Income below Poverty guidelines but pay stub above Poverty guideline

[Miya 0]

Hello all,

My fiance's recent tax returns shows that his income is below the poverty guidelines but his pay stub for his part time job (in sales) exceeds the amount stated in the poverty guidelines. He is petttioning me for K1.

I can't help but feel very very worried and stressed out. What are our chances of being approved?

[JimVaPhuong 4,863]

Hello all,

My fiance's recent tax returns shows that his income is below the poverty guidelines but his pay stub for his part time job (in sales) exceeds the amount stated in the poverty guidelines. He is petttioning me for K1.

I can't help but feel very very worried and stressed out. What are our chances of being approved?

This is a call that must be made by the consular officer conducting the interview. They may be reluctant to consider a few pay stubs if the work is part time. If he can get a letter from his employer stating what his sustained income is expected to be, and if that income is comfortably above the level required for his household size, then it may be enough. Otherwise, you might be better off getting a co-sponsor.

The safest route would be to get a co-sponsor anyway.

[Miya 0]

Hello all,

My fiance's recent tax returns shows that his income is below the poverty guidelines but his pay stub for his part time job (in sales) exceeds the amount stated in the poverty guidelines. He is petttioning me for K1.

I can't help but feel very very worried and stressed out. What are our chances of being approved?

This is a call that must be made by the consular officer conducting the interview. They may be reluctant to consider a few pay stubs if the work is part time. If he can get a letter from his employer stating what his sustained income is expected to be, and if that income is comfortably above the level required for his household size, then it may be enough. Otherwise, you might be better off getting a co-sponsor.

The safest route would be to get a co-sponsor anyway.

Thank you Jim for replying to my question. I appreciate your reply, but I heard US Embassy in Bangkok does not accept co-sponsor..

We have exhausted all means just to increase the poverty guidelines level, Think all I can do now is pray for a miracle..

Thanks again.

[mahzesh 0]

I would suggest getting a co-sponsor.But, as you mentioned they dont accept it in Bangkok, can't tell you what to do but getting more information on this issue. Try calling NVC hotline in US or someother source and ask them whats best you can do in this regard.

[Ning 619]

Hello all,

My fiance's recent tax returns shows that his income is below the poverty guidelines but his pay stub for his part time job (in sales) exceeds the amount stated in the poverty guidelines. He is petttioning me for K1.

I can't help but feel very very worried and stressed out. What are our chances of being approved?

This is a call that must be made by the consular officer conducting the interview. They may be reluctant to consider a few pay stubs if the work is part time. If he can get a letter from his employer stating what his sustained income is expected to be, and if that income is comfortably above the level required for his household size, then it may be enough. Otherwise, you might be better off getting a co-sponsor.

The safest route would be to get a co-sponsor anyway.

Thank you Jim for replying to my question. I appreciate your reply, but I heard US Embassy in Bangkok does not accept co-sponsor..

We have exhausted all means just to increase the poverty guidelines level, Think all I can do now is pray for a miracle..

Thanks again.

The embassy has allowed a co-sponsor in some cases. The co-sponsor should be an immediate family member instead of a friend ect.

The past tax info indicates the income wasnt enough at that time. However the current income level has improved to an acceptable level. There is no reason to believe he wont continue to do well & improve his income as the economy improves.

Hopefully the officer will accept the income or a co-sponsor. Remember you will marry within 90 days & could then file the AOS which allows the use of a co-sponsor.

I would tell the officer that is what you are going to do. They could easily allow the co-sponsor on the K 1 knowing you will have another chance at review in the near future.

All decisions are made by the officers of course, based on the info provided. The only way you will know is to submit the case to the officer. There is no agency that will prescreen the case.

Every case is different as we know. I have a Thai friend that was just approved using a co-sponsor for a K 1. It can be done

[Miya 0]

Hello Ning,

Thank you , thank you so much!!!!! After reading your reply, I suddenly become so alert and want to jump with joy. Your response has given me so much hope and optimism. I know now what to do and will rely this to my fiance. Wow!!

[Ning 619]

Hello Ning,

Thank you , thank you so much!!!!! After reading your reply, I suddenly become so alert and want to jump with joy. Your response has given me so much hope and optimism. I know now what to do and will rely this to my fiance. Wow!!

