Money Problems

[Nicoco 26]

My fiance and I are a young couple.

We met in college when he was an international student, on an F-1 visa. His sponsor, a lady who knew his grandparents, was not able to pay last August, so his visa expired, and he was forced to move back to Thailand, although his original plan was to live permanently in the United States.

I am 20 years old, in second year of college and still living with my parents, but strongly want to get married soon. I am mentally ready to live and work on my own, but due to the circumstances, I cannot for at least another 8 months.

My fiance lives in Thailand, he is 21, and he lives with his grandparents. He has no parents because they abandoned him as a child . He has a job at a retail store, but that does not count for the I-134.

Recently, I just came back from a 3 month trip to his home in Thailand, where we rented out an apartment together. As some of you might know, it's very cheap to live there, so I only had to work for about 6 months to be able to pay for rent, utilities, and food and extras.

I hold a retail job, and I'm getting another job, plus I'm starting in a business ownership, but somehow I still am worried about the money support situation. I'm getting my petition ready to send in, just a few more things to organize, but then after that, I'm not sure how long I have to show that I can make enough money annually.

I know the poverty line for two people is a bit over 18,000 per year. I made about 10,000 working part time last year. I know I can make double that if I go full time, but I've already lost part of the year visiting and becoming engaged to my honey, and I believe that it was very important that I went to visit.

I want him to come here as soon as possible. We waited 7 months to be together last year because he was in Thailand and I was in the USA. It's very painful and tiring, as you all probably understand. We are willing to do whatever it takes to be together again, even if I have to work constantly.

My parents want me to finish school this fall, but I don't see how I can make enough money if I have to finish school. That would be full time retail job, full time network marketing, and full time school (6 classes). I am not sure what to do about work and school.

His grandparents do not treat him well, but because of his money situation, he has to stay with them. He only makes about 5 dollars a day, and he's also going to school.

I hear everyone's stories, and they are very inspiring, but I am getting the feeling that a lot of you are older or have the option of having a sponsor. For some reason, the Bangkok immigration embassy does not permit sponsors. I heard that on the forum here, correct me if I am wrong.

I just got back from Thailand three days ago, I'm horribly stressed, and he's falling into a deep depression now that he's back at his grandparents' house. It's a sadness that makes you not be able to breathe. And to top that, we both have money problems.

But my main concern is that I will not be able to make enough to be over the poverty line and they will decline our petition. I am young, still with parents, and have no savings. Any suggestions? Anyone who's been through/going through this type of problem?

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

My fiance and I are a young couple.

We met in college when he was an international student, on an F-1 visa. His sponsor, a lady who knew his grandparents, was not able to pay last August, so his visa expired, and he was forced to move back to Thailand, although his original plan was to live permanently in the United States.

I am 20 years old, in second year of college and still living with my parents, but strongly want to get married soon. I am mentally ready to live and work on my own, but due to the circumstances, I cannot for at least another 8 months.

My fiance lives in Thailand, he is 21, and he lives with his grandparents. He has no parents because they abandoned him as a child . He has a job at a retail store, but that does not count for the I-134.

Recently, I just came back from a 3 month trip to his home in Thailand, where we rented out an apartment together. As some of you might know, it's very cheap to live there, so I only had to work for about 6 months to be able to pay for rent, utilities, and food and extras.

I hold a retail job, and I'm getting another job, plus I'm starting in a business ownership, but somehow I still am worried about the money support situation. I'm getting my petition ready to send in, just a few more things to organize, but then after that, I'm not sure how long I have to show that I can make enough money annually.

I know the poverty line for two people is a bit over 18,000 per year. I made about 10,000 working part time last year. I know I can make double that if I go full time, but I've already lost part of the year visiting and becoming engaged to my honey, and I believe that it was very important that I went to visit.

I want him to come here as soon as possible. We waited 7 months to be together last year because he was in Thailand and I was in the USA. It's very painful and tiring, as you all probably understand. We are willing to do whatever it takes to be together again, even if I have to work constantly.

My parents want me to finish school this fall, but I don't see how I can make enough money if I have to finish school. That would be full time retail job, full time network marketing, and full time school (6 classes). I am not sure what to do about work and school.

His grandparents do not treat him well, but because of his money situation, he has to stay with them. He only makes about 5 dollars a day, and he's also going to school.

I hear everyone's stories, and they are very inspiring, but I am getting the feeling that a lot of you are older or have the option of having a sponsor. For some reason, the Bangkok immigration embassy does not permit sponsors. I heard that on the forum here, correct me if I am wrong.

I just got back from Thailand three days ago, I'm horribly stressed, and he's falling into a deep depression now that he's back at his grandparents' house. It's a sadness that makes you not be able to breathe. And to top that, we both have money problems.

