Do i need a co-sponsor?

[coryandjoe 0]

Before anything, I just want to say how thankful I am for this site. Without it I don't think I would have gotten this far. But to my question, I have just received my NOA2 and I'm gathering the documents I need to send to my fiancee. The only thing thats got me worried is the i134. I know this probably been mentioned before, but I just need to know what do in my case.

Last year I made $19,256, of which $4,973 I made working with my mom cleaning houses and the rest at my full time job. This year I stand to make $19200 at my full time job ,due to a pay rise, and about $5000 with my mom. On last year's tax return I only had a W2 from my full time job but not from what I earned with my mom since she pays me with cash, i still declared though on my income tax. Now my question is, can I still state I will make $23k and whhat documents will I need to justify this or can I only declare the 19200? As a side note I have about 2k in savings. I'm sorry if this a stupid question, i just don't know whether to risk it or if its better to find co-sponsor.

Edited April 25, 2013 by coryandjoe

[MrsSuarez 2]

_hello!

_{if it's just you and your fiancé with no kids you will need to have made $19,387 the year before, they don't see what you "will potentially" make this year. they see what you made. I strongly suggest you find a co-sponsor because it's better to be safe than sorry!}

[F&Z 8]

You have to follow exactly the instructions that they say. It seems like you will need a co-sponsor. Don't feel bad, I need one too.

[KayDeeCee 4,895]

Before anything, I just want to say how thankful I am for this site. Without it I don't think I would have gotten this far. But to my question, I have just received my NOA2 and I'm gathering the documents I need to send to my fiancee. The only thing thats got me worried is the i134. I know this probably been mentioned before, but I just need to know what do in my case.

Last year I made $19,256, of which $4,973 I made working with my mom cleaning houses and the rest at my full time job. This year I stand to make $19200 at my full time job ,due to a pay rise, and about $5000 with my mom. On last year's tax return I only had a W2 from my full time job but not from what I earned with my mom since she pays me with cash, i still declared though on my income tax. Now my question is, can I still state I will make $23k and whhat documents will I need to justify this or can I only declare the 19200? As a side note I have about 2k in savings. I'm sorry if this a stupid question, i just don't know whether to risk it or if its better to find co-sponsor.

Your mom really should be giving you a 1099 since she pays you more than $600 a year. With that being said, you mentioned you declared the income on your taxes anyway though, correct? Good because self-employment income is proven with your most recent tax return. Since you claimed the money on your taxes, you should have filled out schedule c, profit/loss business sheet from self-employement. Provide a complete copy of your 2012 tax return with all forms, schedules, W-2s and 1099s.

The current income from your regular employee job will be proven with a letter from your employer and/or most recent pay stub(s). Your employee job is not about what you made last year, but what you are currently earning annually.

To list your current annual income amount on the I-134, add up what you declared as self-employment income on your 2012 taxes plus what you currently earn in a year at your employee job. So, $19,200 + $4973 = $24,173. You meet the requirement and should not need a co-sponsor. To add extra evidence, you could even provide bank statements to show the deposits from the self-employment job and a letter from your mother stating you work as an independent contractor for her part time and what you earn from her.

Also, you should qualify even without the self-employment income. You are only short $187 and would need at least 3 times that amount in assets which is $561. You have $2000 in savings to list as an asset which covers the small amount you are short on income.

I would use and list everything though. Provide documentation of all your income and assets.

[Carlos1986 6]

I would STRONGLY recommend a co-sponsor. I had to get a co-sponsor for my wife last minute even after I e-mailed the embassy the 2012 W-2 making $1,500 more than the poverty guidelines. Even if you make for example: $40,000 a year and you started your job in lets say September and have met the poverty guidlines by a few hundred dollars,it's still up to their discretion. That's what happened to me, I make enough to sponsor 4 people annualy but since I hadn't made the full amount for the year I was placed in AP till I got a co-sponsor. It has added an extra month to our process, and now just waiting for the e-mail to pick up the visa.

Carlos

[Carlos1986 6]

Jay-Kay

The employment letter doesn't have to do anything with whether you meet the poverty guidelines. My wife asked the officer that interviewed her and said that the letter is not of importance to them to meet the poverty guidelines. What they care about is the 1040 and W-2. This was at the Bogota, Colombia embassy, very helpful and friendly staff. I would assume that every embassy has their own guidelines, it's better to get a co-spondor if you are very close to the minimum guidelines to be on the safe side.

Edited May 1, 2013 by Carlos1986

[KayDeeCee 4,895]

Jay-Kay

The employment letter doesn't have to do anything with whether you meet the poverty guidelines. My wife asked the officer that interviewed her and said that the letter is not of importance to them to meet the poverty guidelines. What they care about is the 1040 and W-2. This was at the Bogota, Colombia embassy, very helpful and friendly staff. I would assume that every embassy has their own guidelines, it's better to get a co-spondor if you are very close to the minimum guidelines to be on the safe side.

Thanks for adding the personal experience and procedures for Bogota. Seems they are one of those consulates that go by last year's income no matter what you currently earn. There are a couple other consulates like that. I will make note of this. I still wish they all went by the same rules and procedures. It sure would make it easier for everyone.

To the OP> Since Bogota only uses your past income and ignores your current(which it shouldn't, but it is what it is), do what others that have been through Bogota suggest and find a co-sponsor to be on the safe side since your income from last year + your assets is slightly below/borderline.

[naujitii 1]

Hi, I am petitioning for my fiance and her daughter, and right now I make more than 125% above the poverty line for 2 people. I work with Broward County and I am a reservist in the US Navy, and I get payed for both.
I have my PAY STUBS and my STATEMENT OF SERVICE signed by my commanding officer stating my income, but I do not have a W-2 or a 1040 stating those incomes, since I started working on the county job 4 months ago.

Do I need a co-sponsor?