Thailand K-1 and Money

[Nicoco 26]

I have been reading the forums for a while, and I have asked a lot of questions regarding the poverty line.

I am finding mixed responces. Some people say as long as I'm 125% over the poverty line, I'm good. Now 125% over the poverty line for two is $18,400 (just about). What happens if I make $18,720 per year? Is that safe?

And what's with BKK denying co-sponsored people? Is it because of Thai girls that they think is a fraud? Because I'm a girl marrying a Thai guy.

I'm confused as to if we're safe.

[Gosia & Tito 199]

18387.00 for 2 Unless you are in HI or Alaska

http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-864p.pdf

Edited May 23, 2011 by Gosia & Tito

[Nicoco 26]

Thanks! So you don't think I need a co-sponsor? I'm so borderline. It's also bad because I'm still a student and I'm working three jobs. One full time, one part time, and one from home job.

Edited May 23, 2011 by Niing

[Ning 619]

I have been reading the forums for a while, and I have asked a lot of questions regarding the poverty line.

I am finding mixed responces. Some people say as long as I'm 125% over the poverty line, I'm good. Now 125% over the poverty line for two is $18,400 (just about). What happens if I make $18,720 per year? Is that safe?

And what's with BKK denying co-sponsored people? Is it because of Thai girls that they think is a fraud? Because I'm a girl marrying a Thai guy.

I'm confused as to if we're safe.

That amount is just over the accepted level as you know. Safe? The accepted, required minimum is safe.

Denying co sponsored people? You mean you think all co sponsored people are denied? I think you are asking why they dont allow co sponsors for K 1 cases. Simply due to the high level of fraud experianced by USCIS in many of those cases. So many they just dont allow it in most cases. In two I know of they did allow them.

Because of Thai girls? What doesn that mean? They approve Thai females every month.

The mayor of Thai Town in L A recently said there are 250 thousand Thais living around there. He went on to say at least 100 thousand are known to be there illegaly. That type of fraud causes USCIS to be very careful about who gets a visa. Its the abuse of the privilage that forces others to pay the price.

[Ning 619]

Thanks! So you don't think I need a co-sponsor? I'm so borderline. It's also bad because I'm still a student and I'm working three jobs. One full time, one part time, and one from home job.

You have said you are over the poverty level. To help your case you could write a simple letter indicating your status as a student & your efforts to work while going to school. You are trying harder than most. Use that to help your case. The officer is required to read what ever you submit. Write to them expressing your situation now & what you plan for the future as far a work. Such as when you finish school you will have more time to work & will use your education to improve your income. Tell them you intend to file the AOS soon after marrying because that will allow your husband to go to work as well. I would explain that I knew about the ability of using a co sponsor as part of the AOS which you will file soon anyway. Tell them that is what you will do to make sure you comply as a couple if you have any income problems in the future. Tell them who you intend on using as co sponsor. Indicate your knowledge of what has to be done to support the immigrant under any circumstances.

You should be ok but some intellegent insurance would be a good idea.

[Gosia & Tito 199]

Thanks! So you don't think I need a co-sponsor? I'm so borderline. It's also bad because I'm still a student and I'm working three jobs. One full time, one part time, and one from home job.

You are meeting the requirements, so yes you should be fine. Now, the financial support documentation does not come until later (4-6 months more or less), and things can change. For example, government might decide to issue an updated chart (the one valid now is 2010, but we are almost half way in 2011...). So, for peace of mind I'd line up a co-sponsor just in case since you are borderline. Recently there was a thread about this co-sponsoring deal and in the interest of disclosure, you should let your co-sponsor know that he/she in on the hook in case you or spouse become public burden. That is true until the time your spouse becomes a citizen at which point the co-sponsor is free of liability. This is not just a form, is a contract actually, so should be taken seriously. Anyone can be your co-sponsor, there is no requisite that it is a family member or even a citizen.

