Affidavit of Support & Co-Sponsor - When to File Petition

[alborosie8090 17]

Hi!

Second post of the day... yippee! As mentioned previously... my partner and I are *just* beginning to get a grasp of the K1 Visa process and trying to get all the info we possibly can before I file my petition for him. (AHHH!! Exciting and scary). My main question now after trolling the forums is about the Affidavit of Support given our current situation.

I have been living and working abroad the past year and a half or so which is how we met. I currently am still living abroad thus don't have a job in the U.S. for the form, so trying to figure out if a) I need to wait to start the process and file the petition until I go back and get a job, or b) could I use one of my parents as a co-sponsor since I will be living with them when I return (likely in November) and job search regardless? **Side note: A family member that owns their own business does have me on their payroll as I do periodically do work for them, but it is not above poverty line. Would using this as my "job" be sufficient along with a co-sponsor?**

For a Co-sponsor, would my parent if willing need to file their own version of the I-134 that would accompany mine? Do I even WANT to use a co-sponsor or should I just suck it up and wait until I can do it myself?

Some history in case it is helpful... My job prior to going abroad was definitely above poverty-line (37k) plus I worked some side jobs as well. I currently have a job abroad but am not a resident/don't have a work visa and thus it is not reported anywhere (ugh), so can't really work with that, right? I know I could go home and get a job right away waitressing or something, which would be the ideal situation so I can continue my other work remotely. But would that even be enough or help for the I-134?

Help? This whole thing is so scary for us, we are really overwhelmed and just want to make sure we do and start everything right so we don't run into any problems. We are debating whether I need to go back to the U.S. and get settled first (ie: get another job) before starting the process or if we can start it now. I'm anticipating going back in November currently but would prefer to start the process now if it at all possible to limit the time we have to be apart.

Thanks in advance for your help, this place is awesome, please let us know your suggestions.

[jerod_gavel 16]

Don't worry about the Affidavit of Support until they ask. Once they ask, provide the information for yourself (even if you don't get paid), and whoever else will be sponsoring. If they have enough money to be over the poverty line, it should be no issue.

[Khswaby14 2]

It is possible to use a co-sponser? I am a full time nursing student and simply don't have the time to work full time. I know I don't make above the poverty line, but my parents do and they plan on helping us out until I graduate in May. So I am just confirming that there is an option to have a co-sponser?

[dsldesch 27]

It is possible to use a co-sponser? I am a full time nursing student and simply don't have the time to work full time. I know I don't make above the poverty line, but my parents do and they plan on helping us out until I graduate in May. So I am just confirming that there is an option to have a co-sponser?

From what I understand, yes, it is possible to have a co-sponsor. The I-864 (filed with I-485, AOS) has information specifically relevant to co-sponsors, but the I-134 (needed for interview) does not have an area for co-sponsors, so you as well as your co-sponsor(s) would need to send complete forms plus supporting documents for each of you. If I'm not mistaken, if both of your parents will be co-sponsors, they will probably only need to submit one form since (presumably) they belong to a single household and their incomes will be looked at together.

[Khswaby14 2]

That was very helpful Thanks!!!

[dsldesch 27]

That was very helpful Thanks!!!

You're quite welcome! I know I'll have my own questions to ask in due time, so I'm happy to help where I can.

It's also worth noting, I feel, that sponsorship--so far as I know--doesn't change, so once your parents are sponsors for your fiance(e), they'll be the sponsors until naturalization; it's not something you'll be able to change to yourself later on. I doubt this would be a problem once you're working full-time, but it's important to keep in mind just in case something unexpected happens down the line that puts you or your spouse out of work for a while. We all hope those things never happen, of course, but it's wise to be prepared just in case they do.