Poverty Line Questions

[Bluepanda92 33]

On the poverty line calculator for Arizona it said the poverty line for marriage visa is 20,500, my boyfriend is earning around 21-22k and the calculator recommends a joint sponsor anyway even though he's over the poverty line, my question is would we be ok with his current income or would it be better to be safe and get a joint sponsor 

 

Also just to add, we aren't married yet but will be getting married in September and then applying for cr1

Edited July 23, 2018 by Bluepanda92
Added info

[selsiii 87]

Just now, Bluepanda92 said:

On the poverty line calculator for Arizona it said the poverty line for marriage visa is 20,500, my boyfriend is earning around 21-22k and the calculator recommends a joint sponsor anyway even though he's over the poverty line, my question is would we be ok with his current income or would it be better to be safe and get a joint sponsor 

It’s always better to get a joint sponsor if income is close to the poverty line. The affidavit of support is just one factor among several that a CO looks at to approve a visa. If you are able to get one, you can do so. It’s always at the discretion of the CO when it comes to income and public charge decisions. 

[Bluepanda92 33]

1 minute ago, selsiii said:

It’s always better to get a joint sponsor if income is close to the poverty line. The affidavit of support is just one factor among several that a CO looks at to approve a visa. If you are able to get one, you can do so. It’s always at the discretion of the CO when it comes to income and public charge decisions. 

Do I send the joint sponsor forms with the Cr-1 packet or do I only need it at the interview, also how long does it take to get a joint sponsor  do I just print the forms get them to sign it and that's it? Or is there more involved like registering them on a website or something

[geowrian 22,338]

The CO will look at the totality of the circumstances to make a public charge concern. While meeting the minimums is required, being barely above the minimums does not mean they cannot determine that he will not become a public charge. Being so close, I would personally suggest seeking a joint sponsor.

Edited July 23, 2018 by geowrian

[geowrian 22,338]

The I-864 is sent after the I-130 is approved (at the NVC stage). So you have the better part of a year after filing to meet the requirements and submit the documentation.

[selsiii 87]

Just now, Bluepanda92 said:

Do I send the joint sponsor forms with the Cr-1 packet or do I only need it at the interview, also how long does it take to get a joint sponsor  do I just print the forms get them to sign it and that's it? Or is there more involved like registering them on a website or something

You do not need to send it with the CR1 packet if you are just sending out the I-130 forms. The joint sponsor is needed at the NVC stage after your petition has been approved. Your family members or friends can be your sponsor. They will fill their affidavit of support forms separately and add the necessary supporting documents which you will submit a copy to NVC and take original to the interview. Mind you they must all meet the poverty line for their own family and the one being sponsored