Able to meet 100% but not 125% of poverty guidelines. Affidavit of support before or after entering the US?

[chrissytooth 0]

Hi there,

I am planning to sponsor my fiance to come to America in March 2015. I have been researching the requirements for financial support, and I would just like to clarify something. With the part-time job I have now, I am able to slightly exceed 100% of the federal poverty guidelines. However, I can't meet the 125% requirement. We have someone (non-family member) who is willing to be a co-sponsor. I know that the government requires 100% for the I-134 (before entering the U.S.) but 125% for the I-864 (after entering the U.S. and getting married). My question is, should we have the co-sponsor fill out the affidavit of support before he comes to the U.S., or can we just wait until after he comes, since I am able to exceed 100% of the poverty guidelines now?

All and any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[Ilovemyman 147]

You need the cosponsor before your fiance enter to usa, you need to show the he isnt going to be a public charge.

You need the cosponsor before your fiance enter to usa, you need to show the he isnt going to be a public charge.

[jerry667 1]

Depend on the country I think. I believe most look for the 125. They say thy don't but in reality they do. Some country's like the Philippines very rarely allow a co-sponser. Tell us what country and I'm sure someone here will have a better owner for you.

[chrissytooth 0]

Depend on the country I think. I believe most look for the 125. They say thy don't but in reality they do. Some country's like the Philippines very rarely allow a co-sponser. Tell us what country and I'm sure someone here will have a better owner for you.

He is coming from Japan.

[slowlyman 118]

It is unlikely the Consulate would approve you with such low income. Best to just plan on a Sponsor. I assume the sponsor you mention is a USC.

Unrelated, but this is an expensive journey you are contemplating. I don't see how a person at the poverty level can afford all the additional expenses. There is significantly more to this then the actual visa fees which alone run a few thousand dollars.

Edited January 19, 2014 by slowlyman

[chrissytooth 0]

It is unlikely the Consulate would approve you with such low income. Best to just plan on a Sponsor.

Unrelated, but this is an expensive journey you are contemplating. I don't see how a person at the poverty level can afford all the additional expenses. There is significantly more tp this then the actual visa fees.

That's good to know, thanks. And what do you mean by additional expenses? His savings (roughly $20,000) and mine ($7,000) should help him get started. His family is paying for our wedding.

[slowlyman 118]

There are a lot of hidden costs. Medical exam, immunizations, birth records, police report, travel to get these things done, airfare to the US. I was surprised how expensive it was to get my house set up for a woman. When in the US the beneficiary will not be able to work for about 6 months. Which means the petitioner is on the hook for supporting two people.

It can and has been done. Having a supporting family is a big help. I think most people including myself are so focused on the 129 we don;t see or frankly understand all the additional expenses. I'm sure every situation is different, but I spent just under $12,000 from 129 - AOS.

[jerry667 1]

I don't know about japan. if they except co-sponser. but good luck . If he is not coming until. 2015. you might want to improve your income if possible.

[chrissytooth 0]

There are a lot of hidden costs. Medical exam, immunizations, birth records, police report, travel to get these things done, airfare to the US. I was surprised how expensive it was to get my house set up for a woman. When in the US the beneficiary will not be able to work for about 6 months. Which means the petitioner is on the hook for supporting two people.

It can and has been done. Having a supporting family is a big help. I think most people including myself are so focused on the 129 we don;t see or frankly understand all the additional expenses. I'm sure every situation is different, but I spent just under $12,000 from 129 - AOS.

Ah, now I see what you mean. Well, with our savings and his family's support, we should be alright taking care of the hidden expenses and the cost of getting-started. It's just a matter of convincing the U.S. government that he won't be a burden. If only they would let his savings count for something! Anyway, I guess we'll use the co-sponsor both before and after he leaves Japan.

Here's a follow-up question - Does he need to have the co-sponsor's tax returns, letter from employer, copy of pay stubs, etc. for his interview, or is that stuff not needed until after he comes to the U.S.? I know he needs to bring the affidavit of support form to the interview, but I wasn't sure if the other stuff is necessary at that point.

[chrissytooth 0]

I don't know about japan. if they except co-sponser. but good luck . If he is not coming until. 2015. you might want to improve your income if possible.

Thanks! I want to improve my income, but I am a full-time graduate student, so it would be hard for me to work more. But, maybe! We'll see.

[jerry667 1]

Well being a grad student should help your case . If you can meet the 125 level with your co- sponser. But yes. He will need everything at the interview. The more the better.

[chrissytooth 0]

Well being a grad student should help your case . If you can meet the 125 level with your co- sponser. But yes. He will need everything at the interview. The more the better.

I see. Thank you very much for your help!

Just wondering, why does being a grad student help my case?

Edited January 19, 2014 by chrissytooth

[NigeriaorBust 4,096]

ALso by mid 2015 the guidelines will have seen 2 new raises ( if 2014 isn't out yet ) and you will need even more to meet either guideline

[jerry667 1]

Hmmmm. Its just my opinion I guess. But they are looking to see if he will become a public charge. So if your in grad school you probably have a promising future and if you can show you have support for the present t looks good to me. better then then making 11 grand a year no education. And no outlook for the future.

[chrissytooth 0]

Hmmmm. Its just my opinion I guess. But they are looking to see if he will become a public charge. So if your in grad school you probably have a promising future and if you can show you have support for the present t looks good to me. better then then making 11 grand a year no education. And no outlook for the future.

Makes sense. I guess it's worth mentioning in the interview.