Newly Engaged Couple (Probably Typical / Generic Question)

[Peot 128]

I'm not sure if it's all that obvious, but a joint-sponsor can be someone you know - it doesn't need to be a family member. Get your boss to jointly sponsor you. Get a co-worker. Get a friend. Explain to them that it is NOT an obligation to pay anything at all, and even sign something to that effect if you want to set their mind at ease (since it's hard to convince someone that they won't be on the hook if they sign the form).

 

I know that it sounds strange to get them to sign something that says they will support you and then you sign them something saying they won't have to, but the I-134 and so forth are more to prove that you have financial stability rather than having someone contractually make a financial obligation to support you.

 

Keep in mind that you can also use other assets (property usually... not things like your car) to offset some of the financial support value.

 

However, that being said, if you really can't find a joint-sponsor and are currently below the level... well.... it's good that you figure this all out now. It's the purpose of the form in the first place, really.

[Lemonslice 4,555]

Also, please consider the fees to file for AOS and see if you can start saving now - the faster you file, the faster your spouse will be able to drive, go to school, be authorized to work, etc. 

[Dutchster 1,106]

I wouldn't necessarily advise asking your boss to be a joint sponsor lol. 

[Peot 128]

13 minutes ago, Dutchster said:

I wouldn't necessarily advise asking your boss to be a joint sponsor lol. 

Why not? You're petitioning someone to come to the country- it does not imply that you are leaving your job, that you're unhappy with your job (pay), or that you are otherwise going to be moving. I would totally be comfortable asking my boss if they'd be willing to co-sponsor my fiance.

Edited April 30, 2017 by Peot

[Suss&Camm 2,213]

58 minutes ago, Gringuitico said:

Something I read on a related site (that adds to what has already been said here) is that the affidavit of support that you submit for a K1 visa becomes part of your/her permanent record.  This is a significant point, because while it's true that the income requirement for K1 is only 100% of poverty level, as stated here previously the AOS will require 125%... and they're going to refer to your original Affidavit of support when considering that.  As such, it's wise to demonstrate 125% at the original K1 stage, to avoid future complications.

That said, I don't know that there's any restriction on filing a second Affidavit of Support that shows updated income,but just be aware that the original one will not go away.

That's not correct. At AOS you full out an entirely new affidavit i864 instead of i134.

Edited April 30, 2017 by Suss&Camm

[Gringuitico 4]

1 minute ago, Suss&Camm said:

That's not correct. A AOS you full out an entirely new affidavit i864 instead of i134.

I'm happy to be corrected.  I just read that on a legal advice page today.

[Peot 128]

Just now, Gringuitico said:

I'm happy to be corrected.  I just read that on a legal advice page today.

I read something very similar yesterday, on another immigration advice page, that anything you claim on I-134 will be scrutinized when you go for your AOS, even if it's a different form. I'm sure that they CAN refer to the other form, but I wonder to what extent.... 

[Lemonslice 4,555]

Well, if you changed job, got a pay raise or a promotion, you will have paystubs to support your claim... that is not unusual for the information to be different. 

[Suss&Camm 2,213]

5 minutes ago, Gringuitico said:

I'm happy to be corrected.  I just read that on a legal advice page today.

Don't know what you read - just that there is a lot of erroneous Information out there. The i134 affidavit at K1 stage is not legally binding, at AOS the sponsor fills out the i864- which has real legal implications and means the sponsor is responsible until the immigrant becomes a citizen or has performed 40 qualifying quartersof work, whichever comes first. At that point they can be held financially responsible in court if the immigrant incurs costs on society by claiming social benefits.

Edited April 30, 2017 by Suss&Camm

[Suss&Camm 2,213]

3 minutes ago, Peot said:

I read something very similar yesterday, on another immigration advice page, that anything you claim on I-134 will be scrutinized when you go for your AOS, even if it's a different form. I'm sure that they CAN refer to the other form, but I wonder to what extent.... 

You send entirely new evidence with the new affidavit.

[Suss&Camm 2,213]

Maybe they were talking about relationships and background information. That will be scrutinized and doesn't change. 

[geowrian 22,335]

39 minutes ago, Peot said:

I read something very similar yesterday, on another immigration advice page, that anything you claim on I-134 will be scrutinized when you go for your AOS, even if it's a different form. I'm sure that they CAN refer to the other form, but I wonder to what extent.... 

Anything you submit for immigration can always be brought back up later. That said, I see no reason for there to be a concern about the I-134 affecting the I-864. Jobs change, people get raises, etc. As long as you fill out the forms honestly, there is no issue or reason for them to hold anything in the I-134 against you.

[Suss&Camm 2,213]

1 minute ago, geowrian said:

Anything you submit for immigration can always be brought back up later. That said, I see no reason for there to be a concern about the I-134 affecting the I-864. Jobs change, people get raises, etc. As long as you fill out the forms honestly, there is no issue or reason for them to hold anything in the I-134 against you.

Exacto....

[JFH 12,189]

Aside from the government requirements, you need to look at the practical side too. You are on a low income income and about to add an extra person to your household who will not be able to work for several months. And the cost of bringing her here will be around 10% of your total annual income. Can you afford that? Do you have savings?

Edited April 30, 2017 by JFH

[USC1961 251]

4 hours ago, Dutchster said:

I wouldn't necessarily advise asking your boss to be a joint sponsor lol. 

Yes huge conflict of interest here, not wise in the least.

Edited April 30, 2017 by Cruise77