Should we apply for K1 now or wait a year?

[Mithra 1,185]

No kidding!

Raising the guidelines is tricky. It's too bad they can't do a case by case analysis. It's one thing if you're a student working at bettering your life and your intended is doing the same. It's another if you're a deadbeat working on bringing another deadbeat into the country.

I'm surprised how many people don't meet the income guidelines.

Edited January 3, 2013 by Mithra

[Shoot Em Straight 385]

Praise GOD, my deadbeat just received his SS card

[sandinista! 1,816]

sarcasm or ?

[Cathi 5,607]

Praise GOD, my deadbeat just received his SS card

took my deadbeat 8weeks to get his SS card and green card. We even went to the local SS office 2 weeks after his arrival and it still took them 6 more weeks.

[mymarriagejourney 112]

No kidding!

Raising the guidelines is tricky. It's too bad they can't do a case by case analysis. It's one thing if you're a student working at bettering your life and your intended is doing the same. It's another if you're a deadbeat working on bringing another deadbeat into the country.

I knew a couple like this. She lived in free public housing and existed on $100 in food stamps per month. She found some neighbor making $11.50 an hour to sponsor him. Once he arrived, she actually refused to help him to find work. They lasted 2 years after he entered the US. But, even after they divorced, he was never much good at holding a job. Some of that was that she had sort-of brainwashed him into her way of life. He didn't know any other way to live in the US. He's remarried now and the last I heard, he's working, thank goodness.

Anyway, this part of scrutinizing I understand.

But, two hard-working people who happen to make minimum wage at full time jobs should still be able to qualify, in my opinion.

[PalestineMyHeart 1,897]

But, two hard-working people who happen to make minimum wage at full time jobs should still be able to qualify, in my opinion.

That scenario is no problem. Two people making the minimum wage (calculating at $7.25 per hour at 40 hours a week) comes out to over $30,160 a year - that's well over the 125% of poverty level for a household of three - $23,863 - which would be the minimum required income for two people to sponsor a third person (the immigrant.)

I don't think $30,160 a year is too low for a household of 3 - I think $23,863 is too low.

Edited January 4, 2013 by wife_of_mahmoud

[mymarriagejourney 112]

That scenario is no problem. Two people making the minimum wage (calculating at $7.25 per hour at 40 hours a week) comes out to over $30,160 a year - that's well over the 125% of poverty level for a household of three - $23,863 - which would be the minimum required income for two people to sponsor a third person (the immigrant.)

I don't think $30,160 a year is too low for a household of 3 - I think $23,863 is too low.

Actually, I meant the petitioner working full time at minimum wage with the probability of the immigrant also working full time at minimum wage. I guess I've never calculated it all out. I just know a student's income is ZERO so there was no calculation needed for me. My husband's sponsor makes about $200K a year with a lot in the bank, so his eligibility wasn't an issue. My own eligibility, however, is quite a different issue! Thank goodness for the co-sponsor option!

[PalestineMyHeart 1,897]

Actually, I meant the petitioner working full time at minimum wage with the probability of the immigrant also working full time at minimum wage. I guess I've never calculated it all out. I just know a student's income is ZERO so there was no calculation needed for me. My husband's sponsor makes about $200K a year with a lot in the bank, so his eligibility wasn't an issue. My own eligibility, however, is quite a different issue! Thank goodness for the co-sponsor option!

The petitioner can't include the "probability" of what an immigrant might make once he/she arrives as part of the income/assets needed to meet the affidavit of support requirements.

One full-time worker making minimum wage brings in just slightly over $15,080 - that's not enough to meet the 125% of poverty level ($18,913) for a household of 2 (a minimum which, again, I think is already too low.)

As I said, I don't have a problem with the co-sponsor option - it was the former consular official who thought that was one of the things that should be discontinued. I especially support that option being made available to full-time students enrolled in accredited universities, because I think that clearly indicates they're on a positive path toward a gainful career.

