Using Assets instead of Income for I-134

[justwhitney87 0]

Hi guys - may I ask for your advice on something? I just moved back to the States this past March, after working for 2 years in the Philippines. I have been applying for jobs like crazy, but so far nothing has opened up (it's frustrating!). I had a stable job for almost 10 years prior to this, though...and of course I can prove it with my tax statements from previous years. Will my fiance and I have problems at the interview due to this (I plan to join him in Philippines for the interview)?

I've heard that you can use your assets for the I-134 if you don't currently have income - does anyone have a link to the specifics on that? Would it raise significant red flags?

Thanks,

Whitney

[baron555 934]

Hi guys - may I ask for your advice on something? I just moved back to the States this past March, after working for 2 years in the Philippines. I have been applying for jobs like crazy, but so far nothing has opened up (it's frustrating!). I had a stable job for almost 10 years prior to this, though...and of course I can prove it with my tax statements from previous years.

Doesn't matter, current income is key.

Will my fiance and I have problems at the interview due to this (I plan to join him in Philippines for the interview)?

Yes, you'll need a cosponsor....and remember sometimes Manila doesn't allow cosponsors for K-1s.

I've heard that you can use your assets for the I-134 if you don't currently have income - does anyone have a link to the specifics on that?

Depends. Money in the bank must be 3 or 5 times the minimum rate. Other assets must include an official appraisal.

Would it raise significant red flags?

Thanks,

Whitney

[KayDeeCee 4,893]

You would need a bare minimum of about $60k(3 times income requirement). More would be better if you are wanting to be approved solely on assets. If your most recent tax return(you still have to file even if working abroad) shows you meet the requirement, then you might make it by for the K-1 and I-134. Good news is that Manila isn't asking for the I-134 and financials lately, so you may not have to prove sponsorship requirements until after married and filing for AOS.

[mallafri76 1,012]

Good news is that Manila isn't asking for the I-134 and financials lately, so you may not have to prove sponsorship requirements until after married and filing for AOS.

This is what I find so crazy about US immigrations, the rules are apparently not meant for everyone. Like now in the Philippines, they're not even looking at the AOS and then there are other countries who refuse to accept assets, even when the assets are way higher than the standard three times the poverty guidelines. Crazy. Same rules should apply across the board, it shouldn't matter what country or nationality you are.

OP, we used only assets to meet the financial requirements. You need three times the poverty guidelines for your household size plus a couple of extra thousand just for good measures. If it's just you and your fiance, count on having a minimum of $62,000. If it's bank accounts and/or stock portfolio, you need to show that you've had that asset for at least a year. For property, it needs to be secondary properties and you need to be able to liquidate them within a year if need be. You need an official appraisal for any property. We submitted bank statements, stock portfolio graphs and a letter from the bank manager as proof of our assets.

[KayDeeCee 4,893]

This is what I find so crazy about US immigrations, the rules are apparently not meant for everyone. Like now in the Philippines, they're not even looking at the AOS and then there are other countries who refuse to accept assets, even when the assets are way higher than the standard three times the poverty guidelines. Crazy. Same rules should apply across the board, it shouldn't matter what country or nationality you are.

I agree. It should be the same for everyone, no matter what consulate they interview at. I also think they should do away with the I-134 for the K-1 and just have them use the I-864 to begin with, but that is complicated because the K-1 is technically a non-immigrant visa. It must be processed by the immigrant units though, so there should be some leeway to have different requirements for the K-1 being a special type.

The CO currently has sole discretion for deciding. An I-134 is not even required for a K-1, so that is how you get different treatments and requirements for different consulates. Some are strict about it, some easy, and apparently some don't even bother to care about the sponsorship aspects at all.

[Hank_ 9,174]

Hi guys - may I ask for your advice on something? I just moved back to the States this past March, after working for 2 years in the Philippines. I have been applying for jobs like crazy, but so far nothing has opened up (it's frustrating!). I had a stable job for almost 10 years prior to this, though...and of course I can prove it with my tax statements from previous years. Will my fiance and I have problems at the interview due to this (I plan to join him in Philippines for the interview)?

I've heard that you can use your assets for the I-134 if you don't currently have income - does anyone have a link to the specifics on that? Would it raise significant red flags?

Thanks,

Whitney

Evidence of support at USEM: 1st - USEM does not consider assets, know this from others (personal friends) that had to get a co-sponsor and he was using "cash in the bank". They would accept the interest on the money as income but not the assets.

Co-sponsors with K-1 - it is a long shot getting the embassy to accept a co-sponsor. Using a close family member (parents, siblings) improve those odds dramatically.

Lastly, over the last couple years USEM many times has not asked for any evidence of support with the K-1. The requirement is still listed in the instructions letter but it has become well known that many times USEM isn't asking for that documentation. (many times is not always)

Once in the USA and married you will follow USCIS requirements ... different critter

Jump over to the Philippines forum for questions relating to the process at USEM http://www.visajourney.com/forums/forum/129-philippines/

Edited June 15, 2016 by Hank_

[justwhitney87 0]

Thanks for the advice, everyone! That is all very helpful.