Processing Fees

[ClydesdaleCouple 75]

Right, I have a bit of a quandry. We're at the point now where everything is filled out and ready to go....except the check. This whole process has been a massive struggle. We're two twenty somethings who met abroad, fell in love, eloped on a trip he had made over (unplanned mind you) and now we want to ensure that nothing will cause us to have to be apart. HERE'S THE PROBLEM, I recently lost my job so the savings we accrued has all been just about spent in paying bills, one unemployed person, plus one person that isnt legal to work = lots and lots of bills. We're both willing and ready to work, and in no way want to live off the government, but my guess is (as i'm a student and have no formal qualifications yet), that any money I make will still not be sufficient to pay the 1495.00 fee that needs to accompany his papers. We've been married 5 months now and we're still happily in love, but he's going insane because he cant contribute to our household or attend university and i'm going insane cause all this pressure is on my shoulders:

HERE'S THE QUESTION IN ALL OF THIS:

Are there any agencies, or places that could potentially help us with the fees for his papers? I know it sounds like a long shot but I thought maybe someone might have a broader perspective then me. Loans are out of the question because I totally messed up my credit when I was in my late teens/early twenties, (its crazy how your parents are right about your money decisions following you every where >.<). Other then hand outs (which feel really horrible) do we have any other options?? Are we just doomed to be stuck like this till I can manage to get a job and save up in 10 dollar increments??? Any suggestions?? Any and all advice is appreciated.

[ClydesdaleCouple 75]

Okay, so. The deal is this. We met two years ago while I was on a vacation to Scotland, we liked each other, then eventually fell in love and continued our romantic correspondence after I came home to the US. In Jan of 2012, he came over to visit for a month or two but by the time his plane ticket was due, we decided we just couldnt be apart anymore and we eloped at our city hall. For the most part, its been lovely, exciting and reviving. We're both college (age) students, who have degrees to complete. I have taken off time from mine to establish a home with him and he's away from his because he essentially has now moved here. Was it impulsive, yes, but we've not regretted it yet. Except for in one area. This whole AOS process is REALLY starting to look like its expensive. Like REALLY expensive. I recently lost my job and most of our money saved has been spent paying bills, Still looking for a job and will be returning to classes in about a month. But just out of real curiosity:

As two young adults who are poor college students, one who is willing but not legal to work, how painful is this process going to be??? I mean give it to me straight. Its so dang annoying to see loads of people posting on here about how they have had spouse fraud and such and two people who are really in love can even pay the processing fees for his AOS.

Feels so hopeless!

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Well, congrats!

You will not be discriminated against for being young and poor, but you do need to comply with the requirements like anyone else, and some of those requirements are financial. First, you need to pay the fees. For AOS from the VWP, it is $420 + $1070 + the cost of a medical (Around $200). So, upwards of $1500. In two years you have to pay another $590 (or might be more by then).

Besides that, there is a sponsorship requirement. However, if you do not qualify, you can get a co-sponsor. You must have a US-based person (USC or LPR) who is making 125% of the poverty line for their household size + the immigrant. For 2 people the requirement is less than $19,000 a year (if you know a single friend or family member). Usually for students, a parent would be the obvious choice for co-sponsor. You are still the primary sponsor, btw, and have to fill out the sponsorship forms even if your income is zero. You can read about the requirements in the I-864 instructions.

How will he finish his degree in the US? It's probably more expensive here than at home.

Best of luck.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

No, there is no way to reduce the fees. I answered your other thread. If your husband went home, he could work there, and the CR-1 visa is cheaper than AOS.

[asdfg 18]

Waiver is not available for I-485 based on I-130.

The reason is simple: to qualify for I-485 you must earn above 125% poverty line

If you earn above 125% then you are not qualified for a waiver of processing fees.

If you earn below, then you are not qualified to sponsor an alien.

If you are required to find a sponsor to sign I-864 affidavit for you, still that particular sponsor will have to pay the fees

and thus no way to ask for waiver.

There are many charitable programs that will help you fill out the forms for free but none are likely to pay up the fees on your behalf.

