Affidavit of Support Question

[Jyrell 0]

Okay so only one of us will be able to work (at least until we marry). K-1 visa and all that, I got it so far. I know about the poverty guidelines but I had a few concerns.

I have student loans and the monthly payment is at $594.07 (unconsolidated). I know that's a lot and I've been trying to get it consolidated, but without any luck so far. I have a job and make $9.74/hr. That comes out to $18,188.45 after federal tax, social security, state tax. $20,259.20 gross.

My 2008 income was $5,435.00 as I was in school full time.

My 2007 total income was 2,141.00 as I was in school full time.

I dont have much in savings and after the price for one-way tickets to the US, my fiance won't either. Don't own anything of value (other than a ring -which I may sadly return for less monthly bills), haven't gotten a place yet as I've been trying to consolidate my loans first. Even without consolidation I could play with $500/month. (assuming I use 200/month to pay off visa debt)

I don't know what to do. What with the cost of living, insurance, gas, home costs, maintainance, doctors, etc... I don't think we can make it. They just approved the visa petition so I'd hate to cut it off here after getting halfway... my folks say there is no way a couple can survive on that income. I tend to agree but I'm more positive than they, despite my bleek situation.

I don't pay them anything to live at their place but soon I'll need to cover car costs. What should I do? End the relationship, suck it up and realize I can't be "man enough" to support them?

Another question I had is, can I apply for food-stamps or anything like that or is that what a public charge is? Thanks in advance. I so don't know what to do.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

Okay so only one of us will be able to work (at least until we marry). K-1 visa and all that, I got it so far. I know about the poverty guidelines but I had a few concerns.

I have student loans and the monthly payment is at $594.07 (unconsolidated). I know that's a lot and I've been trying to get it consolidated, but without any luck so far. I have a job and make $9.74/hr. That comes out to $18,188.45 after federal tax, social security, state tax. $20,259.20 gross.

My 2008 income was $5,435.00 as I was in school full time.

My 2007 total income was 2,141.00 as I was in school full time.

I dont have much in savings and after the price for one-way tickets to the US, my fiance won't either. Don't own anything of value (other than a ring -which I may sadly return for less monthly bills), haven't gotten a place yet as I've been trying to consolidate my loans first. Even without consolidation I could play with $500/month. (assuming I use 200/month to pay off visa debt)

I don't know what to do. What with the cost of living, insurance, gas, home costs, maintainance, doctors, etc... I don't think we can make it. They just approved the visa petition so I'd hate to cut it off here after getting halfway... my folks say there is no way a couple can survive on that income. I tend to agree but I'm more positive than they, despite my bleek situation.

I don't pay them anything to live at their place but soon I'll need to cover car costs. What should I do? End the relationship, suck it up and realize I can't be "man enough" to support them?

Another question I had is, can I apply for food-stamps or anything like that or is that what a public charge is? Thanks in advance. I so don't know what to do.

For the I-134 they use current GROSS income for the determination. Before taxes. You make enough. You did not for 2008 and 2007, but look at the calendar, it is 2009 and you were a student then, now you are working. The State Department couldn't care less about your student loans or what your parents think.

Since none of this is news to you, and you knew all of this before filing the petition, I am pretty disappointed you even went this far with another human being before thinking about this. So, is she looking forward to a life with you while you ask questions about giving her the heave-ho overboard because you don't think you make enough money right now, today? I mean what are you doing getting into such a relationship and how are you or her going to convince anyone it is genuine? If I were your girl and you even mentioned this to me I would drop you like a hot potatoe, there is no future in a quitter. Your fiancee, if she agrees to marry you anymore, will be able to work 3-6 months after arriving, you ought to be able to hold your breath that long if Mom and Dad will let you live in the basement, soon your wife will be able to support you.

Well, you ask a question about personal matters you ought to be able to handle yourself if you are contemplating getting married...so you get a personal opinion.

And please, go ahead and apply for food stamps while you live in Mommy and Daddy's basement because the rest of us would just be thrilled to support you and your wife with the tax money that is confiscated from our earnings. Yes, for some reason USCIS will allow an educated, able bodied petitioner to HOST like a tapeworm off the rest of us, but not their foreign (and probably more ambitious) fiancee. But if you earn more than 125% of poverty income you don't qualify for food stamps.....Sheeeeesh.

[rebeccajo 14]

Gary --

Is that really necessary?

[BokGao 0]

Gary --

Is that really necessary?

I think it is. If the OP has these reservations now and didn't think about these issues before he filed and he's asking these questions now then I think that he needs to hear this and face reality. I'm sure that he had gotten some of the same things from mom and dad.

My 2007 1040 was $35K and 2008 was $41K. I have 2 kids with no car payments. I have a mortgage and $15K in loans. I don't have any other debts other that and I was still reluctant to go and meet my fiancee. I wasn't looking forward to a hard life for me, my kids or my future wife. I'm sure we will be fine but I still get nervous.

