Sponsoring, So Frustrated

[Tee and Megan 10]

My fiance and I have been engaged for almost two years now; in during that time, we've been oscillating whether we should apply for a K-1 visa or a CR-1 visa. (neither of us have been married before, so we figure both options are open to us, depending on where we want to marry) Now, we're set on a K-1 visa, as it's the one we know the most about and seems to be somewhat faster than the CR-1 visa. However, we've filed no paperwork at this time. We've simply downloaded the forms and extensively researched the process. However, at this point, after two years of research, browsing VJ and working through other life goals, we are still stuck; for one core reason; we cannot figure out how to fulfill the Affidavit of Support.

In the two years we've been together, we've been stuck because I am still in graduate school (we met during my studies) I won't graduate for another three years. (and I am sure all of us on VJ know how long a year can feel when so far from the one you love.)

Since I won't graduate for three years, that also means I am unable to have a full-time job as well and unable to meet the income requirements listed for the Affidavit of Support. (though in my student job I do believe I make enough to support us, as personal expenses during my graduate program aren't high)

After visiting him in Cambodia twice and after nearly 11 months of separation in between visits, my fiance and I are both out of energy. We cannot continue to pay the money to visit each other during my studies, and we cannot continue to suffer the stress and worry that comes with not knowing when we'll see each other again.

I've talked with all my close family members, and none of them feel comfortable enough to co-sponsor our application (he's never been to the U.S. so they've never met him, though of course they've gotten to know him via phone to some extent over the last two years)

Does anyone have any encouragement for us, or words of wisdom? Honestly, anything at this point would be so appreciated.

I've listed our timeline thus far below.

January 2012: Fiance and I met in Hong Kong during my undergraduate and his graduate studies.

May 2012: We visited Cambodia and his family together for the first time and got engaged.

June 2012-May 2013: 11 months of agonizing separation where we saved for my next trip to visit him and called each other as often as possible. (Skype too, when he had access to electricity)

May 2013-June 2013: I visit Cambodia and see him for the first time in almost a year!! Life is sweet!

June 2013-Dec. 2013: Separated, as I start graduate school and move to Chicago.

Dec. 2013- January 2013: We're together in Cambodia again! (trying to plan, save and complete more research to end this agonizing process)

At this point, I am thinking my only option is to drop down to half-time school and try to find a full-time job to make the $16,000 income requirement for the K-1 visa. This would extend my graduate program, and would be pretty tough, but it can't be any tougher than being apart for the one I love, right?

Thanks so much for your support and advice guys. Please, any words of encouragement or advice are so appreciated.

Love, Holiday blessings

Megan and Tee

[EndlessStory 53]

Sorry to hear what you have to go through.

Any US citizen/LPR can be a co-sponsor. It does not need to be families!

If you want to quit school and start a job, you need $19k to make the poverty for 2013 Guidelines. It changes every year I believe. $20k to be on the safe zone. Otherwise you can get a co-sponsor.

Co-sponsor have to submit their own I-134 and must be able to meet the poverty themselves + their dependent + your fiance.

[lost_at_sea 995]

$16k wouldn't be enough, as said above. You should look at the current income guidelines and assume by the time you're at the stage of I-134, the new guidelines will be out (which will likely set the value a little higher).

I think you need to cast your net wider to seek a co-sponsor. That's likely your best bet. They should be in the US, over 18 and a USC/LPR. You should also talk to them about doing the I-864, which'll go in the adjustment of status submission after you marry.

[altonbebe 48]

Hello Megan,

Good post!!!!

1) Take a position as a waitress at a local bar / club. Some of those girls clear $ 200.00 to $ 300.00 / weekend night.

Add that up. 52 weeks x 2 nights / weekend x 200.00 / night = $ 20,800.00

That is enough to sponsor your fiance.

2) Talk to a CPA> Your loans, grants, and scholarships could be classified as INCOME depending on how they are structured. If they are classifed as income, boom, that adds to your bottom line.

3) Are you getting child support from a parent, yes, I know that shounds funny, but some devorce decrees are set up where a child will receive child support if they continue trhough college / university. Boom, adds to the bottom line.

Hope this helps.

Edited December 30, 2013 by altonbebe

[Tee and Megan 10]

Hello Megan,

Good post!!!!

1) Take a position as a waitress at a local bar / club. Some of those girls clear $ 200.00 to $ 300.00 / weekend night.

Add that up. 52 weeks x 2 nights / weekend x 200.00 / night = $ 20,800.00

That is enough to sponsor your fiance.

2) Talk to a CPA> Your loans, grants, and scholarships could be classified as INCOME depending on how they are structured. If they are classifed as income, boom, that adds to your bottom line.

3) Are you getting child support from a parent, yes, I know that shounds funny, but some devorce decrees are set up where a child will receive child support if they continue trhough college / university. Boom, adds to the bottom line.

Hope this helps.

Thank you all so much for the encouragement! Altonbebe, do you know anything more about the structure of the loans, grants and scholarships? I have quite a number of those, totaling over the $20,000 required (thanks for correcting me about that too, guys(what would I do without VJ? ). If only those would count, that would be so wonderful. Any idea how to find out more about this?