K1 Visa and low income housing

[scottfede 0]

Hi everybody,

I entered the US on a K1 visa and got married 3 days ago. We are now waiting for our marriage certificate to be ready (takes 2 weeks) so we can file for adjustment of status.

My husband and I are now living in his mom's house but we would really like to find an apartment to finally start our life together. The problem is California is crazy expensive, he has a full time job and gets about $2100/month, which is enough to meet 125% of poverty guidelines, but certainly not enough to rent an apartment and still have money to survive in California! The rent around here is crazy. We are not looking for a big house but even to rent a studio we can't find anything for less than $1200 and they require applicants to make 2,5x to be able to rent. We found some low income housing (sec.8 and sec.42) and would like to apply (his income of $25000/year is considered very low-income) but I am afraid this could be a problem since I am about to apply for adjustment of status to get my green card and I don't know if I'm even allowed to live in a low income house. I can't wait to be able to work but I guess I will have to wait at least other 3 months to get my work permit, and we really need to move out as soon as possible.

Any advice?

Thank you!

[gwapa-loves-gwapo 9]

We were on the same boat as you few months ago. When I recently moved here my husband and I shared/rented part of his co-worker's house. They were nice enough to get us on our feet since they know that processing my visa cost a lot of money. They let us rent 2 of their bedroom and a bath for 400$ including all the utilities. But we moved out after 5 months since she got pregnant and needed part of that house. Anyway my advice is stay with his mom for awhile until you can both get on your feet. It's difficult renting a place when only one of you is earning an income. I know that you wanted to be on your own as soon as possible but it would be wise to lived with his mom for now. You will saved money while waiting for you EAD. Once you got it you can start applying for a job and then you can move out anytime you want. As long as his mom isn't giving you a hard time I don't see any problem living with her for awhile. 3 months will go fast and by the time you know it you'll have your EAD. So hopefully you will decide wisely and don't rush things. 

[Ash.1101 1,756]

I'm not sure if it counts, but you may want to see how long it takes to even get approved.

Here where I live, there's only X number of housing vouchers given out every year for low income housing, and the wait list usually is at least a couple of years long. 

Edited February 7, 2017 by Ash.1101

[NigeriaorBust 4,087]

  Last I knew you can not be part of the qualifying members but your income counts.  So if the poverty level for 1 is less than yours and his incomes.   As the previous poster mentioned , there is usually a huge wait for vouchers and they are given out to needier people first not health young adults.

[NikLR 13,232]

Have you looked into moving elsewhere? California as a whole is expensive but there are parts that are less so than others.  However I do suggest waiting until you get your green card before moving anywhere.  Yeah it sucks to live with your mother in law when you're married, but its better to save up than to live paycheck to paycheck. 

 

Perhaps if you guys are able to move in with a roommate later too that would be helpful.

Edited February 7, 2017 by NikLR

[scottfede 0]

Hm, yea, I get it!

I guess we will be staying at his mom's house until I get my EAD. Not that I'm happy about it, but I understand we really don't have many other options. It is not a very easy situation for me since we had an argument about the wedding some days ago and now there is an awkward feeling in the air and every time I see her in the house she barely talks to me. I've been living in my own apartments for 3 years when I was in my country, before moving to California, and I already feel like I'm going crazy without my privacy and space. Unfortunately we can't move from here because that would mean for my husband to lose his job, and since I don't have a job right now that can't be an option. 

Thank you all for the help!!

[David&Femke 91]

On 7-2-2017 at 3:33 AM, scottfede said:

Hi everybody,

I entered the US on a K1 visa and got married 3 days ago. We are now waiting for our marriage certificate to be ready (takes 2 weeks) so we can file for adjustment of status.

My husband and I are now living in his mom's house but we would really like to find an apartment to finally start our life together. The problem is California is crazy expensive, he has a full time job and gets about $2100/month, which is enough to meet 125% of poverty guidelines, but certainly not enough to rent an apartment and still have money to survive in California! The rent around here is crazy. We are not looking for a big house but even to rent a studio we can't find anything for less than $1200 and they require applicants to make 2,5x to be able to rent. We found some low income housing (sec.8 and sec.42) and would like to apply (his income of $25000/year is considered very low-income) but I am afraid this could be a problem since I am about to apply for adjustment of status to get my green card and I don't know if I'm even allowed to live in a low income house. I can't wait to be able to work but I guess I will have to wait at least other 3 months to get my work permit, and we really need to move out as soon as possible.

Any advice?

Thank you!

If your husband has no other dependents besides you he needs to be above an anual income of 20,025 to meet 125% poverty line. however, this line will change march 1 2017 so good to keep a watch on. And when you are close to the line it is always a good idea to look for a cosponsor, you can start doing that now in preperation of your aos.

How long have you been living with your inlaws now? the 1st couple of weeks are hard to ajust for everyone including your inlaws. they might losen up when you give eachother some time. and look for an appartment when you can find work.