Starting first job...poverty guidelines?

[Naito 0]

I just graduated back in May, and I'm wondering about meeting the poverty requirements for sponsoring my fiancee. I will be starting my first job on July 6th, and I will be above the poverty requirement by the time my fiancee has her interview (around late Sept. of this year). However, on all of my previous tax returns, I was claimed as a dependent by my dad, because I was still a student at that time.

Has anyone had this same experience? Should I have my dad file as a co-sponsor? Any advice is greatly appreciated!

[JimVaPhuong 4,863]

I just graduated back in May, and I'm wondering about meeting the poverty requirements for sponsoring my fiancee. I will be starting my first job on July 6th, and I will be above the poverty requirement by the time my fiancee has her interview (around late Sept. of this year). However, on all of my previous tax returns, I was claimed as a dependent by my dad, because I was still a student at that time.

Has anyone had this same experience? Should I have my dad file as a co-sponsor? Any advice is greatly appreciated!

Your fiance(e) will probably going to the interview in just a few months, based on your timeline. By then, you'll only have a handful of pay stubs accumulated. Many companies also have a 90 day probationary period where you are considered a temporary employee, and can be dismissed without cause (this depends on state law). If this is the case, your employer would not likely be willing to give you a letter confirming your employment until the end of the probationary period.

It would probably be a good idea to have your dad (or anyone else who qualifies) available as a co-sponsor.

[reeses16 8]

You just need to document your situation. If you can get copies of your dads return. I also, you should include a letter from your bank showing your deposits, and letter from your employeers (check the guides, these things are not required but recommended, but in your cases I think they are critical since you don't have tax returns of you own). Also include any financial aid awards letters you have had over the last few years. If your father is not comfortable giving you his return, its not a big deal. Gather all the documentation that you can, and include a short note/letter explaining why you did not file and what you have included (and why). This advice assumes that you want to sponsor your fiance yourself. Otherwise you can get a co-sponsor.

[reeses16 8]

JVP made a good point about the employer letter. Its important to give the person a draft of a letter. Mostly likely they will have to run it by the legal dept or a higher up, but it shouldn't be a problem. I got a letter from a job that I had not started yet. I was simple and stated my salary, and I was on a 1 year contract that was renewable for 3 years depending on satisfactory performance. I wouldn't bring it up unless the employer does, but you could include similar language about a probationary period if you have one. Be clear when you explain what you want and WHY, when I was asking some people thought I was asking them to support (be responsible) for my hubby's visa. Once I addressed these concerns, pointing out that the letter was verification of my income and nothing more, everyone was happy.

Edited June 21, 2009 by reeses16

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

I just graduated back in May, and I'm wondering about meeting the poverty requirements for sponsoring my fiancee. I will be starting my first job on July 6th, and I will be above the poverty requirement by the time my fiancee has her interview (around late Sept. of this year). However, on all of my previous tax returns, I was claimed as a dependent by my dad, because I was still a student at that time.

Has anyone had this same experience? Should I have my dad file as a co-sponsor? Any advice is greatly appreciated!

Well, in theory, at least you would qualify. But with no other owrk history, having a co-sponsor available is a good idea, if you get approved on your own, you won't need it. That said...

The I-134 is a very temporary document. It may be better in your case to have your dad as co-sponsor for the visa interview and then when you file for the AOS, try it on your own. That lets you dad off the hook and your (then) wife will be here. You will have more work history to present.

If it were me, I would feel better going that route.