Can my usa citizen fiancee live with me in England during K1 process

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

The title says it.

She lives in California. I live in England. We are applying for the USA K1 fiancee visa. We want to end up in california.

Can she stay in england on a 180 day visa whilst the k1 goes through?

Are there any interviews that she needs to go to and therefore would miss?

Can anyone see any problems with this plan?

There is no restriction against it on the USA side and if she were allowed to stay as a visitor in UK, why not? BUT, she will have to show an income and means of support in order for you to get a visa, so I suppose if she has an income and can continue to receive it while in the UK, it is OK, other wise, how is she going to show she income to support you?

[paul p 0]

Yes, she can stay with you. You just need to make sure that someone is getting her mail or USCIS sends things to another's home in case you get an RFE. Also, as someone else mentioned you need to prove income both for the embassy and when you file AOS, so make sure that you have a co-sponsor or this wont effect your finances too much.

This is interesting. I asssume that want to make sure that i wont be a burden on the government or try to work illegally when i first arrive. Do my savings count? It will be around $50K and therefore will sustain us. My fiancee will not have much savings, working or not. She works hard but most goes out on housing, children etc. Will her finances impact our K1 or AOS.

Paul

You will have to meet the poverty level needed. The State department requires 100%, however, some embassies/consulates require the level needed for the I-864 (which is 125% of the level).

This is the 2009 poverty level chart I-864P PDF - using that, you will determine the number of people, and then it will show you what you need to make in income to sponsor.

If you use assets, you will have to show 5 times the amount needed to cover the difference between the sponsors income and the required poverty level.

This page is the FAQ for it I-864

You can use that info to determine what you need to do.

If you sponsor/you cannot meet the level, then you will require a co-sponsor that can.

Hmmm again interesting. So, she has 3 young kids, does that mean 3 in her household. I assume so she would have to earn 27K on the chart. Is that correct?

Great thanks for your reply, this is really helping

[paul p 0]

The title says it.

She lives in California. I live in England. We are applying for the USA K1 fiancee visa. We want to end up in california.

Can she stay in england on a 180 day visa whilst the k1 goes through?

Are there any interviews that she needs to go to and therefore would miss?

Can anyone see any problems with this plan?

There is no restriction against it on the USA side and if she were allowed to stay as a visitor in UK, why not? BUT, she will have to show an income and means of support in order for you to get a visa, so I suppose if she has an income and can continue to receive it while in the UK, it is OK, other wise, how is she going to show she income to support you?

Gary, I thank your wisdom and i think you hit the nail onthe head. I am marrying her for love not money :0). Good job, she has no flippin monney :0).

So i think you are right, it is better she stays there and still works to get near the poverty line. I think she may be below it and with the recession etc. getting a co-sponsor will be difficult.

I have money and Marina-Del on this thread (what a great forum by the way), said that London will take my money and income into consideration. Now this was in 2006 and could have changed. Suppose i should phone them up to find out.

Do you know anything about this?

Again, great info and help. Really appreciate it

[paul p 0]

I lived in London throughout the K-1 process with my Australian fiancee. Both of us were in the UK on temporary work visas. As others have stated here, it is no problem for your American fiancee to live in the UK with you while you file. But again, as others have stated, there needs to be a reliable address in the US and she needs to provide an affidavit of support for you at the interview. I was working as a waitress in London while we filed. I submitted my affidavit and had my parents co-sponsor.

HOWEVER, London is one of the only consulates that will let the Non-USC sponsor themselves. My fiancee also works in IT. We showed them his bank account balance, both in London and in Australia and had letters from his employer. They did not even ask to see the affidavit of supports from my parents. They of course took my original affidavit of support, but I had not been employed in the US for 2 years prior to that and wasn't making much in London.

So, the answer to your question about whether they will look at your saved money or consider the fact that you work in IT and should be able to find a job in the US....yes! But again, London is one of the only consualtes that allows you to do this. Also note, that back in 2006 when I did it, there was not a lot of information online about whether they would accept that or not. Some people on VJ said that they had done it, but others said it couldn't be done. Also, again, this was in 2006, so you never know what might have changed.

