Can you get a co-sponsor for Philippines fiance?

[JimRaynor 3]

Here's my situation. I went to the Philippines for 3 months, now I'm back in the US, and I started working for only 2 weeks so far, but we'd like to start the K1 Fiance Visa process. My previous years' tax returns do not add up to the poverty guidelines, but with my current work, I am making $600-$900 per week, which if calculated annually is well over the poverty guidelines. So my question is, do I need a co-sponsor? And is it even allowed? My fiancé is from the Philippines (I heard co-sponsor isn't allowed for Philippines K1 visa).

Edited March 3, 2017 by JimRaynor

[Hypnos 6,578]

Manila typically doesn't allow joint sponsors for K-1s.

[JimRaynor 3]

Do I even need one, considering my situation?

Edited March 3, 2017 by JimRaynor

[NancyNguyen 1,658]

You have to prove your job will stay stable. A couple paid checks will not be helpful.

 

[Ben&Zian 4,398]

By the time you were to get to the interview stage, if you're current earnings equal out over the requirement, then maybe you won't.

 

I would save up all pay stubs. By interview I assume it would be quite a few oft them to show. And when it gets closer to the interview have a letter from your employer stating your position and all appropriate information.

 

Maybe also you'll have savings you can add in as extra proof? Not necessarily in the sense of assets; but just strengthen things.

Edited March 3, 2017 by Ben&Zian

[JimRaynor 3]

So should I go ahead and start the K1 process now, or should I wait a while yet? (We would like to start as soon as possible). I have about $6k in savings right now, and I'm pulling in $600-$900 weekly.

[geowrian 22,338]

Unfortunately, Manila does not accept a joint sponsor for the I-134. That said, whatever proof of income/assets you do have should still be presented. Your current income, if it meets the requirements, is positive but they also like to see a history. Either way, present what you have at the interview.

 

On the plus side, Manila COs do have a tendency not to request the I-134 while at the interview, too. But keep in mind the I-864 when you file for AOS (after marriage) will require 125% of the federal poverty line. However, by then you should have a better established pay history, and it supports joint sponsors.

[JimRaynor 3]

Thanks for that, geowrian. This information is very helpful. You think I should start the K1 visa process now, or should I wait until I can prove for at least 1 tax return? (We would like to start the process as soon as possible though, of course). I have about $6k in savings right now, and I'm pulling in $600-$900 weekly.

Edited March 3, 2017 by JimRaynor

[geowrian 22,338]

10 minutes ago, JimRaynor said:

Thanks for that, geowrian. This information is very helpful. You think I should start the K1 visa process now, or should I wait until I can prove for at least 1 tax return? (We would like to start the process as soon as possible though, of course). I have about $6k in savings right now, and I'm pulling in $600-$900 weekly.

That's really up to you depending you. haha Non-answers, right? Keep in mind the I-129F petition has a 4 month expiration, so you need to ensure it does not expire by contacting the embassy. They shouldn't have any issues with extending it if you choose to wait. I wouldn't worry about the tax return as much (they want to see that you paid taxes), but having a history of current pay stubs would be the focus IMHO. Generally 3-6 months is sufficient to show your current income.

 

The $6k in the bank would likely not do much to help you. If looking at assets, they are generally looking at 3x the federal poverty level for your household...which is roughly $60k for 2 people. You can still submit proof of your savings as it's better than nothing, but I don't think that will have much sway.

[JimRaynor 3]

Confused with something. Why would I need to worry about the I-129F expiring? I haven't mailed anything in yet. I'm simply just trying to figure out whether I can start the process now, and by the time my fiancé has her interview, I won't have to worry about the income requirement.

[geowrian 22,338]

4 minutes ago, JimRaynor said:

Confused with something. Why would I need to worry about the I-129F expiring? I haven't mailed anything in yet. I'm simply just trying to figure out whether I can start the process now, and by the time my fiancé has her interview, I won't have to worry about the income requirement.

Ah, sorry. I thought you filed the I-129F already and was just waiting to file for the K-1. My mistake. There's no need to worry about expiring then. There's currently a 3+ month backlog from NOA1 to NOA2 for the I-129F, then it's a little under a month from CSC to NVC to embassy. Then you can schedule the interview, do the medical, etc. ETA 6-8 months from I-129F filing to visa in hand. So it should be perfectly fine to file now...by the time the interview comes around, you should be fine income-wise (assuming your position and pay continues).

Edited March 3, 2017 by geowrian

[JimRaynor 3]

Okay I will file soon then, thanks for all your help.

[geowrian 22,338]

Good luck!