But my main concern is that I will not be able to make enough to be over the poverty line and they will decline our petition. I am young, still with parents, and have no savings. Any suggestions? Anyone who's been through/going through this type of problem?

CURRENT income rules. If you made $10,000 last year and you got a job yesterday paying $63,000 per year...what is your CURRENT INCOME...$63,000 per year. You qualify. You do not have to wait until you make that much for one year, you only need to prove you have the income (check stubs will do or an employment letter)

Provided you have an income exceeding the guidleines at the time of the interview (filling out the I-134) you will be fine.

[kaleigha 3]

I don't know anything about the Bangkok embassy, but I think first thing you should check with the embassy to see if they accept cosponsors. If it is true that they do not accept co sponsors, then you will know that you need to start looking at your options like this.

Is there any way at all that your fiance could find someone else who could help sponsor him on another F-1 visa? This seems like it could be the easiest thing for you right now, because it would give you the chance to finish school, get a degree, and be able to find a good job so that you will easily be able to make enough money for the affidavit of support, while still being able to see him.

Its hard to say what you should do...

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

I don't know anything about the Bangkok embassy, but I think first thing you should check with the embassy to see if they accept cosponsors. If it is true that they do not accept co sponsors, then you will know that you need to start looking at your options like this.

Is there any way at all that your fiance could find someone else who could help sponsor him on another F-1 visa? This seems like it could be the easiest thing for you right now, because it would give you the chance to finish school, get a degree, and be able to find a good job so that you will easily be able to make enough money for the affidavit of support, while still being able to see him.

Its hard to say what you should do...

Bangkok does not accept co-sponsors for K-1 visas. If a co-sponsoir is necessary for Bangkok, you would need to get married first, then file for a CR-1 and the affidavit is handled by NVC, not Bangkok. NVC does allow co-sponsors.

[LIFE'SJOURNEY 970]

If it is true love, then it will wait. Finish school first, then at least one of you will have something to offer the other. Being married and always worrying about your financial situation doesn't allow you'll to enjoy the blessing of a marriage. Just my 2cents.

[missicy 87]

Many people that worry about not making enough for affidavit of support, often don't think past it. If you don't make at least $18,000 a year, it will be VERY hard after your fiance comes to the States. That's not a lot of money for two people. Is $1,500 a month enough for rent, bills, food etc. for two people? Those who have a co-sponsor, will your sponsor actually help you financially or are they just a sponsor on the paper?

Those are the quesions you have to consider before applying for the visa. It's not just about getting the visa. After the visa is in hand and fiance arrives to the States, real life and real expenses start.

[Aztec&Taino 144]

My fiance and I are a young couple.

We met in college when he was an international student, on an F-1 visa. His sponsor, a lady who knew his grandparents, was not able to pay last August, so his visa expired, and he was forced to move back to Thailand, although his original plan was to live permanently in the United States.

I am 20 years old, in second year of college and still living with my parents, but strongly want to get married soon. I am mentally ready to live and work on my own, but due to the circumstances, I cannot for at least another 8 months.

My fiance lives in Thailand, he is 21, and he lives with his grandparents. He has no parents because they abandoned him as a child . He has a job at a retail store, but that does not count for the I-134.

Recently, I just came back from a 3 month trip to his home in Thailand, where we rented out an apartment together. As some of you might know, it's very cheap to live there, so I only had to work for about 6 months to be able to pay for rent, utilities, and food and extras.

I hold a retail job, and I'm getting another job, plus I'm starting in a business ownership, but somehow I still am worried about the money support situation. I'm getting my petition ready to send in, just a few more things to organize, but then after that, I'm not sure how long I have to show that I can make enough money annually.

I know the poverty line for two people is a bit over 18,000 per year. I made about 10,000 working part time last year. I know I can make double that if I go full time, but I've already lost part of the year visiting and becoming engaged to my honey, and I believe that it was very important that I went to visit.

I want him to come here as soon as possible. We waited 7 months to be together last year because he was in Thailand and I was in the USA. It's very painful and tiring, as you all probably understand. We are willing to do whatever it takes to be together again, even if I have to work constantly.

My parents want me to finish school this fall, but I don't see how I can make enough money if I have to finish school. That would be full time retail job, full time network marketing, and full time school (6 classes). I am not sure what to do about work and school.

His grandparents do not treat him well, but because of his money situation, he has to stay with them. He only makes about 5 dollars a day, and he's also going to school.

I hear everyone's stories, and they are very inspiring, but I am getting the feeling that a lot of you are older or have the option of having a sponsor. For some reason, the Bangkok immigration embassy does not permit sponsors. I heard that on the forum here, correct me if I am wrong.

I just got back from Thailand three days ago, I'm horribly stressed, and he's falling into a deep depression now that he's back at his grandparents' house. It's a sadness that makes you not be able to breathe. And to top that, we both have money problems.