You have 2 options , really:

borrow from relatives or get back to work, save and pay up the fee as soon as you can.

There is no other way around it.

Good luck.

[Xanax 349]

AOS itself costs ~$1500 + a medical fee. Additional expenses include having documents mailed internationally, travel to and from the interview (I'm sure there are other things I'm missing).

To file for AOS you need to earn 125% of the federal poverty guidelines which I believe is ~$19000 per year for 2 people. If you do not meet this you need a co-sponsor who makes 125% of the guidelines for your family and theirs I believe- not 100% on that as we haven't used a sponsor.

If you above in the guides section it will make more sense.

- just so you know if for what ever reason immigration realizes your husband is out of status he can be deported. Whilst this is unlikely it does happen. It is advised to adjust status ASAP.

[Penguin_ie 5,987]

**** Moving from General Immigration to AOS from Tourist visa forum ***

[Nich-Nick 3,353]

As two young adults who are poor college students, one who is willing but not legal to work, how painful is this process going to be??? I mean give it to me straight. Its so dang annoying to see loads of people posting on here about how they have had spouse fraud and such and two people who are really in love can even pay the processing fees for his AOS.

Feels so hopeless!

Giving it to you straight--

You've made poor decisions...you ruining your credit, both leaving your higher education, both marrying on a whim without considering how you could survive, him overstaying his VWP without considering the consequences or bans to entering the US again. There are basic requirements to immigrate to the US or to sponsor an immigrant. Right now you don't qualify. He could leave before a 6 month overstay, which can bring a 3 year ban from the US. He could work, save money, or continue his education in Scotland. You could do the same here. Then when you are financially able to sponsor an immigrant, start the process for a CR1 spousal visa. When he arrives on that visa, he is eligible to work immediately. Sometimes you can't have everything you want and have to wait or make sacrifices. Look at your bills which are using up your savings. How many are absolute life necessities? Do you shop too much? Go out too much? Do you have a smart phone with high monthly charges? Give it up. What else can you cut back on in order to have the love of your life join you in the US? Sometimes we sacrifice and wait to get what we really want, even if it's not the fun thing to do.

[livelife2dfullest 7]

When i filed for my aos my husband and i are really poor like we dont have money in the bank and we have to walk everywhere coz we couldnt afford a car. My husband made 2 dollars more than the income limit for the financial support, lol and we didnt get any co sponsor and i got approved. We sent my aos application a day before they raise the aos fee so that time my aos application was only 400 something dollars.

[mymarriagejourney 113]

Can you go back to school? Usually, student grants and loans cover living expenses in addition to tuition and books. Thus, you should be able to use those funds to live off of and save the fees for the AOS. You will need a co-sponsor still, though.

[AnotherLostSoul 167]

I think "Harpa" responded you the best way....ask around parents, relatives to cosponsor you...than you might be safe(er). Good luck!

[ClydesdaleCouple 75]

Just wondering, My spouse is NEARLY 6 months overstay because we haven't been able to save up enough to put in his papers. Do we have any options? Should we be worried about what might happen???

Its a horrible cycle because we need his papers put in so he can work, BUT I only make enough to cover our bills, food, rent etc.

Really winds me up that people who have tons of money just marry people to give them papers but two people who are really a great, functional and productive couple but have a minimal income AT THIS TIME would have so much trouble.

Loans arent an option cause I messed up my credit when I was young and family have all said no.

Not looking for handouts, just wondering if we have any options as far as him getting work or anything.

[GandK 168]

What visa did he come on? Fill out your timeline, need more info before anyone can answer your questions.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/385076-how-much-is-being-poor-going-to-hinder-us-aos/

Why do you think other couples are not as good as you? Why do you think you should get special treatment because you are "functional."

There is no other option. Your husband can go home, finish college, work, save money, and come back.

[Shoot Em Straight 385]

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/385076-how-much-is-being-poor-going-to-hinder-us-aos/

Why do you think other couples are not as good as you? Why do you think you should get special treatment because you are "functional."

There is no other option. Your husband can go home, finish college, work, save money, and come back.

how many times and how many different ways will you be able to answer this OP?

and still remain patient???