Edited January 5, 2013 by wife_of_mahmoud

[mymarriagejourney 112]

The petitioner can't include the "probability" of what an immigrant might make once he/she arrives as part of the income/assets needed to meet the affidavit of support requirements.

One full-time worker making minimum wage brings in just slightly over $15,080 - that's not enough to meet the 125% of poverty level ($18,913) for a household of 2 (a minimum which, again, I think is already too low.)

As I said, I don't have a problem with the co-sponsor option - it was the former consular official who thought that was one of the things that should be discontinued. I especially support that option being made available to full-time students enrolled in accredited universities, because I think that clearly indicates they're on a positive path toward a gainful career.

This narrows down the point I was trying to make...very unclearly trying to make, but nonetheless...

It is sad that a person working full time in this country cannot sponsor their husband/wife. I have a bit of a problem with that, I guess, but maybe that's just my own personal issue. Seems unfair to a hardworking American who might not have the ability or option to pursue opportunities or education that allow them to make more than minimum wage. I really hope they keep alternative means of sponsorship available so that all Americans, and not just well-off ones, can be with their loved ones in this country.

[PalestineMyHeart 1,897]

This narrows down the point I was trying to make...very unclearly trying to make, but nonetheless...

It is sad that a person working full time in this country cannot sponsor their husband/wife. I have a bit of a problem with that, I guess, but maybe that's just my own personal issue. Seems unfair to a hardworking American who might not have the ability or option to pursue opportunities or education that allow them to make more than minimum wage. I really hope they keep alternative means of sponsorship available so that all Americans, and not just well-off ones, can be with their loved ones in this country.

It's because one person earning minimum wage is not a living wage for one, much less for a household of 2 or more people.

Edited January 5, 2013 by wife_of_mahmoud

[Mithra 1,185]

I'm curious about who is paying the visa fees in these co-sponsor cases, particularly the ones who make well under the 125 percent. Those fees are expensive even for those who make a decent living.

In many cases the immigrant spouse comes into the country with not much more than a suitcase. Not to mention the spouses that don't even pay their own airfare to the US. That's a lot for one person making minimum wage to handle, even working full time. Esp. Since the immigrant spouse may not be able to work for several months.

[mymarriagejourney 112]

My husband's sponsor has never paid a penny for him, and we won't allow that to happen. Even though we are both grad students, we manage on our own.

[Mithra 1,185]

In most cases the co-sponsor doesn't do anything but sign paperwork. I'm talking about how do those who need a co-sponsor afford visa fees, green card fees, travel expenses, etc.? I'm just curious because living on less than 125 percent of the poverty level can't be easy let alone having to pay for all of that other stuff.

[mymarriagejourney 112]

We just made it a priority to budget for the fees. I assume others have done the same. People who live on small incomes, rather transient due to being a student or whatever, or just as a way of life due to circumstances, learn how to do it.

I'm saddened by the number of private emails I have received regarding this issue. Every one of them stated that they were worried about joining the conversation due to the likelihood of being trampled on and belittled by other members for their thoughts and opinions. Sad. Because I've never walked a mile in anyone else's shoes, I try to be an open minded and non-judgemental person. I hope these forums can be also.

[PalestineMyHeart 1,897]

We just made it a priority to budget for the fees. I assume others have done the same. People who live on small incomes, rather transient due to being a student or whatever, or just as a way of life due to circumstances, learn how to do it.

I'm saddened by the number of private emails I have received regarding this issue. Every one of them stated that they were worried about joining the conversation due to the likelihood of being trampled on and belittled by other members for their thoughts and opinions. Sad. Because I've never walked a mile in anyone else's shoes, I try to be an open minded and non-judgemental person. I hope these forums can be also.

Some people cannot tolerate hearing a difference of opinion on anything, and take everything that's said on the board as some kind of personal insult aimed directly at them. Sticking to a protected environment like Facebook, PM or a private group is probably the best for these folks.

I am curious - how do you budget for the fees if your income is 0, and without the sponsor paying a single penny ? Somebody must have either a job or some money in the bank.