My advice, have her affidavit AND a co-sponser in the US that meets to guidelines JUST in case they don't accept your own sponsorship. My father has his own company in the US and we prepared a letter stating that he would employ my fiancee when we got to the US and give him this and this amount of money. But, we never showed it to them and they never asked for more. In the interview they only mentioned money once, he said "your funds all seem to be in order" (referring to my fiancees bank balance!). (point being, better to be safe than sorry! Have co sponsors ready, but most likely your saved money and occupation will be fine!)

Good luck!

Brilliant info Marina-Del. Really apprecaite.

So this affidavit, the I-864, is this required when you first process the I129-F or is it at a later stage. Can i fill in the information now with the G-325A or can it wait?

Also, when do you tell the process about my money and my job. Do i put it in as part of the I129-F or do i wait for my interview.

I do understand that the forum is not 100% sure if i can be my own sponsor but any information from your own experiences will help.

Thanks again and im gald that you got the love you unboutably deserved

[paul p 0]

I lived in London throughout the K-1 process with my Australian fiancee. Both of us were in the UK on temporary work visas. As others have stated here, it is no problem for your American fiancee to live in the UK with you while you file. But again, as others have stated, there needs to be a reliable address in the US and she needs to provide an affidavit of support for you at the interview. I was working as a waitress in London while we filed. I submitted my affidavit and had my parents co-sponsor.

HOWEVER, London is one of the only consulates that will let the Non-USC sponsor themselves. My fiancee also works in IT. We showed them his bank account balance, both in London and in Australia and had letters from his employer. They did not even ask to see the affidavit of supports from my parents. They of course took my original affidavit of support, but I had not been employed in the US for 2 years prior to that and wasn't making much in London.

So, the answer to your question about whether they will look at your saved money or consider the fact that you work in IT and should be able to find a job in the US....yes! But again, London is one of the only consualtes that allows you to do this. Also note, that back in 2006 when I did it, there was not a lot of information online about whether they would accept that or not. Some people on VJ said that they had done it, but others said it couldn't be done. Also, again, this was in 2006, so you never know what might have changed.

My advice, have her affidavit AND a co-sponser in the US that meets to guidelines JUST in case they don't accept your own sponsorship. My father has his own company in the US and we prepared a letter stating that he would employ my fiancee when we got to the US and give him this and this amount of money. But, we never showed it to them and they never asked for more. In the interview they only mentioned money once, he said "your funds all seem to be in order" (referring to my fiancees bank balance!). (point being, better to be safe than sorry! Have co sponsors ready, but most likely your saved money and occupation will be fine!)

Good luck!

Brilliant info Marina-Del. Really apprecaite.

So this affidavit, the I-864, is this required when you first process the I129-F or is it at a later stage. Can i fill in the information now with the G-325A or can it wait?

Also, when do you tell the process about my money and my job. Do i put it in as part of the I129-F or do i wait for my interview.

I do understand that the forum is not 100% sure if i can be my own sponsor but any information from your own experiences will help.

Thanks again and im gald that you got the love you unboutably deserved

Sorry, pardon my ignorance. I have seen that the affadavit form is sent after the NOA2. So the only question is, when did your fiance provide his financial information into the process

[PB&JAM 1]

The title says it.

She lives in California. I live in England. We are applying for the USA K1 fiancee visa. We want to end up in california.

Can she stay in england on a 180 day visa whilst the k1 goes through?

Are there any interviews that she needs to go to and therefore would miss?

Can anyone see any problems with this plan?

Weird.. I live in California and my fiance is named Paul and lives in England. Is your fiance's name Jenny?

LOL. No it isn't but Jenny does sound very nice

Your journey is interesting as i t may be a template for mine. We met online in May 2008 and have met twice in U.S. She is coming here to "that sacred isle" in April. We are currently filling out the I-129F and in the midst of the land of procrastination Doh! We are gettig through it though.

So it has taken 7 months from NOA1 to NOA2. Is this typical? Did you have any comebacks asking for more information?

Another question, and i dont want t get too personal, so please tell me to bog off if so, but there is something about finances and income that the U.S. citizen has to fill out. Now my fiancee does not earn much and it is my savings that will sustain me (with her) early on and then my job should sustain us all once i get one out there. I am in I.T and yep, i know the job market isnt great in California at the moment, but greens hoots adn all that .

So the question is, does her finances have a big impact on whether we get accepted or not, and secondly, is there anywhere i can state our plan of me having a large deposit before i come over to get married? The reason i ask because is this is similar to your circumstances in may be an even better template.

