Does unemployment count for an I-864 & I-134

[d3adc0d3 186]

Hi all,

I'm new, and just starting on my "visa journey". My fiancé(e) and I haven't even been approved yet, I'm in the whole "Initial Review" stage.

But I've a question about income for the support for the I-134 and I-864.

I've been working consistently for 3+ years, no layoffs, or changes in job. My company has been downsizing lately, but recently up-sized my department, I suspect that I may be soon on the "hit list" of those to be laid off.

If this happens with my previously consistent income, and the unemployment I'd earn (plus what I'd earn freelancing), I would make more than enough to pass the income requirements for the I-864 and I-134 -- but does it count? I know it runs out, but you can just as easily get fired from a job.

I'm sure my mother would be more than happy to co-sponsor with me, but if I can do this on my own, I'd very much prefer to, I hate relying on others financially.

Thank you in advance.

[Mark and Anna 10]

First I want to wish you both lots of luck and happiness on this Journey. I dont know the answer about the unemployment, how ever I would consider getting a co sponsor just in case you do get laid off. this economy is really messed up ! their are lots of people out of work, not knowing what you do for a living, and how fast you can get a job is a problem. you might get one in a month or maybe in a year I dont know, so if your mom will co sponsor i would go for it. sorry i am not much help.

[d3adc0d3 186]

Thanks for responding anyways.

I'm a programmer, so I can pick up a job within a couple months of searching, My field is high in demand with not enough experienced programmers, so I would be okay -- but it might take me 3-4 months before I get a new job.

[KayDeeCee 4,896]

The I-864 and I-134 are different in that with the I-134, there are no real hard and fast rules to follow. It is up the CO's sole discretion as to whether they believe the foreign fiance(e) will become a public charge or not. Unemployment is a temporary benefit and while it is indeed income and be included on the affidavit of support, the CO might not accept unemployment as the sole means of support and a co-sponsor will be needed. One CO may accept it while another CO may not. I would have a co-sponsor lined up if the need arises and all you have is unemployment at the time of the K-1 interview. All this is assuming your consulate accepts co-sponsors of course.

Perhaps you would have a job by the time you would need the I-864. Unemployment is accepted as income for it, but using it in conjunction with current employment and/or liquid assets would work in your favor even more so to reach the income requirement. They will look at the overall totality of your circumstances when deciding if the intending immigrant will become a public charge or not.

[d3adc0d3 186]

Hey Kay! Thanks for that. It seems like the majority of our fate is in the hands of the CO.

I had another non-visa related question.

I see your significant other is from Mexico, I'm not sure what your cultural upbringing was -- I'm so white I glow in the dark... LOL

But I was wondering what kind of challenges an inter-cultural relationship has to overcome, if you can tell me a little about your experience. Mr. d3adc0d3 (so to speak) is very Argentine, and tends to follow that whole "I'm the man" kinda attitude, but he's also very patient and kind and gentle. I'm a very independent woman though, and I've been doing everything on my own for so long we often butt heads about it. He's usually right and only butts heads with me when I'm taking on too much. Anyways, I would love some insight from someone who may have experienced their own challenges!

[KayDeeCee 4,896]

I don't really have those issues with my husband. We are both stubborn and can butt heads sometimes because of that, but he doesn't suffer from cultural machismo. He is old fashioned where gender roles are concerned and still opens and closes doors for me, pulls out my chair, waits to begin eating until I have my own plate fixed and am ready, doesn't like me to carry the 'heavy stuff' or take out the trash, and other things of that nature. I am perfectly okay with all that, although I do carry the 'heavy stuff' and take out the trash sometimes anyway to his mumbles and grumbles of how I shouldn't have to do that. I know I don't have to. He had a crappy stepfather, but I appreciate his mother/grandmother/aunts raising him up to be a gentleman and not overtly controlling towards women.

[cujodu 15]

The main cultural issue I think we have is that he loves to meddle in everyone's business, always has a clear and loud suggestion for what people should do, and loves to be involved with everyone's business (family/friends); and I was raised more like give people information that they might ask for, let them make their own decisions, and otherwise mostly mind your own business. We really don't see eye to eye in that area... but, hey, I gave him my information and he can make up his own mind about handling that, none of my business!