How long should the sponsor have been employed?

[ihaveablackcloud 2]

As the sponsor, how long should I have been employed by the time I file the affidavit of support? Or does it not matter, as long as I make a salary over the amount required? I ask this cause I have had limited work experience as I have been a student. Now, I am looking for a full time position, and we plan on getting the k1 visa process going by September 2020. Any advice?

[debbiedoo 2,339]

ideally the longer the better. When we filed the k1, i had been employed about a year. we switched and adjusted directly, and i had a new job at that point and had technically been employed 6 months, but had only been full time and not a contract employee for roughly 2 months. I provided paystubs and employment letter and previous years tax transcripts. no issues.

[ihaveablackcloud 2]

2 minutes ago, debbiedoo said:

ideally the longer the better. When we filed the k1, i had been employed about a year. we switched and adjusted directly, and i had a new job at that point and had technically been employed 6 months, but had only been full time and not a contract employee for roughly 2 months. I provided paystubs and employment letter and previous years tax transcripts. no issues.

Thank you for your response! My issue is that I’ve never had to file taxes, because as I said, I was a student and had part time jobs here and there that didn’t pay enough for me to have to pay taxes. Now that I am planning to work in a full time position, I’m afraid that it won’t be enough proof. Would a co-sponsor be necessary?  

[givionte 138]

Depending if that full-time position is salary and a decent salary at that, and you can produce a job offer letter and perhaps collect a few paychecks proving the new income, it could be enough, but not always.  If you haven't even started the job, it would be more likely to not be enough.  I would be looking for a joint sponsor right now, because it almost certainly could be an issue.

[DaveAndAnastasia 2,092]

56 minutes ago, ihaveablackcloud said:

Thank you for your response! My issue is that I’ve never had to file taxes, because as I said, I was a student and had part time jobs here and there that didn’t pay enough for me to have to pay taxes. Now that I am planning to work in a full time position, I’m afraid that it won’t be enough proof. Would a co-sponsor be necessary?  

You'll probably want to have a co-sponsor lined up if you've been working for less than six months at the time of your fiance(e)'s interview and do not have significant assets.

 

Also, as you don't plan on starting the process for another nine months, you probably want to pay close attention to any changes in the public charge definition. The proposed changes from earlier this year are currently blocked by a court order, but it's unknown how long that will be the case, or what other changes may be made.

[ihaveablackcloud 2]

19 minutes ago, DaveAndAnastasia said:

You'll probably want to have a co-sponsor lined up if you've been working for less than six months at the time of your fiance(e)'s interview and do not have significant assets.

 

Also, as you don't plan on starting the process for another nine months, you probably want to pay close attention to any changes in the public charge definition. The proposed changes from earlier this year are currently blocked by a court order, but it's unknown how long that will be the case, or what other changes may be made.

Thank you for your response! Are the income requirements for a co-sponsor the same as it is for me? And does having a co-sponsor strengthen the case?

[givionte 138]

Income requirements are the same.  And yes, a solid joint sponsor with plenty of supporting evidence will generally remove the income portion out of the equation (there are some rare cases where even that won't be enough).  However, you as the main sponsor must still submit all your own evidence of income and tax transcripts (or letters for lack thereof) as well, they will look at both, and the officer will ultimately decide whether you need the joint sponsor or not.

[Hank_ 9,174]

11 hours ago, ihaveablackcloud said:

As the sponsor, how long should I have been employed by the time I file the affidavit of support? Or does it not matter, as long as I make a salary over the amount required? I ask this cause I have had limited work experience as I have been a student. Now, I am looking for a full time position, and we plan on getting the k1 visa process going by September 2020. Any advice?

There isn't a time requirement.    Financial evidence isn't needed to file the I-129F, that is for the actual visa application process at the embassy

 

Most every embassy will ask for a copy of your most recent tax return & W-2, along with the I-134.  If you have never filed taxes you should include a letter stating why.  Also as a new employee include a letter from your employer and copies of your pay statements.   Being you don't plan to file the I-129F until after your 2019 taxes are filed .. you will have a tax return.    

Edited December 19, 2019 by Hank_

[debbiedoo 2,339]

13 hours ago, ihaveablackcloud said:

Thank you for your response! My issue is that I’ve never had to file taxes, because as I said, I was a student and had part time jobs here and there that didn’t pay enough for me to have to pay taxes. Now that I am planning to work in a full time position, I’m afraid that it won’t be enough proof. Would a co-sponsor be necessary?  

in your situation i would definitely get a joint sponsor.

[debbiedoo 2,339]

another thing to keep in mind is that there are a few consulates that do not allow a co sponsor for a k1 visa. Not many, but a few.