Affadavit of Support Question

[jingo 38]

Hi all,

I'm a new member on this site. My American boyfriend and I have decided to take this long visa journey so we can finally be together without constant leaving each other at the airport heartbreaks. We are going to file the first batch of documents within a couple of weeks.

I have a question about the financial support document.

On the Dept of State website it says: You may present evidence that you are able to financially support yourself or that your U.S. citizen fiancé(e) is able to provide support.

So my question is, will my boyfriend or I have to prove the necessary funds? At which stage, or both? We are just out of college so dont have huge savings, however I have more than half the amount needed, and his parents could provide the other. Can anyone give me some advice on this, or just clear it all up a little?

Thank you so much!

[Inky 1,111]

You need the financial documents at the time of the interview.

The poverty guideline is $18,212 for a 2 person house ( you and your BF) He needs to make that to be able to sponsor you. But if he doesn't meet the requirement he can get help from his parents if they meet the guidelines.

[Penny Lane 8,159]

The financial support has to be proven at the interview stage of the process. The United States citizen needs to prove that they are able to financially support the beneficiary (earning 125% over the poverty guideline depending on family size). This can be done by filling out an Affidavit of Support (I-134) and providing evidence such as tax returns, pay stubs, a letter from an employer or a bank, etc. If the United States citizen does NOT meet the income requirements, they are allowed to have a co-sponsor.

I believe for a family of two, the USC must earn $18,213. I am sure someone will correct me if that number is wrong.

[jingo 38]

I just read this on another post:

For the I-134 (Affidavit of Support) required for a K-1, you have 3 choices for a sponsor: 1) your USC fiancé; 2) anyone else in the US who meets the requirements; and 3) yourself. Note: There is no "co-sponsor" or "joint sponsor" for the I-134.

If my fiance doesnt make that $18k but his parents have income, assets etc, will they be counted as a co-sponsor or will they just have to wire money into his bank account to prove he has their financial support?

Thanks again!

[Inky 1,111]

Wired money does not count. He has to have proof that money has been there for a long time. UK does accept co-sponsors I believe. It is only some countrys that do not accept them.

[Penny Lane 8,159]

I just read this on another post:

For the I-134 (Affidavit of Support) required for a K-1, you have 3 choices for a sponsor: 1) your USC fiancé; 2) anyone else in the US who meets the requirements; and 3) yourself. Note: There is no "co-sponsor" or "joint sponsor" for the I-134.

If my fiance doesnt make that $18k but his parents have income, assets etc, will they be counted as a co-sponsor or will they just have to wire money into his bank account to prove he has their financial support?

Thanks again!

Either his mother or father will have to fill out a separate Affidavit of Support, proving that they meet the requirements and include the necessary evidence.

[payxibka 10,047]

moving thread to:

US Embassy and Consulate Discussion

This is the place to post your experiences or questions related to this last step before moving to the US. Topics relating to I-134's, packets sent from consulate and medical & police certificates should be posted here

[jingo 38]

So can someone 100% confirm that he will not need to send the I-134 with our first package, and we wont have to deal with it until the NOA2 comes?

[Penguin_ie 5,997]

So can someone 100% confirm that he will not need to send the I-134 with our first package, and we wont have to deal with it until the NOA2 comes?

That is correct. Red the Guides (top of the page) for details of what you need.

[jingo 38]

Also, just to make sure, his mother would need to prove she can back up the $18 grand, correct? Since there will be two of us?

The rest of her household would not need to be added into this?

[Penguin_ie 5,997]

No, she needs to count her household, but not your USC fiance unless he is a dependant of hers. So if she lives alone, then it is her plus you= 2 so $18'212. But if she has a husband and two minor/ dependant kids, it is 4 (for the family) +you=5 so $32'237.

[jingo 38]

The department of state website says -

The 125 percent of the federal poverty guideline minimum income requirement, the most recent year's tax return, and other requirements only apply when Form I-864 is needed. Applicants presenting Form I-134 will need to show that their U.S. sponsor's income is 100 percent of the federal poverty guideline.

So, basically, his mother will need to prove she has 5x the amount (husband, two kids, me) but only 100% of the f.p. guideline, BUT will actually need 125% for the next form, that we will out for AOS?

Sorry for all the questions! You've all been very helpful!

[Penguin_ie 5,997]

So, basically, his mother will need to prove she has 5x the amount (husband, two kids, me) but only 100% of the f.p. guideline, BUT will actually need 125% for the next form, that we will out for AOS?

She is better off planning to show 125% of the amount for 5 people at the embassy stage too. While technically, the I-134 asks for 100%, most embassies want to see 125%, as that is the amount needed for Adjustment of Status once in the USA, and there is no point in them granting a visa if the beneficiary then cannot AOS a few months later.

Remember that assets (savings account, property, second car, shares etc) count too, though only at 1/5th of income for a co-sponsor- and while you people such as yourself may not have any, older people often do...