Thanks in advance

And nice to meet you

wow, guess May is a great month for American women to meet English Pauls! 7 months is a bit longer then normal. Most people get approved in 4-5 months, but there are always people who wait much shorter or much longer. Impossible to say unfortunately.

I think others answered your Q regarding finances, its up to the US citizen to prove support but she can get a co-sponsor.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

The title says it.

She lives in California. I live in England. We are applying for the USA K1 fiancee visa. We want to end up in california.

Can she stay in england on a 180 day visa whilst the k1 goes through?

Are there any interviews that she needs to go to and therefore would miss?

Can anyone see any problems with this plan?

There is no restriction against it on the USA side and if she were allowed to stay as a visitor in UK, why not? BUT, she will have to show an income and means of support in order for you to get a visa, so I suppose if she has an income and can continue to receive it while in the UK, it is OK, other wise, how is she going to show she income to support you?

Gary, I thank your wisdom and i think you hit the nail onthe head. I am marrying her for love not money :0). Good job, she has no flippin monney :0).

So i think you are right, it is better she stays there and still works to get near the poverty line. I think she may be below it and with the recession etc. getting a co-sponsor will be difficult.

I have money and Marina-Del on this thread (what a great forum by the way), said that London will take my money and income into consideration. Now this was in 2006 and could have changed. Suppose i should phone them up to find out.

Do you know anything about this?

Again, great info and help. Really appreciate it

To my knowledge, the intending immigrants income and assets are NOT considered for the I-134, the interview affadavit. After you are married, YOUR income and assets CAN be considered for the AOS process by filling out form I-864a, but for the visa she will have to do it on her own.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

I lived in London throughout the K-1 process with my Australian fiancee. Both of us were in the UK on temporary work visas. As others have stated here, it is no problem for your American fiancee to live in the UK with you while you file. But again, as others have stated, there needs to be a reliable address in the US and she needs to provide an affidavit of support for you at the interview. I was working as a waitress in London while we filed. I submitted my affidavit and had my parents co-sponsor.

HOWEVER, London is one of the only consulates that will let the Non-USC sponsor themselves. My fiancee also works in IT. We showed them his bank account balance, both in London and in Australia and had letters from his employer. They did not even ask to see the affidavit of supports from my parents. They of course took my original affidavit of support, but I had not been employed in the US for 2 years prior to that and wasn't making much in London.

So, the answer to your question about whether they will look at your saved money or consider the fact that you work in IT and should be able to find a job in the US....yes! But again, London is one of the only consualtes that allows you to do this. Also note, that back in 2006 when I did it, there was not a lot of information online about whether they would accept that or not. Some people on VJ said that they had done it, but others said it couldn't be done. Also, again, this was in 2006, so you never know what might have changed.

My advice, have her affidavit AND a co-sponser in the US that meets to guidelines JUST in case they don't accept your own sponsorship. My father has his own company in the US and we prepared a letter stating that he would employ my fiancee when we got to the US and give him this and this amount of money. But, we never showed it to them and they never asked for more. In the interview they only mentioned money once, he said "your funds all seem to be in order" (referring to my fiancees bank balance!). (point being, better to be safe than sorry! Have co sponsors ready, but most likely your saved money and occupation will be fine!)

Good luck!

Brilliant info Marina-Del. Really apprecaite.

So this affidavit, the I-864, is this required when you first process the I129-F or is it at a later stage. Can i fill in the information now with the G-325A or can it wait?

Also, when do you tell the process about my money and my job. Do i put it in as part of the I129-F or do i wait for my interview.

I do understand that the forum is not 100% sure if i can be my own sponsor but any information from your own experiences will help.

Thanks again and im gald that you got the love you unboutably deserved

Your income and money are not an issue at any point in the process. You can include it in the AOS but it is not required. They will not ask during the I-129f and interview process and there really isn't a "box for that" at this point. You could be a multi-millionaire or Prince William and unless SHE makes enough or has enough liquid assets at the time of the interview to support you and her children, you won't get the visa.

Co-sponsors are acceptable but must be US citizens.

