CR1 Affidvit of Support - PLEASE HELP!

[lizka 3]

Hi everyone, just trying to think ahead to the Affidavit of Support. I am really trying to avoid getting my parents involved as co-sponsors, but maybe you all can help me see if i need to. For the past five years, my income has been close to 40k, sufficient for their requirements. This June 2011, I resigned from my position because I received a full scholarship as a graduate assistant to get my master's degree. The problem is,the position that begins at the end of August, will pay for all my tution, but only pay me to work there part time, therefore no more than 10k for the two semesters for two years. I am planning on getting a bartending job on the weekends, which will be more than sufficient, from my previous experiences. However, most restaurant work, pays extreme minimum wage plus tip, and I will have two jobs on top of that, can all this be shown in the affidavit of support? I own my car and have some cash in my savings account as does my husband, the total of our cash in savings and my salary at the school alone is enough for the 125%. Should I opt for a part time position that pays more per hour as opposed to more in general because of the tips?

Finally, since for the first 6 months of the year, i have already met the 125% with the job that i resigned from, is there a way of showing that i worked from january - june of this year at my past job and will start the new one? Sorry for the confusing question.

Please help, like I said, really don't want to get my parents involved.

[pars 9]

previous income might help but the present income is the most important thing...

Edited August 11, 2011 by pars

[Navyk 78]

Hi everyone, just trying to think ahead to the Affidavit of Support. I am really trying to avoid getting my parents involved as co-sponsors, but maybe you all can help me see if i need to. For the past five years, my income has been close to 40k, sufficient for their requirements. This June 2011, I resigned from my position because I received a full scholarship as a graduate assistant to get my master's degree. The problem is,the position that begins at the end of August, will pay for all my tution, but only pay me to work there part time, therefore no more than 10k for the two semesters for two years. I am planning on getting a bartending job on the weekends, which will be more than sufficient, from my previous experiences. However, most restaurant work, pays extreme minimum wage plus tip, and I will have two jobs on top of that, can all this be shown in the affidavit of support? I own my car and have some cash in my savings account as does my husband, the total of our cash in savings and my salary at the school alone is enough for the 125%. Should I opt for a part time position that pays more per hour as opposed to more in general because of the tips?

Finally, since for the first 6 months of the year, i have already met the 125% with the job that i resigned from, is there a way of showing that i worked from january - june of this year at my past job and will start the new one? Sorry for the confusing question.

Please help, like I said, really don't want to get my parents involved.

Current income is the most important one - you will need a co-sponsor.

[Anh map 2,098]

Cash and other assets are factored at a 3:1 ratio ($3 assets = $1 income). Your primary vehicle cannot be considered.

Any US citizen or Green Card holder can be a joint sponsor. Does not have to be a relative.

[lizka 3]

so having two jobs won't be sufficient? i don't understand, if i have already made over the 125% for the year in the first 6 months, and will have two part time jobs along with obtaining an MBA that will undoubtedly be lucrative upon graduation in two years, you all think i still need a co sponsor? It's not that I have no one to ask, it's just that I don't want to get my parents involved unless its absolutely necessary, and having a job as a graduate assistant and bartender/waitress should be enough. thank you all for your opinions and suggestions.

[Anh map 2,098]

It comes down to what you can document as your current and continuing income. What you've earned from a job that held in the past does not matter. And what you will earn two years int he future will not apply. The here and now at the time of the interview is what is evaluated.

[Navyk 78]

so having two jobs won't be sufficient? i don't understand, if i have already made over the 125% for the year in the first 6 months, and will have two part time jobs along with obtaining an MBA that will undoubtedly be lucrative upon graduation in two years, you all think i still need a co sponsor? It's not that I have no one to ask, it's just that I don't want to get my parents involved unless its absolutely necessary, and having a job as a graduate assistant and bartender/waitress should be enough. thank you all for your opinions and suggestions.