But my main concern is that I will not be able to make enough to be over the poverty line and they will decline our petition. I am young, still with parents, and have no savings. Any suggestions? Anyone who's been through/going through this type of problem?

First of all, congratulations on being in love! It is such a wonderful feeling...

Yes, you both are young, but if your love is strong you will do whatever is necessary to make it work. I know because I had 5 jobs last fall so I would be able to save enough money and go see my fiance often and spend some quality time at some nice all-inclusive resorts. So, if you really want to make an effort you CAN go to school and work and make it so that your current income qualifies for sponsorship. Really, the minimum poverty guidelines are not difficult to reach. You would just have to make an effort to forget about TV, internet, partying, and other distractions in order to focus on school and work. If you make it a priority you can do it. Countless others have made it.

Best wishes!

Edited April 23, 2011 by Aztec&Taino

[Nicoco 26]

Thank you so much for your answers.

How can I know how much I would need to make monthly or in pay stubs? Is there a website for that?

We will be fine if we have to wait... but we're the type of people were together constantly when he was in the US, on the phone all the time when he was in Thailand, and we didn't leave eachother's side when I was in Thailand. We're very clingy and dependent on eachother. I'd rather be poor but with him here. We were poor in Thailand and we were ok for 3 months budgeting on a small amount of money. Being apart hurts much more.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

Thank you so much for your answers.

How can I know how much I would need to make monthly or in pay stubs? Is there a website for that?

We will be fine if we have to wait... but we're the type of people were together constantly when he was in the US, on the phone all the time when he was in Thailand, and we didn't leave eachother's side when I was in Thailand. We're very clingy and dependent on eachother. I'd rather be poor but with him here. We were poor in Thailand and we were ok for 3 months budgeting on a small amount of money. Being apart hurts much more.

The guidelines are here at this site. Search under I-864P.

Divide by 12.

[Ning 619]

Thank you so much for your answers.

How can I know how much I would need to make monthly or in pay stubs? Is there a website for that?

We will be fine if we have to wait... but we're the type of people were together constantly when he was in the US, on the phone all the time when he was in Thailand, and we didn't leave eachother's side when I was in Thailand. We're very clingy and dependent on eachother. I'd rather be poor but with him here. We were poor in Thailand and we were ok for 3 months budgeting on a small amount of money. Being apart hurts much more.

In general BKK doesnt allow co sponsors. In two cases I know of they did allow it. It wont work in your case. You income at the time of the interview is paramount.

If you cant generate that income as you live a somewhat normal life dont bother with K 1. You wont be constantly together; you'll be working. With K 1 he cant work for extended peorid. He gets frustrated; you get to argue.

Get married in Thailand if you are sure, then file for C R 1. That allows the co sponsor. He gets a Green Card quickly. He begins right now with any courses he needs to prepare for life in the USA.

missicy is right as well. The effort should be to marry & prepare for the new circumstances that creates. When & where will he work? Drive? There are many things to do when there appears to be none. It all becomes the fabric of your relationship. Begin with school then other priorities.

[Anh map 2,098]

$18,387 is the annual income you must earn to meet the requirement. That is a full time job at $9 per hour.

[Dana-Mića 51]

You aren't the only young people around. I am just turning 24 and my husband is 27. I have no income what's so ever because I graduated school in December and went straight to Serbia for 2 months till Feb 28th and I am going again on June 6th so it wasn't realistic for me to start working and than what quit it wouldn't look good on a resume. I am lucky in the sense that my country lets us have co-sponsors married or not but I am married and I find that even though it takes a little longer it is easier because he will get his green card right away. It is also cheaper. So my suggestion is if you can make another trip to Thailand and get married and than apply for a CR/IR visa.

[max+patricia 24]

I'm in a similar situation - income was barely under the required amount last year because I was a student half the year and part-time employed the other half of the year. I was still pretty close but still worried - so I emailed our embassy to ask about this exactly. My income is now doubled due to working full-time - and like others have said, I was told the same thing - current income backed up by pay stubs, letter of employment, etc will suffice.

My advice - work as much as you can right now, save all your paystubs, and go for it. I'm 26, my fiancee is 21, both of us still in school, no co-sponsor. You're definitely in good company

[crazybanana 1]

If it is true love, then it will wait. Finish school first, then at least one of you will have something to offer the other. Being married and always worrying about your financial situation doesn't allow you'll to enjoy the blessing of a marriage. Just my 2cents.

well said.

[cookieandcream 10]

24/27 is very different from 20/21...

Life is long and an education makes a difference. See it as getting ready for you future married life.

If you really want to be with him you can marry him CR1 and co sponsor but don't give up going to school in order to be able to afford a married life at 20.