K-1 with only assets question

[Tahoma 2,292]

Actually, I went through the Manila embassy unemployed with nothing but assets. Of course, I had been working for the Department of Defense, have an active security clearance, and my liquid (cash) assets totaled $170,000 -- so that likely had something to do with the ease with which we passed on through.

I suspect at $60,000 the decision may become a bit arbitrary on the part of the CO. Technically, you meet the requirements, but it by no means would be a slam dunk. Besides, if you do secure a co-sponsor the asset question is moot -- at least at the K-1 stage.

Thanks for posting. It's good to know that Manila approved an assets-only case.

Did you attend the interview?

[Alcheringa 39]

I did attend the interview. We actually stayed with her family from the time we submitted the K-1 through to receiving the visa, so I handled everything while living abroad. I hadn't been home for a good two years at that point.

During the interview the CO casually chatted with us only long enough to get the paperwork in order. I know we had a particularly ideal situation, but it was almost too easy. So they do take assets, but, again, the more you have in liquid cash the better your chances are.

[Ron and Rhea 42]

I have a security clearance, both from Military and also in my current position...does it help?

[Darnell 8,479]

i still think 60K in assets is minimal - the guidelines, at least 'in general' are

3 times the poverty level for the head count. Is some concept of '3 years' there..

run some math, you'll see the border. I hope?!?!?!!! !! !

[Alcheringa 39]

Will a security clearance in and of itself push you through? My guess is no. But on some level it does "vet" you in regard to your background and character, though there is a tremendous difference between what is required to obtain a SECRET clearance versus a TS.

Point is, it certainly can't hurt -- but it has nothing to do with the requirements of the K-1.

I agree, $60K in assets is very much borderline. Enough so that I wouldn't dare go in there without a co-sponsor in hand.

I don't subscribe to the "we'll go in there and see what happens" approach that some folks take. As far as I'm concerned, my time and money is precious so I want to knock it out the first time -- no matter what I have to arrange beforehand to ensure it happens.

[howdiedudie 0]

I will definitely have a co-sponsor secured... Just worried about all the stories I hear in Manila about them not accepting co-sponsors.

[Tahoma 2,292]

I agree, $60K in assets is very much borderline. Enough so that I wouldn't dare go in there without a co-sponsor in hand.

I don't subscribe to the "we'll go in there and see what happens" approach that some folks take. As far as I'm concerned, my time and money is precious so I want to knock it out the first time -- no matter what I have to arrange beforehand to ensure it happens.

I will definitely have a co-sponsor secured... Just worried about all the stories I hear in Manila about them not accepting co-sponsors.

I agree with Alcheringa: you want to make your best possible financial case. That is why I strongly recommend that you attend the interview. I believe that a personal appeal from the petitioner gives the consular officer a reason to approve the visa. I've seen it happen here on VJ. At the interview, you can present your financial case to the consular officer. And I believe that you will have a better chance of your cosponsor being accepted.

If I were in your shoes, I would submit both an I-134 and an I-864 from your cosponsor, along with their accompanying documents. This would demonstrate to the consular officer that you would have a cosponsor for the AOS. I have seen this strategy work in Manila for one case here on VJ, and it also worked for a friend of mine who also went through Manila.

[howdiedudie 0]

I agree with Alcheringa: you want to make your best possible financial case. That is why I strongly recommend that you attend the interview. I believe that a personal appeal from the petitioner gives the consular officer a reason to approve the visa. I've seen it happen here on VJ. At the interview, you can present your financial case to the consular officer. And I believe that you will have a better chance of your cosponsor being accepted.

If I were in your shoes, I would submit both an I-134 and an I-864 from your cosponsor, along with their accompanying documents. This would demonstrate to the consular officer that you would have a cosponsor for the AOS. I have seen this strategy work in Manila for one case here on VJ, and it also worked for a friend of mine who also went through Manila.

Thanks Tahoma, I will definitely take your advice and use both forms, as well as attend the interview. I am going to bring a lot of materials, better more than not enough.