Consulate didn't approve K1, asking for tax return and vague financial information

[Nordlandcc 2]

Hello,

My Fiance' and her children went for their interview today. We knew there might be a problem with a police report we have been waiting for since December, and there was. However, what I was afraid of came to pass. I have had some financial struggles (filed Chapter 7 in 2011, paid off State Unemployment issue, still owe taxes from 2011-2013) I do make over $80k a year so I thought the income would be enough. They are now asking for 2013 Tax Return (no big deal) but they mentioned something about a Co-Sponsor and "clearance of financial obligations and ability to support beneficiaries".

My questions are:

1. Is a parent who has their own financial struggles but makes over $100k (and little cash in bank) better than an Aunt or friend who has more cash in bank but might make less or more?

2. How would you interpret "clearance of financial obligations". Does that mean I can't have a car loan, or a personal loan (both total less than $12k) or how else would I prove that I can support them?

Please Help!! Thank you so much in advance!!!

[ascertainLovE 165]

Hello,

My Fiance' and her children went for their interview today. We knew there might be a problem with a police report we have been waiting for since December, and there was. However, what I was afraid of came to pass. I have had some financial struggles (filed Chapter 7 in 2011, paid off State Unemployment issue, still owe taxes from 2011-2013) I do make over $80k a year so I thought the income would be enough. They are now asking for 2013 Tax Return (no big deal) but they mentioned something about a Co-Sponsor and "clearance of financial obligations and ability to support beneficiaries".

My questions are:

1. Is a parent who has their own financial struggles but makes over $100k (and little cash in bank) better than an Aunt or friend who has more cash in bank but might make less or more?

2. How would you interpret "clearance of financial obligations". Does that mean I can't have a car loan, or a personal loan (both total less than $12k) or how else would I prove that I can support them?

Please Help!! Thank you so much in advance!!!

I have no advice but I am very interested in your case. Many people here say debts don't matter but the wording of the consulate makes it seem like it does matter.

[TBoneTX 42,988]

*** Thread moved from K-1 Process forum to the Embassy/Consulate forum -- topic involves that stage. ***

[milimelo 4,156]

Did you send some sort of agreement with IRS on tax payments? That's what they normally want to see if you owe taxes.

[Nordlandcc 2]

Did you send some sort of agreement with IRS on tax payments? That's what they normally want to see if you owe taxes.

I did. I sent them the installment agreement as well as proof of payments.

[KiGar 1]

It's far better to show a steady source of significant income rather than someone who has significant savings but little or no income for several reasons. Having money in the bank proves very little with respect to your ability to provide and support your future spouse. I liken it to lottery winners who often end up completely broke and hopeless after a few years when prior to their winnings they were happy, hopeful, and otherwise stable individuals. So if you have a decent income it shows that, even if you lose your job, you are likely to at least get another job even if you have to take a pay cut since you obviously have skills and experience that are needed somewhere by someone. Someone living off of savings is not a pretty sight for many reasons that I won't go into here.

In regards to your debts and past financial problems, all you need to do is be ready and willing to show what and how it happened and a disciplined strategy to maintain control of any outstanding obligations. The best way of looking at it is to put yourself in their position. If someone can sit down with you and explain how they messed up and prove that they are making forward progress isn't that already better than the majority of the population? It's related to why so many people from failed companies are hired or promoted faster than someone who has never experienced adversity. Those who have messed up know what NOT to do...especially if they can prove that they know how to clean up the mess. If you have that mindset, nothing that you mentioned should be an issue when the decision makers weigh the pros and cons.