Assets for the I-134 are valued at 3 to 1. $3 assets = $1 income. Cash in the bank is the favored flavor of assets, but others will do. Bank deposits must be in US banks.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

I lived in London throughout the K-1 process with my Australian fiancee. Both of us were in the UK on temporary work visas. As others have stated here, it is no problem for your American fiancee to live in the UK with you while you file. But again, as others have stated, there needs to be a reliable address in the US and she needs to provide an affidavit of support for you at the interview. I was working as a waitress in London while we filed. I submitted my affidavit and had my parents co-sponsor.

HOWEVER, London is one of the only consulates that will let the Non-USC sponsor themselves. My fiancee also works in IT. We showed them his bank account balance, both in London and in Australia and had letters from his employer. They did not even ask to see the affidavit of supports from my parents. They of course took my original affidavit of support, but I had not been employed in the US for 2 years prior to that and wasn't making much in London.

So, the answer to your question about whether they will look at your saved money or consider the fact that you work in IT and should be able to find a job in the US....yes! But again, London is one of the only consualtes that allows you to do this. Also note, that back in 2006 when I did it, there was not a lot of information online about whether they would accept that or not. Some people on VJ said that they had done it, but others said it couldn't be done. Also, again, this was in 2006, so you never know what might have changed.

My advice, have her affidavit AND a co-sponser in the US that meets to guidelines JUST in case they don't accept your own sponsorship. My father has his own company in the US and we prepared a letter stating that he would employ my fiancee when we got to the US and give him this and this amount of money. But, we never showed it to them and they never asked for more. In the interview they only mentioned money once, he said "your funds all seem to be in order" (referring to my fiancees bank balance!). (point being, better to be safe than sorry! Have co sponsors ready, but most likely your saved money and occupation will be fine!)

Good luck!

I am not awatre that London did this. If it is so, then belay my last.

PS, lived in Henley-on-Thames 1993-97. Great place, lots of fun. Ukrainian women are better.

[Marina-Del 10]

Brilliant info Marina-Del. Really apprecaite.

So this affidavit, the I-864, is this required when you first process the I129-F or is it at a later stage. Can i fill in the information now with the G-325A or can it wait?

Also, when do you tell the process about my money and my job. Do i put it in as part of the I129-F or do i wait for my interview.

I do understand that the forum is not 100% sure if i can be my own sponsor but any information from your own experiences will help.

Thanks again and im gald that you got the love you unboutably deserved

Sorry, pardon my ignorance. I have seen that the affadavit form is sent after the NOA2. So the only question is, when did your fiance provide his financial information into the process

No worries. Okay, as you have stated, yes, the affidavit is presented at the interview, not during the initial I-129F (uscis) stage! If I am remembering correctly, we brought the affidavit to the interview when we went and did not send it prior (other more recent Londoners correct me here if I am wrong!). However, I do remember that we did not show them any documents regarding my fiancees finances until THE INTERVIEW. Not before. And again, I had the co sponsor/letter from my sponsor in the bag with me when we went to the interview, but before we had a chance to ask him if he wanted to see it, they said all of our fiances were in order.

There is no need to put any mention of money in the initial packet...just the information that they ask for. You can find some great information on this forum about what types of things you should include in the packet!

You have also said that you think now it would be better for your fiancee to say in the US so that she can make a bit more money. This is, obviously, entirely up to you two!! However, being the romantic that I am (I HATE BEING APART FROM MY SO!), I would tell you not to be discouraged. Your fiancee and you need to show that you have sufficient funds. Many many people do this by using a co-sponsor and this is NOT an issue! Don't be discouraged. Yes, it is maybe more responsible for her to stay in the US and make money for your future....but that's just a decision you have to make! Then again, I don't know your situation -ie. if you have a co-sponsor available. In my case, we were able to use my parents (who don't make that much money, but enough over the poverty line!). But again, they didn't even look at my parents forms, so they didn't even know this! Point being, if you have a co-sponsor who is willing to sign the forms to support you, if needed....then I wouldn't worry about the USC coming to stay with you in the US.

Although, here is another thing to think about. Did you say that she has 3 kids??? This might cause more problems. If she has 3 kids to support and doesn't have the money to support them, they might think twice about adding another person into the picture. It sounds like my fiance was making about the same amount you are making and had about the same amount of money saved...BUT we were just the two of us!

Hope this helps!

[Marina-Del 10]

I am not awatre that London did this. If it is so, then belay my last.

PS, lived in Henley-on-Thames 1993-97. Great place, lots of fun. Ukrainian women are better.

Yep! London does this!

