Is a sponsor appropriate for me?

[virola 4]

Hi again!

I'm preparing my Affidavit of Support for my upcoming K-1 interview in San Jose, Costa Rica. I would like some VJers opinions to whether or not a sponsor (i.e., my father) would be appropriate in my situation. By all means, I make enough money to support both my fiancé and I comfortably, well over the 125% of poverty line mark. However, I did not receive a W-2 for all of this income, and my 2011 W-2 is for a bit more than $15,000, well below that coveted 125%. That is because I receive a graduate fellowship, money that is taxable but not claimed. I have letters from my university and from the government institution that granted me this fellowship (the National Science Foundation, in case you're interested) saying that I make $xxxx over the course of a year. I have paystubs for each month that reflect the total amount I earn (which includes the fellowship), and will also ask for a letter from my bank reflecting average monthly deposits and totals. However, at the embassy I'll be dealing with (San Jose, CR), they explicitly mention the W-2 (among various) as a piece of evidence to bring along. I will, of course, also bring my 2011 tax return, which reflects my total income. While I earn enough money, I don't know how important that W-2 is in my scenario. My dad would be more than happy to help out as a sponsor, but I think both Daniel and I would prefer to not place that burden on him if it is not necessary.

What are your opinions? And I'd also especially love to hear from other graduate students with similar situations as me, if you're out there . (Stupid fellowship and stipend income.... )

[virola 4]

anybody???

*crickets*.....