poverty guidelines

[tewlip 1]

hi

I'm assuming (and we all know that is a mistake), that the poverty guideline is before taxes? am I correct? To help understand my concern: November 2004 my USC fiancee had to leave work for medical reasons. From Dec '04 to June '05 he received SSI, and then was approved for disability insurance, which he is currently still on. My fiance had an organ transplant several months ago, and, there are still some medical concerns, but, he should be well enough to look for another job within the next couple of months. I'm expecting (hoping?) for a June interview in Montreal where they will want a I-134, (which I know is just 100% at this point). My confusion about the guideline is this: He gets about a thousand below the 2006 poverty guideline for the two of us.....however, IF the guideline is before taxes, under normal circumstances,,,, the amount he receives is probably as high, if not higher than someone actually earning that amount,since they have taxes taken off that. Did I explain this correctly? Right now, he is hesitant about asking anyone in his family to co-sponsor......unless we have no alternative. This could be moot point if he gets the doctors clearance to return to work before my interview and we can show a letter from an employer, combined with an explanation of his situation this past year and a half. any input would be appreciated.

Bev

[flipside 0]

It's before..

[motu 5]

It would be the gross income (Taxable income box 2a) reported on his W2 or the adjusted gross income on the 1040 (line 22.) If its not enough - try and line up a co-sponsor. Good Luck