a couple basic questions

[americaandnorway 3]

Hi, I'm new here and have a couple questions about this whole process. I live in MN and my fiance is in Norway, if that's relevant. We haven't started any of the paperwork yet and there are a couple things we're wondering about.

1. The affidavit of support: what kinds of things do I need to be aware of as a recent college graduate? I know they'll want my tax returns for the last three years and will want to know that I make 125% of the poverty line to support the two of us. Does it matter that I've been working part-time through college and haven't been making much money, especially in the past year since I was busy with school and hardly worked at all? Since graduating I've been looking for a job, and (assuming my job interview goes well tomorrow ) may be taking a job that is only 30 hrs/week but pays enough to meet the 125% amount - so is it more important that I work 40 hrs/week, or that I make enough to qualify no matter the hours? Seems like this stuff is a lot easier if you've had a steady job for a while and aren't just getting out of school.

2. How long does it take for the foreign spouse to be able to leave the country after getting married? Months, years? We're just curious in case we'd like to visit Canada or something on vacation in the future.

Thanks!

[baron555 934]

Hi, I'm new here and have a couple questions about this whole process. I live in MN and my fiance is in Norway, if that's relevant. We haven't started any of the paperwork yet and there are a couple things we're wondering about.

1. The affidavit of support: what kinds of things do I need to be aware of as a recent college graduate? I know they'll want my tax returns for the last three years and will want to know that I make 125% of the poverty line to support the two of us. Does it matter that I've been working part-time through college and haven't been making much money, especially in the past year since I was busy with school and hardly worked at all? Since graduating I've been looking for a job, and (assuming my job interview goes well tomorrow ) may be taking a job that is only 30 hrs/week but pays enough to meet the 125% amount - so is it more important that I work 40 hrs/week, or that I make enough to qualify no matter the hours? Seems like this stuff is a lot easier if you've had a steady job for a while and aren't just getting out of school.

2. How long does it take for the foreign spouse to be able to leave the country after getting married? Months, years? We're just curious in case we'd like to visit Canada or something on vacation in the future.

Thanks!

The most important part of your income is your current annual income at the time you fill out the I-134. If that then is above the required amount, you are good to go. If it is less, then you will need a cosponsor.

Once you marry and then file the AOS, along with the EAD and AP, once you get the AP, you can travel. See the Immigration Timelines for an idea of timing for that.

[Guitarlo 2]

Hi, I'm new here and have a couple questions about this whole process. I live in MN and my fiance is in Norway, if that's relevant. We haven't started any of the paperwork yet and there are a couple things we're wondering about.

1. The affidavit of support: what kinds of things do I need to be aware of as a recent college graduate? I know they'll want my tax returns for the last three years and will want to know that I make 125% of the poverty line to support the two of us. Does it matter that I've been working part-time through college and haven't been making much money, especially in the past year since I was busy with school and hardly worked at all? Since graduating I've been looking for a job, and (assuming my job interview goes well tomorrow ) may be taking a job that is only 30 hrs/week but pays enough to meet the 125% amount - so is it more important that I work 40 hrs/week, or that I make enough to qualify no matter the hours? Seems like this stuff is a lot easier if you've had a steady job for a while and aren't just getting out of school.

2. How long does it take for the foreign spouse to be able to leave the country after getting married? Months, years? We're just curious in case we'd like to visit Canada or something on vacation in the future.

Thanks!

It all matters. How much you made and will make is taken into consideration. It's possible you might need a co-sponsor. I am in Minneapolis and can recommend a local attorney but it's expensive. I hope you get that job, which will make matters a lot easier. You need the money and how much time work doesn't matter - e.g. you make $150 hr like an attorney and only work 8 hrs per week.

How long does it take? You mean on a K3? I don't know Norway but it seems like they'd be reasonable as opposed to China, Russia, Asia et al.

[baron555 934]

I will disagree slightly with the last poster. If you have been a student and now you are not and have a nice paying job, that fact will be taken into account. They will understand that while a student, you probably didn't make the required amount. But now, if you do, then you should be good to go.

A different situation would be if you are past being a student and yes, I agree, you previously didn't meet the level and now just barely? Yes that could be a factor.

If you think your case is such, then get a co-sponsor if you can.

If you can not, then maybe you should wait to file the initial petition until you can properly support your new family.

Your love doesn't count in these decisions. However you must understand your requirements, as far as Immigration is concerned.