K1 Visa and adjustment status in relation to sponsors and joint sponsers

[Dobee 0]

I really need some advice...

Brief description of my situation:

I am a 23 year old recent college graduate, US citizen. I am looking into the logistics of marrying a long time pen pal / girl friend who is a Chinese citizen (in which I have visited twice, and currently on that second visit). Because I have been full time student the majority of my life I know I will not meet the required specifications of sponsoring my fiance under an Affidavit of support. My parents are considering becoming a joint sponsor for my fiance, but want to more about this.

My Questions:

What are the complete responsibilities of a joint sponsor?

When do these responsibilities end?

What are the biggest risks in being a joint sponsor?

How long does this whole (K1 Visa) process take, from mailing of the petition to arrival of my fiance? (Remember, she lives in China.)

How much does all this cost, legal fees and stuff, (if I do not employ a lawyer to do it for me) ?

If any of you can answer these questions, it will help me a ton. Please give advice if you can think of something that might help me.

Thanks！

Edited October 30, 2013 by Dobee

[EndlessStory 53]

I really need some advice...

Brief description of my situation:

I am a 23 year old recent college graduate, US citizen. I am looking into the logistics of marrying a long time pen pal / girl friend who is a Chinese citizen (in which I have visited twice, and currently on that second visit). Because I have been full time student the majority of my life I know I will not meet the required specifications of sponsoring my fiance under an Affidavit of support. My parents are considering becoming a joint sponsor for my fiance, but want to more about this.

My Questions:

What are the complete responsibilities of a joint sponsor?

When do these responsibilities end?

What are the biggest risks in being a joint sponsor?

How long does this whole (K1 Visa) process take, from mailing of the petition to arrival of my fiance? (Remember, she lives in China.)

How much does all this cost, legal fees and stuff, (if I do not employ a lawyer to do it for me) ?

If any of you can answer these questions, it will help me a ton. Please give advice if you can think of something that might help me.

Thanks!

What are the complete responsibilities of a joint sponsor?

Be responsible if your fiance's becomes public charge. but for I-134 K1 visa Affidavit of support is not binding. I-864 for AOS it's legally binding

When do these responsibilities end?

After your AOS (green card)

What are the biggest risks in being a joint sponsor?

Not too sure about this one unless your GF/wife to be will be public charge and cause problems to the government? - This is just my opinion/my own view on this matter.

How long does this whole (K1 Visa) process take, from mailing of the petition to arrival of my fiance? (Remember, she lives in China.)

It depends on which service center you guys are assigned to. Use the processing time in the forum.

Here is the link if you can not find it. http://www.visajourney.com/content/k1historical

How much does all this cost, legal fees and stuff, (if I do not employ a lawyer to do it for me) ?

There is no legal fees if you do it yourself.

I-129F fees : $340 (if I am not mistaken)

Medical fees : varies for different countries

Police certificate : varies for different countries

Visa processing fees later paid during DS-160/interview time : $240

I might miss some of inaccurate figure, I am just typing this according to my memory.

Correct me if i am wrong. Hope other VJ-ers can help and enlighten you.

Edited October 30, 2013 by Janice&Micah

[Darnell 8,478]

K-1 visa, I-134 affadavit of support - not legally binding, is 'in force' during the 90-day I-94 duration after arrival in the USA.

AOS from K-1 visa, chasing a greencard - I-864 affadavit of support - legally binding, is 'in force' for (pick 1)

1. 40 quarters of work (roughly 10 years or more) of the greencard holder or

2. greencard holder becomes a USCitizen or

3. greencard holder abandons USA Residency or

4. sponser dies

(I think that's right)

now, time and timings....

K-1 visa - file when you return, I-134 not needed until interview day in Guangzhou, approx 9 to 14 months after filing. If you get a decent job after you return, I think no joint-sponser needed, you handle it. Do you think you can get a decent job after you return, and hold on to it, for 9 to 14 months? I think you can, your parents think you can, etc etc.

AOS/Greencard - I-864 needed when filing. Can delay filing AOS up to 2 years after marriage, but if delay further, must to file I-130 with the big AOS set. So, not need to file immediately after marriage, if you think you can swing the big job for a years duration, then file after that, if you not want a joint-sponser to carry her.

as for sponsering, it's a contract between the sponser and the usgovernment to repay the usgovernment if means-tested benefits are utilized by the greencard holder (food stamps that are NOT emergency, medicaid/care that is NOT emergency, section 8 housing ) but most means-tested benefits are not available to green card holders until after 5 years of Legal Residency status.

Firstly, the government will come after you, as you are the primary sponser. I not know what the joint-sponsers responsibilities are, sorry.

[saddlepatch 6]

How much is due for I-130 at the interview if you don't mind me asking, if anyone on here knows? I can't find the answer anywhere and just wanna be prepared!

[EndlessStory 53]

How much is due for I-130 at the interview if you don't mind me asking, if anyone on here knows? I can't find the answer anywhere and just wanna be prepared!

For I-130 is a spouse visa, I think you asked at the wrong thread.. There CR-1 forum somewhere