Earning Above the Poverty Line

[LorRenee 6]

Hi all,

It's come to my attention that, when bringing your fiance over to the states, one must be earning a certain amount above the poverty line. I've been on the market lately, looking for new jobs and I'm curious to know if minimum wage (let's say, $7.55 an hour or so, full time) would be convincing enough? Or should I set my sights a bit higher and aim for a larger income, which is always a good idea, but if worst comes to worst and I'm stuck working at Target again it'd be nice to have the reassurance knowing that working minimum wage would get us by.

Your thoughts? Thanks.

[S and P 9]

Hi all,

It's come to my attention that, when bringing your fiance over to the states, one must be earning a certain amount above the poverty line. I've been on the market lately, looking for new jobs and I'm curious to know if minimum wage (let's say, $7.55 an hour or so, full time) would be convincing enough? Or should I set my sights a bit higher and aim for a larger income, which is always a good idea, but if worst comes to worst and I'm stuck working at Target again it'd be nice to have the reassurance knowing that working minimum wage would get us by.

Your thoughts? Thanks.

http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-864p.pdf (i-134 needs 100% for K1 visa, but when AOS you will need the i-184 and 125% amount or plan on getting a co sponsor)

[danik713 21]

Unfortunately minimum wage in most states will not suffice to meet the affadavit of support requirements for adjustment of status - which for a household of two is ~18K. I would definitely recommend you look for something which pays more. If you could make $10/hour and average 38 hours a week (allows for flux from 36-40hrs from week to week) and work 50 weeks a year (2 weeks off to account for vacation, holidays, sick, personal days, etc.) then you would make $19K gross. Even still, I would shoot for something greater.

[paojack 41]

I do not think that would be enough for 2 people, you need at least 100%over the poverty line, even some consulates ask for 125% which is about 18k a year for 2 people. I did a quick math (and I am not very good at it) and earning 7.55/hr working lets say 45 hrs a week will give u about 16k. I think u should look for a better job, not easy I know :S Good luck!

[photomile 101]

http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-864p.pdf (i-134 needs 100% for K1 visa, but when AOS you will need the i-184 and 125% amount or plan on getting a co sponsor)

Interesting, the i-134 is an Affidavit of support.... so is the i-184... (Lor is my Fiancé btw, Hi Boo!) so, we're likely to need to fill out both of these, once we marry and I apply for my SSN and AOS past the 90 day for the K1 ? or are we picking one of the other (slight confusion, probably all very clear but I'm being stupid to notice it)

Thanks!

Edited June 23, 2011 by photomile

[Barbara J 115]

Interesting, the i-134 is an Affidavit of support.... so is the i-184... (Lor is my Fiancé btw, Hi Boo!) so, we're likely to need to fill out both of these, once we marry and I apply for my SSN and AOS past the 90 day for the K1 ? or are we picking one of the other (slight confusion, probably all very clear but I'm being stupid to notice it)

Thanks!

Are you the petitoner?then if you dn't make enough then you will need a co sponsor and you will need 134 for K1 interview and 864 for AOS

[photomile 101]

Are you the petitoner?then if you dn't make enough then you will need a co sponsor and you will need 134 for K1 interview and 864 for AOS

Thanks, Lor is the person in the states, I'm the one stuck in wet old england.

All this thanks to job losses and the market making it hard to find anything other than basic wages!

[Andie 147]

Thanks, Lor is the person in the states, I'm the one stuck in wet old england.

All this thanks to job losses and the market making it hard to find anything other than basic wages!

You will need a co-sponsor then unless you are planning to wait until she finds a job that pays enough to sponsor you.

.. and by the way.. Its been raining where I live in NZ for weeks now too. Its no fun !

[photomile 101]

You will need a co-sponsor then unless you are planning to wait until she finds a job that pays enough to sponsor you.

.. and by the way.. Its been raining where I live in NZ for weeks now too. Its no fun !

No fun at all!

The frightening thing is I earn enough that she doesn't need to work... how unfortunate that it's THIS way around!

[cmoore25 4]

Photomile - it is unfortunate that you earn enough to support her in the UK and she is not moving there. However, she must earn enough to support you here - as you will go 60-90 w/out being able to work. After you are legally able to work, who knows how long it will take you to find a job - so, the US has to make sure it covers itself - and you will not require gov support (as it's already drowning in supporting the citizens of this country!). I hear you though - it's frustrating. If your fiance does end up taking a job that is $7.55/hour, then she will, indeed, need a co-sponsor in order to complete the process successfully. Good luck!!! This is not a fun process and there are many hoops to jump through - however - it will all be worth it in the end!