How much money do I need...

[DavidandIrina 1]

So I really don't know how much money I need in order to sponsor my wife when I file for the I-129F and later have to fill out that sponsorship form. I read in another post someone said you need 15,000 dollars of cash in the bank. I don't have that much, maybe 6000 or so available to me right now, but ####-loads of assets from being a hoarder (5 vehicles, silver, computer, BIG model airplanes, retirement PENSION fund (its my "asset" but the state won't let me touch it), etc). I make plenty of money, 3 times the required minimum for sponsorship between my two jobs both of which I've had over 11 years now. So what matters the most? Cash in the bank or the W-2 at the end of the year?

[LvivLovers 39]

Every couple is different and there are too many situations to provide a good answer. If it is your WIFE you are bringing over then you are already through a lot of the costs I would presume. Sounds like you will be fine to me.

[^_^ 5,021]

Back when I did the process (through a consulate in India, not RUB), income was king. Assets were good but income was what mattered most. If you had enough income, they didn't even want to look at assets.

[YuAndDan 153]

I am confused Wife, and I-129F? Are your married and talking about filing an I-129F after first filing an I-130 for spouse visa for a K-3 option?

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

I am confused Wife, and I-129F? Are your married and talking about filing an I-129F after first filing an I-130 for spouse visa for a K-3 option?

He is shopping for a wife at this point, and just doing the research, or trolling. Play along.

[Captain Hammer 113]

Are you asking what the income requirements are to be approved, or are you just asking in general how much money you will need to support a wife? USCIS requires you to make 125% of the current poverty level. I think that works out to around $18k/year. There are no requirements about how much you should have in savings or anywhere else. There's just the income requirement.

[^_^ 5,021]

Are you asking what the income requirements are to be approved, or are you just asking in general how much money you will need to support a wife? USCIS requires you to make 125% of the current poverty level. I think that works out to around $18k/year.

Actually, how much that works out to depends on the size of the household after the alien beneficiary (and dependents, if any) are here.

[Captain Hammer 113]

Actually, how much that works out to depends on the size of the household after the alien beneficiary (and dependents, if any) are here.

Yeah, I just figured for a family of two, since he's semi-retired and didn't mention children. The guidelines should be easy enough if he thinks that might be a problem.

[^_^ 5,021]

Yeah, I just figured for a family of two, since he's semi-retired and didn't mention children. The guidelines should be easy enough if he thinks that might be a problem.

You assumed. Sloppy.

[Captain Hammer 113]

You assumed. Sloppy.

You're right. I will try to do better.

[DavidandIrina 1]

Yeah, I just figured for a family of two, since he's semi-retired and didn't mention children. The guidelines should be easy enough if he thinks that might be a problem.

Gosh I wish semi-retired and without kids.... 34 with 3 kids already she doesn't have any. Its like 35k I need, I make more than that :-P

She's 32 with a double PHD and no kids. A smart cookie for sure ;-D

I am confused Wife, and I-129F? Are your married and talking about filing an I-129F after first filing an I-130 for spouse visa for a K-3 option?

Well..... she is TECHNICALLY my fiancee, but we had this little private ceremony between us that was deeply intimate where we exchanged vows and rings but it wasn't "official". So I'm bringing her over here on a K-1, but we both wear rings and to each other we are husband and wife (to the rest of the world two crazy people from different cultures doing crazy things that most people frown upon hah!). Confusing isn't it? :-D Gives us an excuse to get married two more times actually (one for the state marriage once she gets here and then again in the Catholic church once our annulments are finished)

Edited April 12, 2011 by DavidandIrina

[YuAndDan 153]

Well..... she is TECHNICALLY my fiancee, but we had this little private ceremony between us that was deeply intimate where we exchanged vows and rings but it wasn't "official". So I'm bringing her over here on a K-1, but we both wear rings and to each other we are husband and wife (to the rest of the world two crazy people from different cultures doing crazy things that most people frown upon hah!). Confusing isn't it? :-D Gives us an excuse to get married two more times actually (one for the state marriage once she gets here and then again in the Catholic church once our annulments are finished)

A word of warning, be very careful with the use of Husband/Wife Interviewing officer's at the consulate and POE have been known to ask trick questions trying to trip up a couple, accidentally saying husband/wife can get the visa petition hung up or entry denied requiring documentation that are not married.

I have seen a few cases where the consulate denies a K-1 because they suspect couple are in fact married prior to issuance of the K-1.

My wife's K-1 interviewer tried a trick question at her K-1 interview, something like "How many children does your husband have", she was on to this and answered "He has no children, and he is not my husband."

[Captain Hammer 113]

Gosh I wish semi-retired and without kids.... 34 with 3 kids already she doesn't have any. Its like 35k I need, I make more than that :-P

She's 32 with a double PHD and no kids. A smart cookie for sure ;-D

Cool. So you meet the income requirements, and there is no savings requirement. Did your question get answered?

Also, what YuAndDan said.

[eekee 182]

I believe the 15000 was in regard to the cost of bringing her over, nnot what USCIS requires. I.e., fees and all of the extra things you'll need around the house and the increase in bills once she arrives.

[visaveteran1 33]

Gosh I wish semi-retired and without kids.... 34 with 3 kids already she doesn't have any. Its like 35k I need, I make more than that :-P

She's 32 with a double PHD and no kids. A smart cookie for sure ;-D

Well..... she is TECHNICALLY my fiancee, but we had this little private ceremony between us that was deeply intimate where we exchanged vows and rings but it wasn't "official". So I'm bringing her over here on a K-1, but we both wear rings and to each other we are husband and wife (to the rest of the world two crazy people from different cultures doing crazy things that most people frown upon hah!). Confusing isn't it? :-D Gives us an excuse to get married two more times actually (one for the state marriage once she gets here and then again in the Catholic church once our annulments are finished)

Your private love rituals are your business...but you might want to consider that the present bliss could all disappear once she hits the states. Don't get the cart before the horse. There is a percentage of women who can't handle life in the USA...and what city or area you live might be a factor. My wife's friend married a guy in Portland Oregon and she hates it there. Spends much of her time in Russia, apart from her unhappy husband. We live 10 minutes from the White House and my life loves it here (No. VA).

I will say this...you're a glutton for marriage ceremonies. I guess I'm more of a heathen. I got married in the Palace of Marriage in Siberia and that was that. Now how can you top that act? When I left I felt more like a king than a husband...I mean "a palace!"

Best of luck.