Current income is not the income of 2011 or the income from last 6 months to next 6 months. It is what you are currently earning (as on the date you sign your I-864) calculated annually (meaning if you are getting a bi-weekly of 1000, then it is 24000). If you are going to be still employed in your current job and make abobe 125%, you are fine but remember that you will have to be in that job on the day you sign your I-864 else you will be providing false information.

Also NVC is basically concerned that your foreign will not become a burden to the Government and your current income plays part (let's say 90%).

[lizka 3]

Current income is not the income of 2011 or the income from last 6 months to next 6 months. It is what you are currently earning (as on the date you sign your I-864) calculated annually (meaning if you are getting a bi-weekly of 1000, then it is 24000). If you are going to be still employed in your current job and make abobe 125%, you are fine but remember that you will have to be in that job on the day you sign your I-864 else you will be providing false information.

Also NVC is basically concerned that your foreign will not become a burden to the Government and your current income plays part (let's say 90%).

thank you so much, i guess there is no true answer for my question, the other part was that i can ask my university for extra work or ask if i can work summers and they can add that to my salary. other than that, the bartending is always a good way to make fast money, my question was since it's based on 'tips' even though i can claim them, how can i estimate how much i make in a year from the additional cash flow? can i put down that i have both jobs, as a grad assistant and bartender, and combine my salaries?

[Navyk 78]

thank you so much, i guess there is no true answer for my question, the other part was that i can ask my university for extra work or ask if i can work summers and they can add that to my salary. other than that, the bartending is always a good way to make fast money, my question was since it's based on 'tips' even though i can claim them, how can i estimate how much i make in a year from the additional cash flow? can i put down that i have both jobs, as a grad assistant and bartender, and combine my salaries?

Yes, you can do that and provide some evidence like employment letters or pay stubs. An explanation letter may also help in explaining to them your case. After all, not all cases are similar and not all CO at the consulate are similar. Take your chances, if that is what you want to do.

[lizka 3]

okay friends, one more question, well two, i will be living with my parents during the two years i am in school, however, they do not list me as a dependent as i am 28 years old, are they co-sponsors or are they household members? i am a bit confused with that. and finally, if you work part time hourly, how do they expect you to tell them your annual earnings if it is not in salary base? thanks!!!

[Navyk 78]

okay friends, one more question, well two, i will be living with my parents during the two years i am in school, however, they do not list me as a dependent as i am 28 years old, are they co-sponsors or are they household members? i am a bit confused with that. and finally, if you work part time hourly, how do they expect you to tell them your annual earnings if it is not in salary base? thanks!!!

They are co-sponsors and not household members, even if you live in the same house/ address. They will show number they are supporting (generally 2 plus any children still dependant on them, whom they claimed as dependents).

Yes how you will show your annaul income using your hourly income is something you will have to figure it out - can be done.

Edited August 11, 2011 by NavyK

[lizka 3]

They are co-sponsors and not household members, even if you live in the same house/ address. They will show number they are supporting (generally 2 plus any children still dependent on them, whom they claimed as dependents).

Yes how you will show your annaul income using your hourly income is something you will have to figure it out - can be done.

thank you so much, do you think a letter from the restaurant manager will be sufficient, saying that i make approximately this and that per year working this many hours each week? i mean they have to understand different circumstances and that working on commission or having your own business is different than having a 9-5? i will do my best to just have my parents co-sign.

[Navyk 78]

thank you so much, do you think a letter from the restaurant manager will be sufficient, saying that i make approximately this and that per year working this many hours each week? i mean they have to understand different circumstances and that working on commission or having your own business is different than having a 9-5? i will do my best to just have my parents co-sign.

Yes. Try to get is on a letter head or with emblem...., if possible. Meaning it needs to look official.

[Anh map 2,098]

You will need some paystubs to back up the income claim. The letter alone is unlikely to be enough.

[lizka 3]

You will need some paystubs to back up the income claim. The letter alone is unlikely to be enough.

Anh map, you are awesome and always quick with a reply, thank you all guys, i just wish i had filed before leaving my lucrative job for my master's, but in the end, i would have had to deal with this anyways. :no: