Stating Income

[DanielDK 0]

Under W2 form, my annual wage (income) is stated as $15,900. Since my income is below poverty level, is it necessary to even state my income under I-134form? BTW My mother will be the co-sponsor and she's way above the poverty level. If my mother is the co-sponsor and my income is under poverty level, will it be a problem if I decide not to state my income on the I-134 form?

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

Under W2 form, my annual wage (income) is stated as $15,900. Since my income is below poverty level, is it necessary to even state my income under I-134form? BTW My mother will be the co-sponsor and she's way above the poverty level. If my mother is the co-sponsor and my income is under poverty level, will it be a problem if I decide not to state my income on the I-134 form?

Yes. And it is necessary to submit all your evidence of income, even if the income is -0-. YOU are the sponsor, you will always be the sponsor and will always be the preferred "go to" person to collect if your fiancee ever collects welfare.

Your CO-sponsor would only be liable IF your fiancee went on welfare and you failed to re-pay the government so you must BOTH submit an I-134 with all supporting documents. Your co-sponsor must also submit evidence they are a US citizen or legal resident.

Remember, the purpose of this is NOT to be sure your fiancee has support. THEY DO NOT CARE about you or your fiancee and you can live in a refrigerator box under a bridge in North Dakota for all they care, they WANT their money back if your fiancee ever manages to get any of it.

w-2s are not the only form of income, if you have others they get combined for a total.

Edited September 18, 2011 by Gary and Alla

[lizhebert 0]

I don't know your specific situation, but here is a link to the 2011 federal poverty guidelines: http://www.coverageforall.org/pdf/FHCE_FedPovertyLevel.pdf

If I am reading this correctly, 100% (which you need for the I-134) for a 2 person household is $14,710/yr before taxes. Someone jump in and correct me if this is misinformation, but this is how I have understood the guidelines! And of course, everyone's individual situation is different

[P & T 14]

I don't know your specific situation, but here is a link to the 2011 federal poverty guidelines: http://www.coverageforall.org/pdf/FHCE_FedPovertyLevel.pdf

If I am reading this correctly, 100% (which you need for the I-134) for a 2 person household is $14,710/yr before taxes. Someone jump in and correct me if this is misinformation, but this is how I have understood the guidelines! And of course, everyone's individual situation is different

Folks should refer directly to the USCIS website: http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-864p.pdf

The $14,710/year you mentioned above is for military folks on active duty. The 125% of poverty guidelines that apply to all other sponsors is $18,387/year in a 2 person household across the 48 contiguous states.

[lizhebert 0]

I have found this:

"No. The 125 percent of the federal poverty guideline minimum income requirement, the most recent year's tax return, and other requirements only apply when Form I-864 is needed. Applicants presenting Form I-134 will need to show that their U.S. sponsor's income is 100 percent of the federal poverty guideline." http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/types/types_2994.html#8

Since he is initially filing an I-134 he doesn't technically need a co-sponsor, since he is above 100% of poverty level for a 2 income household. However, he will need a sponsor for the I-864 since he does not meet 125% of poverty level.

I suppose it depends on the specific consulate you would be filing the I-134 with, and if it would look better to just have the 125% or a co-sponsor.

Folks should refer directly to the USCIS website: http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-864p.pdf

The $14,710/year you mentioned above is for military folks on active duty. The 125% of poverty guidelines that apply to all other sponsors is $18,387/year in a 2 person household across the 48 contiguous states.