We all want this to work for you. Jims suggestion of the letter is a good idea & should be done to help the case. Also I agree that your fiance should get a co-sponsor to have the best chance at approval.

You English is good, your understanding clear. There is no reason to think you wont succeed. Use what you learn now, at the interview to convince the officer you are sure of your present & future circumstances.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

Hello all,

My fiance's recent tax returns shows that his income is below the poverty guidelines but his pay stub for his part time job (in sales) exceeds the amount stated in the poverty guidelines. He is petttioning me for K1.

I can't help but feel very very worried and stressed out. What are our chances of being approved?

Good question. Generally "current income" trumps all, if it is documented. If he got a new job yesterday making $60,000 per year then his "current" income is $60,000 per year. But consulates have wide latitude on this and it is a judgement call on their part...not a pass/fail test. I have read here many times that Bangkok gives serious weight to the previous years tax return. Bangkok alos doe snot accept co-sponsors for K-1s. I would do all I can to document his current income. Check stubs, bank letter, employment letter, etc. If they can determine he has a permanent, full time job that exceeds the guidelines.

[Ning 619]

Hello all,

My fiance's recent tax returns shows that his income is below the poverty guidelines but his pay stub for his part time job (in sales) exceeds the amount stated in the poverty guidelines. He is petttioning me for K1.

I can't help but feel very very worried and stressed out. What are our chances of being approved?

Good question. Generally "current income" trumps all, if it is documented. If he got a new job yesterday making $60,000 per year then his "current" income is $60,000 per year. But consulates have wide latitude on this and it is a judgement call on their part...not a pass/fail test. I have read here many times that Bangkok gives serious weight to the previous years tax return. Bangkok alos doe snot accept co-sponsors for K-1s. I would do all I can to document his current income. Check stubs, bank letter, employment letter, etc. If they can determine he has a permanent, full time job that exceeds the guidelines.

BKK has accepted co-sponsors for K 1 visas. There have been reports here on V J in the recent past of them doing so.

In addition I have a Thai friend that used a co-sponsor last month to help be approved for K 1 visa. She is in the USA now.

When my wife interviewed in BKK they didnt seem concerned with my previous income. They did want to know what it was at the time. I was there during the interview; standing at the window.

[Dan and Pat! 0]

Hello all,

My fiance's recent tax returns shows that his income is below the poverty guidelines but his pay stub for his part time job (in sales) exceeds the amount stated in the poverty guidelines. He is petttioning me for K1.

I can't help but feel very very worried and stressed out. What are our chances of being approved?

Good question. Generally "current income" trumps all, if it is documented. If he got a new job yesterday making $60,000 per year then his "current" income is $60,000 per year. But consulates have wide latitude on this and it is a judgement call on their part...not a pass/fail test. I have read here many times that Bangkok gives serious weight to the previous years tax return. Bangkok alos doe snot accept co-sponsors for K-1s. I would do all I can to document his current income. Check stubs, bank letter, employment letter, etc. If they can determine he has a permanent, full time job that exceeds the guidelines.

BKK has accepted co-sponsors for K 1 visas. There have been reports here on V J in the recent past of them doing so.

In addition I have a Thai friend that used a co-sponsor last month to help be approved for K 1 visa. She is in the USA now.

When my wife interviewed in BKK they didnt seem concerned with my previous income. They did want to know what it was at the time. I was there during the interview; standing at the window.

As Ning knows, I'm having a similar problem. I got a co-sponsor anyway, and picked up another part time job. My fiance's interview is October 14, I will let you know what happens. Good luck to you, I don't know when your interview is, but please let us know how it goes.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

Hello all,

My fiance's recent tax returns shows that his income is below the poverty guidelines but his pay stub for his part time job (in sales) exceeds the amount stated in the poverty guidelines. He is petttioning me for K1.

I can't help but feel very very worried and stressed out. What are our chances of being approved?

Generally the current income trumps past year income, but as Jim says, it sounds like the current income is not stable. Can he get an employment letter tha states what his income is? It does not matter if the job is full time or part time. If it is "permanent" and poays enough he is OK.

This is a judegment call by the consualte, there are no hard and fast rules and if you are borderline I cannot say what your chances are and Bangkok is one of very few consulates that does not accept (usually) co-sponsors for K-1s