Clarification on Poverty Guideline Requirement

[EmpressDMarie 1]

Hello Fellow VJ'ers,

Can someone help me to understand what the actual dollar amount is for a household of 3 persons according to the poverty guideline requirement? My husband was blue-slipped yesterday and advsd that we need a joint sponsor but I don't understand b/c my 2009 tax return has my income at over $45,000. I did not submit this w/ the paperwork but I faxed it to him to hand in to the officer during his appointment. I originally sent them my 2008, 2007, & 2006 tax returns. My income for those years was $8k, $44k, and $36k respectively. I sent an email directly to the embassy to try to get more information and they responded that I will receive a new appointment through the mail in another two to three months. I'm absolutely frustrated and ready to throw in the towel

[trailmix 77]

It is $22,887 for 3 people.

If he in fact did show them your tax return, plus slips, I have no idea why they would be asking for a joint sponsor.

[inzango 0]

Hello Fellow VJ'ers,

Can someone help me to understand what the actual dollar amount is for a household of 3 persons according to the poverty guideline requirement? My husband was blue-slipped yesterday and advsd that we need a joint sponsor but I don't understand b/c my 2009 tax return has my income at over $45,000. I did not submit this w/ the paperwork but I faxed it to him to hand in to the officer during his appointment. I originally sent them my 2008, 2007, & 2006 tax returns. My income for those years was $8k, $44k, and $36k respectively. I sent an email directly to the embassy to try to get more information and they responded that I will receive a new appointment through the mail in another two to three months. I'm absolutely frustrated and ready to throw in the towel

I'm sorry for the frustration.

Unfortunately, I think they might have reviewed your 2008 tax return with the income of $8k right? Maybe that's why they gave him a blue slip. Did you ask your husbund if he gave them the 2009 tax return at the time of interview and told them that my wife wasn't able to submit it with I-864? Even if he gave them 2009 tax return copy, the question is, did they review it or just gave him the blue slip without looking at the paperwork?

Hope this gets resolved ASAP.

Good luck

[DedicatedWife 4]

Hello Fellow VJ'ers,

Can someone help me to understand what the actual dollar amount is for a household of 3 persons according to the poverty guideline requirement? My husband was blue-slipped yesterday and advsd that we need a joint sponsor but I don't understand b/c my 2009 tax return has my income at over $45,000. I did not submit this w/ the paperwork but I faxed it to him to hand in to the officer during his appointment. I originally sent them my 2008, 2007, & 2006 tax returns. My income for those years was $8k, $44k, and $36k respectively. I sent an email directly to the embassy to try to get more information and they responded that I will receive a new appointment through the mail in another two to three months. I'm absolutely frustrated and ready to throw in the towel

Don't throw in the towel. I know it can be frustrating but looks like you have the documentation you need to get the approval whenever the interview is rescheduled.

Best wishes to you!

[EmpressDMarie 1]

My husband had his interview on 05/10/2010. Prior to this date, I faxed him my 2009 tax return and W2. Because of all the reviews that I've read on this site, I knew that if he did not submit those documents, he would not be approved. Even though I was VERY clear about this when I explained it to him, for some strange reason, he did not give them the documents at the interview. He said he was nervous and they "didn't ask" for the documents. I love my husband dearly, but if we ever have to do something like this again, I'd have to do it myself to make sure it's done right :-).

Anyway, he was blue-slipped and advised that he would need a joint sponsor. I WAS FURIOUS because my income was more than double the amount needed for our household size.

THANK GOD FOR THE INTERNET AND MODERN TECHNOLOGY

I immediately got on the computer and located an email address where I could send a message to the consulate directly. I explained to them in the email that my husband was in possession of my tax documents and according to the guidelines, I met the requirement on my own. The next day, someone from the embassy contacted by husband by phone and asked him if he was still in possession of the documents. They told him to come in the next day so they can have the officer review the petition again with the tax form. He was in and out within an hour-this time with an approval. I received an email from the embassy confirming this the next day.

FYI for anyone who is going through this: Alot of times people in Jamaica are so afraid to speak up or ask questions because they already have it in their minds that they are not going to get through. Encourage your family members to speak up and if you feel that they cannot handle this, go to the interview with them.

[trailmix 77]

Congratulations!

Well i'm glad that all worked out for you two. I don't think it's just Jamaica, that's good advice for everyone. I think consulate officers can be pretty intimidating - they must have worked at the border at some point perhaps

It reminds me of this one person interviewing in Montreal, who had loads of proof with them to prove reestablishing domicile. As the CO was speaking, explaining why he was denying the visa and which proof they failed to give, the USC spoke up and said - I have ALL of that proof right here.

So, you are right, you have to be prepared to speak up - it would seem they believe that whatever you have submitted is what you are submitting and unless you speak up your additional documents may not be viewed.