As I said, back in 2006, when me and my fiance were trying to get all of our documents in order we ran into the same wall! Half of VJ told us that it wouldn't work because they only look at the USC money (which in most cases is true!) and the other half (who had gone through London) told us that London was one of the few places that they took into account the funds of the non USC. I think we actually found information regarding this on the US embassy website for London -at the time.

I think that they do this because, at least before the world economy went to hell, the British pound was worth LOTS more than the American dollar. For example, back in 2006, it was over 1 GBP to 2.20USD. That was a great exchange rate!! So my fiance making 30 pounds an hour was really making over $60! But that doesn't work in a place like Brazil (where I live now). The minimum monthly wage in Brazil (São Paulo) is R$420.00 (brazilian reais) or roughly $200.00USD. Obviously, that's not a lot of money for Americans! (okay, this stat is slightly incorrect because even though that is the official minimum wage, it's definitely NOT a living wage!).

Anyway, you get the point, I hope! London used to be a pretty rich place...but not as much these days! I'd call the embassy and see what they say!

Edited March 25, 2009 by Marina-Del

[paul p 0]

The title says it.

She lives in California. I live in England. We are applying for the USA K1 fiancee visa. We want to end up in california.

Can she stay in england on a 180 day visa whilst the k1 goes through?

Are there any interviews that she needs to go to and therefore would miss?

Can anyone see any problems with this plan?

Weird.. I live in California and my fiance is named Paul and lives in England. Is your fiance's name Jenny?

LOL. No it isn't but Jenny does sound very nice

Your journey is interesting as i t may be a template for mine. We met online in May 2008 and have met twice in U.S. She is coming here to "that sacred isle" in April. We are currently filling out the I-129F and in the midst of the land of procrastination Doh! We are gettig through it though.

So it has taken 7 months from NOA1 to NOA2. Is this typical? Did you have any comebacks asking for more information?

Another question, and i dont want t get too personal, so please tell me to bog off if so, but there is something about finances and income that the U.S. citizen has to fill out. Now my fiancee does not earn much and it is my savings that will sustain me (with her) early on and then my job should sustain us all once i get one out there. I am in I.T and yep, i know the job market isnt great in California at the moment, but greens hoots adn all that .

So the question is, does her finances have a big impact on whether we get accepted or not, and secondly, is there anywhere i can state our plan of me having a large deposit before i come over to get married? The reason i ask because is this is similar to your circumstances in may be an even better template.

Thanks in advance

And nice to meet you

wow, guess May is a great month for American women to meet English Pauls! 7 months is a bit longer then normal. Most people get approved in 4-5 months, but there are always people who wait much shorter or much longer. Impossible to say unfortunately.

I think others answered your Q regarding finances, its up to the US citizen to prove support but she can get a co-sponsor.

May is a great month dont you think . Yep, planning for about 6 months. Want to be there for october if possible.

Co-sponsor is worrying me slightly. Parents arent that well off either but we will get around this. I mean jeez, not being cocky, but i will be having enough money in my account to support all of us for at least a year.

Thanks for your support and the fact that you have done it is an inspiration to us.

Paul

[paul p 0]

I lived in London throughout the K-1 process with my Australian fiancee. Both of us were in the UK on temporary work visas. As others have stated here, it is no problem for your American fiancee to live in the UK with you while you file. But again, as others have stated, there needs to be a reliable address in the US and she needs to provide an affidavit of support for you at the interview. I was working as a waitress in London while we filed. I submitted my affidavit and had my parents co-sponsor.

HOWEVER, London is one of the only consulates that will let the Non-USC sponsor themselves. My fiancee also works in IT. We showed them his bank account balance, both in London and in Australia and had letters from his employer. They did not even ask to see the affidavit of supports from my parents. They of course took my original affidavit of support, but I had not been employed in the US for 2 years prior to that and wasn't making much in London.

So, the answer to your question about whether they will look at your saved money or consider the fact that you work in IT and should be able to find a job in the US....yes! But again, London is one of the only consualtes that allows you to do this. Also note, that back in 2006 when I did it, there was not a lot of information online about whether they would accept that or not. Some people on VJ said that they had done it, but others said it couldn't be done. Also, again, this was in 2006, so you never know what might have changed.

