Timing of I-134 and Employment Status

[Gail and Derrick 270]

Background: I'm a February 2021 filer waiting on NOA2 and expecting (hoping) to see it mid-September to early October. Looks like Dublin is booking interviews about 3 months out from NOA2 so that would put us at January, maybe. 

 

I quit my well-paying job in June as I was burning out, was offered consulting work, and had savings in case I needed them. I've been consulting since then and making enough to keep me well above the required income line. The only thing that's causing me anxiety is the thought that if I am not employed when we need to file the I-134, this whole wait might have been for nothing. I am interviewing for full time roles now, but in my field it's not unusual for it to take 3 months from application to offer. My tax returns for the last few years show steady and high-paying employment, but I don't have anything showing my self-employment consulting income because I've only been doing it since June. I do not have enough in savings to be able to make up for the "not employed by someone else" aspect. From what I've read this is highly likely to be an issue and a joint sponsor is not an option. 

 

It is my understanding that the I-134 is needed at the interview, but not before. Is that correct?  If so, I figure I have until maybe December to get myself a full time job. Right now I'm being really picky about where I apply, but probably need to be less so just so I can have something in place. 

 

[Boiler 45,154]

Current income is what counts, you do not have to be in full time employment, consultants can qualify.

 

If you are concerned have a co sponsor to hand.

[Gail and Derrick 270]

26 minutes ago, Boiler said:

Current income is what counts, you do not have to be in full time employment, consultants can qualify.

 

If you are concerned have a co sponsor to hand.

This makes sense, but I think the problem is in proving current income and its sustainability. From what I have read on other threads, it usually requires a tax return showing self-employment income. I could certainly provide by consulting retainer contracts as these are usually 3+ month contracts as well as invoices and payments received, but this might not be enough.

 

Co-sponsor is not an option unfortunately.