[Gosia & Tito 199]

You have said you are over the poverty level. To help your case you could write a simple letter indicating your status as a student & your efforts to work while going to school. You are trying harder than most. Use that to help your case. The officer is required to read what ever you submit. Write to them expressing your situation now & what you plan for the future as far a work. Such as when you finish school you will have more time to work & will use your education to improve your income. Tell them you intend to file the AOS soon after marrying because that will allow your husband to go to work as well. I would explain that I knew about the ability of using a co sponsor as part of the AOS which you will file soon anyway. Tell them that is what you will do to make sure you comply as a couple if you have any income problems in the future. Tell them who you intend on using as co sponsor. Indicate your knowledge of what has to be done to support the immigrant under any circumstances.

You should be ok but some intellegent insurance would be a good idea.

Good ideas all. If you do write the letter about your student status, I'd also add what are the current prevailing salaries in the area you are, for the degree/profession you will have. Also, if possible, what are the current job prospects and if a projection exists, add that too.

Good luck and best wishes!

[Ning 619]

You are meeting the requirements, so yes you should be fine. Now, the financial support documentation does not come until later (4-6 months more or less), and things can change. For example, government might decide to issue an updated chart (the one valid now is 2010, but we are almost half way in 2011...). So, for peace of mind I'd line up a co-sponsor just in case since you are borderline. Recently there was a thread about this co-sponsoring deal and in the interest of disclosure, you should let your co-sponsor know that he/she in on the hook in case you or spouse become public burden. That is true until the time your spouse becomes a citizen at which point the co-sponsor is free of liability. This is not just a form, is a contract actually, so should be taken seriously. Anyone can be your co-sponsor, there is no requisite that it is a family member or even a citizen.

The embassy in BKK does not allow the use of co sponsors in 99 % of K 1 cases.

[Nicoco 26]

Thanks everyone... sorry if I made an offensive comment, I didn't mean it that way.

I think I will take your advice, Ning, and write the letter and send it with my fiance when he goes to the interview (that's when I should send something like this, right?). I also find it cute that we almost have the same name.

[Ning 619]

Thanks everyone... sorry if I made an offensive comment, I didn't mean it that way.

I think I will take your advice, Ning, and write the letter and send it with my fiance when he goes to the interview (that's when I should send something like this, right?). I also find it cute that we almost have the same name.

Your comment doesnt read well but I think I understand what you meant. It is unusual to see a Thai man as the fiance. Shouldnt matter but it is different. He should be fine but when I was in the embassy we saw two men turned down. They were caught in lies at the window & denied. One said he was a doctor. When he was asked to produce some proof of that he couldnt. He was asked what type of doctor he was. He said, I am a good one. LOL

The letter would be submitted just prior to the interview. Possibly with the P 3 documents. The officers have a Thai staff that reviews everything to make sure the case is complete. The officer reviews everything before your fiance is called to the window. Your fiance should be familer with the content. These cases are really decided before the interview. This means he doesnt have to worry too much about the questions. They will just want to know that he is aware of the circumstances.

The other member gave some good ideas to incorporate into the letter as well. You just need to show your knowledge of the immigration proceedures especially in the near future. You will marry within 90 days. This means you could file the AOS shortly after that which allows you to use the co sponsor & for your fiance to go to work. He needs to understand the concept & methods. If he doesnt speak English he should prepare to explain what he will do to learn & what he will do for work while he is learning. Anything to show he will be generating income soon after he is legally allowed to do so.

If you need help with the letter send me a P M & I will try.

[Nicoco 26]

Ning, that's hilarious "a good one." If I may ask, are you Thai or is your husband Thai?

And Ice (my fiance) was a study abroad student for a year and a half in the US before, so his English is perfect, there's barely an accent. I think that will help him a lot. That's what we plan to do: get the AOS asap after the marriage so he will be able to help and work. We've already started researching every process from what to do in between NOA1 and NOA2 all the way to what to do for AOS, and we haven't even gotten NOA1 yet It arrived at Texas on Monday. So we have a lot of waiting to do.....especially since we'll be with VSC.

