources. Happy Days...

Thanks everyone for your help and most importantly for your time.

James