Below poverty line

[Batata Doce 1]

Hi there

What can be done when the US citizen is below the minimum poverty line?

He's from Brazil. She's from the US. We are preparing to apply for the K1 and found out that her income will be a problem.

We've heard it's possible to have a co-sponsor. Does it make things more difficult? How does the US consular service in Brazil see that? Also, do you think hiring an attorney would help at all in this case?


Thanks/obrigado!

[Alaska2012 462]

It shouldn't be an issue having a co-sponsor. Many people have them!

And no, an attorney is not necessary. Just read all instructions and guides before sending in your paperwork

[saddlepatch 6]

Hi there

What can be done when the US citizen is below the minimum poverty line?

He's from Brazil. She's from the US. We are preparing to apply for the K1 and found out that her income will be a problem.

We've heard it's possible to have a co-sponsor. Does it make things more difficult? How does the US consular service in Brazil see that? Also, do you think hiring an attorney would help at all in this case?

Thanks/obrigado!

A co-sponsor will not make your case any harder to approve they just want to make sure your spouse will not need to have the government support them (Simply another fancy way of saying, they don't want to lose money haha) so with a co-sponsor that will ensure the government has a second person to fall back on if the need ever arises.

I have a co-sponsor. It can be anyone too, preferably someone you know, but it can be a friend, a family member (In the US and much be a citizen) or a co-worker. Just make sure you find someone who understands the conditions. They're obligated to your spouse for 40 quarters (equals about 10 legal working years at 5 days a week, 40 hours a week, so it could be longer than 10 years) or until they become a US Citizen (they have to wait 5 years after their POE.)

No need for an attorney at all. You're just throwing away money at that point

Also you may also use your assets to try and over-come getting a co-sponsor, but it's much easier just to get one so that's what I'd recommend.

You will be fine! Best of luck!

[Batata Doce 1]

Thank a lot, Alaska2015 and saddlepatch!

So given the expected 40 quarters, do you think USCIS would be ok with a 75-year old co-sponsor?

[Batata Doce 1]

Also you may also use your assets to try and over-come getting a co-sponsor, but it's much easier just to get one so that's what I'd recommend.

Do you mean like putting money in a bank account?

[saddlepatch 6]

Do you mean like putting money in a bank account?

Kinda, assets would be like any investments you have, savings accounts etc however this can prove to me more of a hassle, so I would STRONGLY suggest doing a co-sponsor who makes 125% over the poverty line instead. Much easier

[Batata Doce 1]

Thanks once again!

[menina 50]

The beneficiary can apply for citizenship after 3 years if it is based on marriage.

[Batata Doce 1]

So, just to be sure we got the sequence right, the Affidavit of Support is not sent when I (US citizen) first apply but only when he goes to the Embassy interview (in Brazil). Is that right?