Interview in Philippines

[Jimmyzr1 36]

Hello to all, I may have a problem with income requirements with trying to bring my fiance from the Philippines here. My question is, will the interviewer use my savings in lieu of monthly income. I lost my $100k+ job last year & have been on unemployment. I am a disabled veteran and receive $770 a month for that. The VA just sent me back to college and are giving me an additional $556 per month by check to go to school. School will be from 2 1/2-3 years in which I will receive the $770+$556=$1326 per month which equates to $15912 per year. My question is this, one will my income from the VA for school count for income, and, 2, since I am a veteran and receive this income untaxed like military, will I only have to make 100% poverty income or $14570 per year. I also have $55,000 in the stock market plus another $7,000-$8,000 in the bank. Will embassy in Manila use my savings for the difference if I don't qualify?

[MJ&RJ 7]

Can't be counted as military because you are no longer in the military. You still have to make the 125% threshold but your assets seem good enough to do that. Just point that out to them.

[James & Julie 1]

I was in same situation, TO Help, I filed on my taxes that i rent my garage out to a car club for $700 a month, my house is paid for and bought land in Philippines in wife's name, we used savings accounts, unemployment, garage, and House and property assesments. use everything you can but be sure to show documentation, the more the better !!!

[Jimmyzr1 36]

I was in same situation, TO Help, I filed on my taxes that i rent my garage out to a car club for $700 a month, my house is paid for and bought land in Philippines in wife's name, we used savings accounts, unemployment, garage, and House and property assesments. use everything you can but be sure to show documentation, the more the better !!!

Ok, I also get unemployment of $355 per week but was told the Manila embassy would not accept that form of income. I just heard rumors that it is up to the person doing the interview if they would accept savings in lieu of income or not.

[TravellingNomad 12]

you have to remember, they will only give you 10% of your savings amount to count towards the calculation of your income requirements.

[Tahoma 2,292]

If I were in your shoes, I would:

> Make the best financial case possible.

> Along with your I-134 and its supporting documents, include a letter to the consul officer explaining your financial situation in detail, and reaffirming your desire and ability to support your fiancée. I also would include the fact that you are a disabled vet.

Make sure your fiancée fully understands that she needs to submit your letter to the pre-screener at her interview. Also make sure that she has an extra copy in case she needs to submit it to the consul officer during her interview.

> Document all of your income and liquid assets. Include your school funds and your unemployment too.

In the consul officer's eyes, liquid assets are assets which can be converted to cash within one year. In your case, you have liquid assets of $62,000. The consul officer likely will count one-fourth of your liquid assets toward your annual income. In your case, that total would be $15,500. Combined with your income, it easily puts you over the top for a two-person household. 125% of the poverty line for a two-person household is $18,212.

Let the consul officer decide whether or not he is going to allow any particular income. Your job is to make your best case. Keep in mind that the consul officer is going to look at the totality of your circumstances in order to decide whether or not your fiancée is likely to become a public charge when she is in the United States.

> Make sure your fiancée is fully aware of all the details regarding your strategy for passing muster on the income requirement. She should be able to press your financial case to the consul officer just the same as you would. Better yet, attend the interview with her so you can make the case yourself.

> Submit an I-134 and supporting documents from a co-sponsor. Or, better yet, submit an I-864 and supporting documents from a co-sponsor. A friend of mine successfully submitted an I-864 to the U.S. Embassy in Manila in order to meet the income requirement. I attended their wedding last Friday!

Good luck!