Edited May 25, 2011 by Niing

[Ning 619]

Ning, that's hilarious "a good one." If I may ask, are you Thai or is your husband Thai?

And Ice (my fiance) was a study abroad student for a year and a half in the US before, so his English is perfect, there's barely an accent. I think that will help him a lot. That's what we plan to do: get the AOS asap after the marriage so he will be able to help and work. We've already started researching every process from what to do in between NOA1 and NOA2 all the way to what to do for AOS, and we haven't even gotten NOA1 yet It arrived at Texas on Monday. So we have a lot of waiting to do.....especially since we'll be with VSC.

I am Thai. My husband wouldnt want to be called Ning.

His English ability will help in many ways. You should explain in your letter that he has studied in the USA. They will respect the fact that he has not only had a good education but also followed the immigration laws by returning to Thailand. That education & the abilty to get thru the schooling while supporting himself should help. They know these are not easy to do. Many have come here to do just that but choose to stay illegaly.

I believe you are doing a good job at preparing yourselves for a life here. What is most important to the case is that they feel that he will not become a burden to the U S government. I dont see how anyone that understands what you both are doing would think he would.

Yes you will have to wait but there is no better investment in a future than the time it takes to come here. I know everyone thinks VSC is horrible. They are not. In fact if they are too busy cases will be transfered to another center. Keep in mind USCIS is working on 2.5 million cases.

Use this time to prepare for your new life. His background here will help him transition into a new life in the USA. Its tough to go thru this journey but if you use that time to educate yourselves in the process it will be easier to understand why it seems to take so long.

[Kang Lang 7]

just thinking how tough it must be to go through the process now. when my (now) husband was going through the process i was allowed to be at the window with him which made it easier for both of us to address any questions they might have.

good luck niing, i hope you and ice have a speedy journey.

[Nicoco 26]

I am Thai. My husband wouldnt want to be called Ning.

His English ability will help in many ways. You should explain in your letter that he has studied in the USA. They will respect the fact that he has not only had a good education but also followed the immigration laws by returning to Thailand. That education & the abilty to get thru the schooling while supporting himself should help. They know these are not easy to do. Many have come here to do just that but choose to stay illegaly.

I believe you are doing a good job at preparing yourselves for a life here. What is most important to the case is that they feel that he will not become a burden to the U S government. I dont see how anyone that understands what you both are doing would think he would.

Yes you will have to wait but there is no better investment in a future than the time it takes to come here. I know everyone thinks VSC is horrible. They are not. In fact if they are too busy cases will be transfered to another center. Keep in mind USCIS is working on 2.5 million cases.

Use this time to prepare for your new life. His background here will help him transition into a new life in the USA. Its tough to go thru this journey but if you use that time to educate yourselves in the process it will be easier to understand why it seems to take so long.

We included his whole F-1 student petition in the I-129F as evidence that he stayed in the US when we met. I hope that should be enough proof for him attending school. Included are his school bills and his driver's license.

I've heard now that the VSC is getting faster, a lot of the K-1 filers from January are getting getting approved these days. It seems like a good sign.

And thank you Kang Lang

[JD63 4]

You should be fine on the financial end. I was in the same situation when we applied (student, multiple jobs, low income) but it was above the minimum.

Good luck!!

That amount is just over the accepted level as you know. Safe? The accepted, required minimum is safe.

Denying co sponsored people? You mean you think all co sponsored people are denied? I think you are asking why they dont allow co sponsors for K 1 cases. Simply due to the high level of fraud experianced by USCIS in many of those cases. So many they just dont allow it in most cases. In two I know of they did allow them.

Because of Thai girls? What doesn that mean? They approve Thai females every month.

The mayor of Thai Town in L A recently said there are 250 thousand Thais living around there. He went on to say at least 100 thousand are known to be there illegaly. That type of fraud causes USCIS to be very careful about who gets a visa. Its the abuse of the privilage that forces others to pay the price.