Advice needed!

[Danielcd 0]

Hello, I've been reading through this forum for awhile and I have some specific questions. I am currently living in Russia where I teach english and I recently got engaged to a russian woman whom I've been in a relationship with for over a year. We would like to marry here and when my contract is up I would like to return to the u.s. With her. Prior to coming here and teaching english I was a student so I didn't really make much money in the u.s. I know I need an affidavit of support that meets certain financial requirements that I don't think I will be able to meet. Are there any alternatives/way around this?

Also will we have to send all of our papers to the u.s.?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[Darnell 8,478]

1. you will need a co-sponser or joint-sponser. yes, you are the main sponser, even at 0 dollar usa-taxable income.

2. is dcf an option for Russia? if yes, explore it.

[VFittipaldi 30]

You can get a sponsor if you don't make enough money. Lots of people are doing that.

Go to the US Embassy website in Russia or call them and find out if Direct Consular Filling is available.

[Ryan H 3,790]

DCF is available in Russia, there is a USCIS office in Moscow.

[Danielcd 0]

Thanks, I may have more questions soon!

Edited September 22, 2014 by Danielcd

[Danielcd 0]

I do have one more question actually, if I do have to go back to the u.s. And work to apply for the affadavit, how long do I need to work for before I can petition?

[canadian_wife 1,785]

There is no set time limit to the amount of work you put in. You do have to meet the financial requirements.

Have you been filing taxes while in Russia as you are supposed to?

Good luck

[Danielcd 0]

Ok, so what documents will I need if I get a co sponser? In total what should I have?

[canadian_wife 1,785]

Read the instructions for the I-864

http://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/files/form/i-864instr.pdf

good luck

[Darnell 8,478]

I do have one more question actually, if I do have to go back to the u.s. And work to apply for the affadavit, how long do I need to work for before I can petition?

I-130 filing and NVC DOC Intake are different timeticks in this visajourney calendar, so let's separate them for a moment, aye?

for the I-864, assume:

1. one year of just prior year tax data and

2. current annual income (a projection)

so that's what - 13 months? or 6 months if you have 5 months on tax data above the poverty line? [and start work in 1 Aug 2015, for this 6 month / 5 month example]

lots of permutations there, on this one with the caveat being that it won't be any DCF for you, must to file to USA..

Flipside, to use DCF? Get a co-sponser, joint-sponser (what ever the proper label is) after the I-130 is approved at USCIS Moscow...