Base on the OP's post, that's scraping the bottom of the barrel. In that position, I would've never even considered it. Hold off until I can stand on my own 2 feet before I'll put anyone on my shoulders. When you get on the airplane and they are giving you that safety instructions, they say "put your own safety mask on first before helping others". If you don't put your own mask and you past out before you're able to put it on for someone else then both of you are SOL instead of one person.

Yes, we'd like to think optimistically. You need to create a safety net. Plan these things out. If you haven't listen to your parents, why in the world would you listen to a bunch of strangers on the internet?

[baron555 934]

I guess my only comment would be is your fiancee well aware of your economic sitaution and the cost of living here?

I would hope so and that you two are totally honest with each other.

It will be very tough in the beginning.

[payxibka 10,048]

Moving to the consulate forum

US Embassy and Consulate Discussion

You are almost there and now you have to deal with the embassy. This is the place to post your experiences or questions related to this last step before moving to the US. Topics relating to I-134's, packets sent from consulate and medical & police certificates should be posted here.

[JimVaPhuong 4,864]

Jyrell, I understand what you're going through. You fell in love and dove headfirst without checking first to see if there was any water in the pool. Anyone who hasn't done something stupid in the name of love can be the first to throw stones. I have a life long lease on the glass house of love, so I'm not going to lecture you. You live with your parents, so I'm sure you get enough lecturing from them.

First, do NOT even consider public assistance or food stamps. These programs are for people who find themselves in desperate situations through no fault of their own. No rational person would consider a financial decision by saying "Hey, I might be able to do this if I apply for food stamps". You're letting your emotions cloud your judgement. You're considering desperate measures to get something you really really want, but which is decidedly NOT a desperate situation. First step - calm down, and think about this logically and rationally.

Ok, you said "man enough to support THEM". How many people are we talking about here? Is it just your fiance/e, or are there also children involved?

How much do you reasonably expect to make next year? Will it be enough to meet your current financial obligations AND pay for an apartment, food, car expenses, and the additional expenses involved with the visa and AOS process? If you are fairly confident that your financial situation will improve a lot, then you might want to consider withdrawing your petition, or at least postponing the interview as long as you can until you feel you have the income to pay for everything.

If you don't expect your income and financial situation will be any better next year, then you may have to accept that you're just not ready for this. Continue your courtship until you can afford to do this on your own.

Gary, seriously... two cups of coffee and THEN login and post! You're a font of infinite wisdom here, but knowledge can't be injected with fangs!

[Jyrell 0]

I appreciate the honesty so I don't mind Gary's post; actually it's refreshing. Maybe I am that sort of man. Well, I shall change and make judgements according to your advice. So thank you! I wouldn't actually consider doing that I was just overwhelmed by my lack of initial judgement.

I do need to calm down. That's good advice. Postponing the interview or withdrawing the petition seems the way to go if I'm not convinced about my income improving within that time period. That doesn't make it any less frustrating tho! >_< It's tough braving a world for the first time. That is no excuse for poor judgement. I think the thing that I was trying to express at the time was this very same realization, the one Gary talks about. I think I've been too focused on my own shortcomings to move ahead, in a way.

Well I promised her (and her family) and I will promise you the same. If I cannot be a man and support her, I won't. And I'll grow up. So put your heart to rest. Is that fair, Gary?

I'm asking out of honesty. :-)

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

I appreciate the honesty so I don't mind Gary's post; actually it's refreshing. Maybe I am that sort of man. Well, I shall change and make judgements according to your advice. So thank you! I wouldn't actually consider doing that I was just overwhelmed by my lack of initial judgement.

I do need to calm down. That's good advice. Postponing the interview or withdrawing the petition seems the way to go if I'm not convinced about my income improving within that time period. That doesn't make it any less frustrating tho! >_< It's tough braving a world for the first time. That is no excuse for poor judgement. I think the thing that I was trying to express at the time was this very same realization, the one Gary talks about. I think I've been too focused on my own shortcomings to move ahead, in a way.

Well I promised her (and her family) and I will promise you the same. If I cannot be a man and support her, I won't. And I'll grow up. So put your heart to rest. Is that fair, Gary?

I'm asking out of honesty. :-)

Then honestly I will say "NO". It is NOT fair to offer marriage to a another person and have them begin to plan to move half way 'round the world and then pull the rug out. No, sir, that is NOT fair. Especially when it is for reasons you were well aware of when you asked her about marriage, or should have been,

No, I would say a man would do what needs to be done to make his commitment to others, whatever it takes. Work AND go to school, quit school for a while (though education is important and you should continue that at all costs, really) I don't know. Whatever. Personally, I would say "Look here, sweetheart, here is the deal...and I am going to do all I can and I am sure we will have a good life but the first few years might be tough, but that's how it is because everyone has it tough starting out" And then do it. I am sure you are man enough. I bet she will agree to help how she can. I don't want your promise you will quit when it isn't easy, and and admit you failed, neither does she. Promise her you will do all you can to give her a good life. Failure is not an option at this point. Find a way. There is one.

Good luck