Unemployment and the I-134

[SappieCollin 0]

Hi There,

I think it's becoming clear to me what the biggest hurtle is going to be regarding my I-129F petition...

About 4 months ago, I filed my paperwork to receive unemployment after being laid off from my software company. My unemployment request was actually denied because, at the time, I hadn't worked enough hours at my job to qualify, and I never received any money or benefits whatsoever from the state. In short: I have never been a public charge.

However, I'm wondering if the fact that I have applied at all will be a factor in my fiancee's K-1 visa approval. I have a current income well above the 125% poverty line, but I don't have a long history of employment as I only graduated a little while back (i.e. I don't even have a tax return from 2007 - I'm that fresh off the line).

I'm going to have a co-sponsor, my sister, I make more than enough to satisfy any concerns about my fiancee becoming a public charge, but I'm worried now that my past history might play a detrimental role in the approval process.

Any thoughts?

[KimandRuss 0]

You're all set.

The Consulate is going to care about what you are making now. Not what you used to make or that you ever filed for unemployment. It's your fiance they don't want to see become a public charge. The fact that you don't have a W2 from this year is usually ok and you will simply need a letter to explain. You will want to check with the Singapore Consulate sometime before your interview to find out exactly what it expected of you at that point as each Consulate has different requirements. VJ will give you the basics. You can probably find some good advice in the Regional forums and on the Portal page here on VJ as well.

You probably wont even need your sister as a joint sponsor but it's good you have her just in case.

[Kathryn41 3,205]

No, it shouldn't in the ways that you suggest. You applied for and didn't receive EI benefits, however, even if you had, those are not a means tested benefit so you didn't receive any sort of social assistance. You should be fine with your current income and a co-sponsor. Good luck.

[Thai family 0]

I don't even have a tax return from 2007 - I'm that fresh off the line.

_______________________________

The unemployment should be a non-issue. Not having a 2007 tax return does have to be explained. I called and talked with a DOS visa specialist last week who told me that if the sponsor did not file taxes for 2007 they need to send a notarized letter explaining why they were not required to do so. My son just graduated from college and is in a similar situation as you. He has good income for the first six months of 2008, but attended college for over two years on a student visa and was not allowed to engage in gainful employment. With a co-sponsor you should be okay.

Here is the contact for visa info. I was on hold for a long time before talking to a very nice man. At least they don't cut calls off! I phoned them after getting automated replies to email inquiries sent to the Bangkok Embassy, which mentioned the Visa Office as another source of information. I will not hesitate to phone them again if more questions arise:

U.S. State Department Visa Office: Information is available to the public by telephone at the Visa Services, Public Inquiries Division at telephone or by FAX at . The telephone number provides the caller with a selection of pre-recorded information and the ability to talk to a visa specialist during business hours.

Best wishes on your journey

[Thai family 0]

Sorry, the phone and fax for the Visa information office didn't show up in my post

Phone: 202-663-1225

Fax: 202-663-3899

[SappieCollin 0]

Oh, you guys are absolutely fantastic and have really helped calm my nerves. Thank you so much!

And, as she is here with me right now on a travel visa (going back on July 29th, a day I hope takes ages to come), my fiancee would like to offer to send you some homemade cookies she bakes here in our kitchen. Just PM me your address and we'll cook you up a batch!

As a testament to how good they are: I've gained about 8 lbs. since she's been here...

Thanks again, guys!

[KimandRuss 0]

You're talking to a woman who lost 200 pounds 10 years ago (that I do not want back!)... so while I appreciate the offer of cookies I think i'll leave them to you.

Sorry you're having to part... *sigh* most of us here know the feeling well. I do hope the time passes quickly and that you are together again soon.