Should we start I-129F now or wait?

[sma1488 155]

So even though I make close to $1,000 over the poverty line I should apply with a co-sponsor anyway? Does it help much to have one?

I taught English in China in 2011-2013. I didn't even file in 2012 and barely made anything in the US in 2011-2013. So is that going to hurt me if they look at the last 3 years regarding income?

You know you're still liable for income earned overseas, right? If you made over the minimum amount for a given year, you have to file and then claim the Foreign Earned Income exemption. If you were self-employed, you don't get that exemption and if you earned over $400 you have to file.

[Peaky_blinderz 3]

You know you're still liable for income earned overseas, right? If you made over the minimum amount for a given year, you have to file and then claim the Foreign Earned Income exemption. If you were self-employed, you don't get that exemption and if you earned over $400 you have to file.

I was only in China up to March of last year so I didn't make much over there, and I didn't start working in the US until September of last year. So how would they look at me when reviewing my tax return from last year since it only has the US job on it? I'm assuming it doesn't matter I only worked in the US for 3 months, they only care about how much my annual income is on the return? If that's the case then what the previous poster said about waiting till I get this year's return in the spring will be a wiser time to apply, yes?

[sma1488 155]

I was more referring to 2012, when you said you spent the whole year in China, and it was more about your tax situation in general than as it relates to the K-1. Still, since background checks will be run on you as part of the process and nobody knows for sure what goes into that, your taxes should be up-to-date.

As for the K-1, aside from the objective minimum of $19,662, nobody can say with 100% certainty what will be required of you. Usually, returns for the current year and previous year are enough. (Completely ignore the poster who suggested waiting until 2019 (?!) to build up years and years of returns.) As noted, the Philippines rarely accepts co-sponsors, so don't consider that as an option. I'd suggest heading over to the regional forums to get more specific info as it relates to the Philippines.

[Peaky_blinderz 3]

To staycoldb,

I have a few question and I am not trying to be harsh here.

1) How are you going to afford supporting your spouce when she comes here? Remember, it can take up to 6 to 8 months before she gets her authorization to work. It depends on how fast you get married. Work authorization can only be applied for post marriage.

2) How are you going to pay for the AOS. That is over a thousand dollars?

3) Does she realize how expensive it is to live in the United States? My experience shows that most people that come to the U.S. are really supprised just how hard it is to make enough money from the job they work at to pay all the bills.

4) Does she have children, if she does, you seriously seriously need to think about the decision your making here.

5) Does she realize how hard it is to get a job in the United States? Add poor English and it simply compounds the issue. Most people whol come to the U.S. are under the impression that jobs are simply lined up for them. I can tell you, THIS IS NOT THE CASE. Again, not trying to be harsh here. She simply needs to be tolk the realistic position she is coming to.

6) You mentioned you live with your parents and grandparents. That is two generations of families under the same room. With you and her, that makes three. Do your parents and grandparents expect her to become a domestic servent. Washing everyones cloths, washing everyones dishes, cooking all the meals, cleaning the house. Your sitting there getting pissed at me probably, but keep in mind, these situations do exist. Read some of the post on this web site and you will see. I MENTION THIS for this reason and this reason alone.

a) You ( the man of your marriage ) need to establish BOUNDERIES bwtween you and your pareents and you and your grandparents on what is expected of you while in the house and more importantly what is expected of her in the house.

b) Your family needs to understand that YOUR WIFE is NOT their wife.

c) She ( your fiancee ) needs to be very careful at what precidence she sets when she first arrives. By simple nature, she will want to clean all the dishes, wash all the clothes, cook all the meals, and clean the house. If she starts this from the beginning and then stops doing later because she is " tired of cleaing up after everyone ", then your relationship will start to suffer because she will be getiing pissed off and frustrated at the living conditions. Be careful with this point and as the man, you will need to instruct her on what she can and cannot do in the house. This is for her protection. Believe me on this simple point and your relationship between ALL parties will be good.

7) You mentioned you lost your license. That would indicate you have been in some legal trouble. Is it a misdermina or feleny. If so, does your wife know about this and the reprecutions that follow when you look for employment? If not, she needs to know this. Remember, it is not only your life being delt with here. Your a young man and she is a young woman. She will be under tremendous amount of culture shock when she arrives.

8) Set up an emergency flight fund for her. You need to have at least $ 1,500.00 saved in a bank account for her in case it is simply too much for her to handle. This way you can buy her a plane ticket back. I mention this because it is hard enough for two people in the same house hold to learn about each other. You have your parents and grandparents. That is catastrophic on a young marriage.

I wish you the best bro. You two do make a good looking couple. I always say " Plan smart, be patient now, be happy later"

In closing, only the recent tax return is required when filing the I-129F

1) I'm sure my family will have to assist us initially, but we'll make it. I'm pretty experienced in the field of IT so as soon as I start driving again God willing I will find a job making a lot more than I do now. Failure is not an option for me. This girl is my world and we'll find a way.

