Potential K1 Visa Issue

[0814evk 7]

Hi, I am considering applying for a K1 visa next year, and I have something that may be an issue. This is a situation that may never happen, but I'm thinking about all possible scenarios that could arise in the next year.

I am an American citizen. I live in Russia and have been in a two-year relationship with someone here. Due to the geopolitical situation, assuming it does not improve, there's a high chance of me leaving the country when my work contract ends in June, either voluntarily or because the Russian government won't renew my visa. If this happens, I plan to propose to my girlfriend before leaving, and if she says yes, try to eventually bring her to the United States, most likely by mid to late 2023.

 

If it gets to this point, I have to figure out what to do with income requirements. From what I've read, the USCIS uses tax returns. I do file, but all of my income is from working here, and I make very little money by US dollars, so all of my income would be from whatever new job I get in the US. With my skill set, I envision myself fairly quickly finding a job upon returning to the US, earning somewhere between $35,000-40,000. The problem is that if I work only about half of the year (contract ends in early June, find job in the USA by the beginning of July), my 2022 income could still be under the minimum amount, or just a hair above it. Do you think that would be an issue when filing? Of course I could show pay stubs and other documentation showing current income, plus I have $13,000 in savings and another $7,000 in an IRA. Will that be an issue? Or will I need to pick up a second PT job to ensure I'm over the minimum for the 2022 tax year?

Thank you very much!

Edited March 2, 2022 by 0814evk

[Mike E 11,739]

5 minutes ago, 0814evk said:

   Will that be an issue

Current income is what matters the most.  
 

Why not get married, then return to the USA before the consular phase starts, get 90 days worth of pay stubs and submit  l an I-864 they shows sufficient current income?

[JeanneAdil 6,447]

Marry before leaving Russia

return to US

get a job with US income

apply for the CR1 spouse visa

u will have the needed income to show by time of the interview

[SalishSea 17,770]

8 hours ago, 0814evk said:

try to eventually bring her to the United States, most likely by mid to late 2023.

Very unlikely she would be here this soon, regardless of which visa you choose.