My advice, have her affidavit AND a co-sponser in the US that meets to guidelines JUST in case they don't accept your own sponsorship. My father has his own company in the US and we prepared a letter stating that he would employ my fiancee when we got to the US and give him this and this amount of money. But, we never showed it to them and they never asked for more. In the interview they only mentioned money once, he said "your funds all seem to be in order" (referring to my fiancees bank balance!). (point being, better to be safe than sorry! Have co sponsors ready, but most likely your saved money and occupation will be fine!)

Good luck!

Brilliant info Marina-Del. Really apprecaite.

So this affidavit, the I-864, is this required when you first process the I129-F or is it at a later stage. Can i fill in the information now with the G-325A or can it wait?

Also, when do you tell the process about my money and my job. Do i put it in as part of the I129-F or do i wait for my interview.

I do understand that the forum is not 100% sure if i can be my own sponsor but any information from your own experiences will help.

Thanks again and im gald that you got the love you unboutably deserved

Your income and money are not an issue at any point in the process. You can include it in the AOS but it is not required. They will not ask during the I-129f and interview process and there really isn't a "box for that" at this point. You could be a multi-millionaire or Prince William and unless SHE makes enough or has enough liquid assets at the time of the interview to support you and her children, you won't get the visa.

Co-sponsors are acceptable but must be US citizens.

Assets for the I-134 are valued at 3 to 1. $3 assets = $1 income. Cash in the bank is the favored flavor of assets, but others will do. Bank deposits must be in US banks.

Very clear as always adn thanks. I think i will check with the embassy just in case as u never know i may be luck. Co-sponsor is not going to be easy either but we will work through this. Thanks again.

[paul p 0]

I lived in London throughout the K-1 process with my Australian fiancee. Both of us were in the UK on temporary work visas. As others have stated here, it is no problem for your American fiancee to live in the UK with you while you file. But again, as others have stated, there needs to be a reliable address in the US and she needs to provide an affidavit of support for you at the interview. I was working as a waitress in London while we filed. I submitted my affidavit and had my parents co-sponsor.

HOWEVER, London is one of the only consulates that will let the Non-USC sponsor themselves. My fiancee also works in IT. We showed them his bank account balance, both in London and in Australia and had letters from his employer. They did not even ask to see the affidavit of supports from my parents. They of course took my original affidavit of support, but I had not been employed in the US for 2 years prior to that and wasn't making much in London.

So, the answer to your question about whether they will look at your saved money or consider the fact that you work in IT and should be able to find a job in the US....yes! But again, London is one of the only consualtes that allows you to do this. Also note, that back in 2006 when I did it, there was not a lot of information online about whether they would accept that or not. Some people on VJ said that they had done it, but others said it couldn't be done. Also, again, this was in 2006, so you never know what might have changed.

My advice, have her affidavit AND a co-sponser in the US that meets to guidelines JUST in case they don't accept your own sponsorship. My father has his own company in the US and we prepared a letter stating that he would employ my fiancee when we got to the US and give him this and this amount of money. But, we never showed it to them and they never asked for more. In the interview they only mentioned money once, he said "your funds all seem to be in order" (referring to my fiancees bank balance!). (point being, better to be safe than sorry! Have co sponsors ready, but most likely your saved money and occupation will be fine!)

Good luck!

I am not awatre that London did this. If it is so, then belay my last.

PS, lived in Henley-on-Thames 1993-97. Great place, lots of fun. Ukrainian women are better.

Ukrainian woman are better :0) :0). I will take your word for it as i have never had the privaledge. I once knew a belarussian. She ahd a beard :0) :0).

Seriously, thanks for your help and she is a lucky woman. If that is her picture, you are a luvky man.

Paul

[elmcitymaven 9,712]

Moving this thread to the UK sub-forum for more specific advice from UK K-1 folks who have successfully self-sponsored. I know of more than one that has been successful.

Also, if your fiancee has 3 children, the household size will be 5, not 4. If you are self-sponsoring, that means you will need assets of $110,736 (5 people in household at 125% poverty level = $32,237; multiply this times 3 for using assets as sponsorship = $110,736). London has in the past been a little lenient on requiring exactly the 125%, but it has been done. If you have a joint sponsor, remember they will not need to count your fiancee and her children unless they are also part of their household. For example, if the joint sponsor was unmarried and lived alone, they would need only make enough to sponsor two people.

And by the way, Gary and Alla, British women ROCK!