2) I should have the money for it, if not I can probably borrow it from family.

3) She does, I have stressed this to her. She is not a spoiled brat and doesn't care about having nice things like a lot of filipina girls, she cares about being with me and nothing else.

4) She has a son, but he's not moving here anytime soon. Not for at least 10 years maybe longer. She wants him to finish high school over there.

5) The one thing she doesn't have to worry about is English. My fiance's english is excellent. She is far better at it than 90% of filipinos. Getting a job in the US now is hard for anyone, you're right. If things get hard we will have to lean on my family. MY Filipino step-aunt emigrated here and she has been at the same job for 20 years and when she moved here her English was horrible compared to my fiance. I think if she can make it my fiance definitely can.

6) It's just me, my Grandma, and my parents. This only until I get my license back, start making real money again and move out which isn't far off. My mom does most of the cleaning and what not in the house.

a) My fiance and I won't be living in my parent's house. The plan is to either be moved out already by the time she gets here or to move out as soon as she gets here.

b) I come from a very altruistic family

c) LOL, dude my fiance is not the typical filipina. She comes from a wealthy family and has never had to cook or clean. She can make lumpia and that's about it haha. I already told her we will split house chores and all the mundane stuff 50/50.

7) I got a DWI, it's a misdemeanor. It can and can't hurt finding employment, just depends on the hiring manager.

8) She has family in 2 different states here. We're like best friends so she will never leave me, I'm not trying to hate on anyone, but we're not together like a lot of couples I have seen for a matter of convenience. We truly love each other and could spend all day glued together and not be bored.

Edited November 23, 2014 by staycoldb

[Peaky_blinderz 3]

I was more referring to 2012, when you said you spent the whole year in China, and it was more about your tax situation in general than as it relates to the K-1. Still, since background checks will be run on you as part of the process and nobody knows for sure what goes into that, your taxes should be up-to-date.

As for the K-1, aside from the objective minimum of $19,662, nobody can say with 100% certainty what will be required of you. Usually, returns for the current year and previous year are enough. (Completely ignore the poster who suggested waiting until 2019 (?!) to build up years and years of returns.) As noted, the Philippines rarely accepts co-sponsors, so don't consider that as an option. I'd suggest heading over to the regional forums to get more specific info as it relates to the Philippines.

Hmm, thanks. This is all so damn confusing. I'm thinking maybe it'll be best to wait till I have my tax return for this year in the spring since it will reflect a whole year of employment here.

[charmed2006 31]

To staycoldb,

I have a few question and I am not trying to be harsh here.

1) How are you going to afford supporting your spouce when she comes here? Remember, it can take up to 6 to 8 months before she gets her authorization to work. It depends on how fast you get married. Work authorization can only be applied for post marriage.

2) How are you going to pay for the AOS. That is over a thousand dollars?

3) Does she realize how expensive it is to live in the United States? My experience shows that most people that come to the U.S. are really supprised just how hard it is to make enough money from the job they work at to pay all the bills.

4) Does she have children, if she does, you seriously seriously need to think about the decision your making here.

5) Does she realize how hard it is to get a job in the United States? Add poor English and it simply compounds the issue. Most people whol come to the U.S. are under the impression that jobs are simply lined up for them. I can tell you, THIS IS NOT THE CASE. Again, not trying to be harsh here. She simply needs to be tolk the realistic position she is coming to.

6) You mentioned you live with your parents and grandparents. That is two generations of families under the same room. With you and her, that makes three. Do your parents and grandparents expect her to become a domestic servent. Washing everyones cloths, washing everyones dishes, cooking all the meals, cleaning the house. Your sitting there getting pissed at me probably, but keep in mind, these situations do exist. Read some of the post on this web site and you will see. I MENTION THIS for this reason and this reason alone.

a) You ( the man of your marriage ) need to establish BOUNDERIES bwtween you and your pareents and you and your grandparents on what is expected of you while in the house and more importantly what is expected of her in the house.

b) Your family needs to understand that YOUR WIFE is NOT their wife.

c) She ( your fiancee ) needs to be very careful at what precidence she sets when she first arrives. By simple nature, she will want to clean all the dishes, wash all the clothes, cook all the meals, and clean the house. If she starts this from the beginning and then stops doing later because she is " tired of cleaing up after everyone ", then your relationship will start to suffer because she will be getiing pissed off and frustrated at the living conditions. Be careful with this point and as the man, you will need to instruct her on what she can and cannot do in the house. This is for her protection. Believe me on this simple point and your relationship between ALL parties will be good.

7) You mentioned you lost your license. That would indicate you have been in some legal trouble. Is it a misdermina or feleny. If so, does your wife know about this and the reprecutions that follow when you look for employment? If not, she needs to know this. Remember, it is not only your life being delt with here. Your a young man and she is a young woman. She will be under tremendous amount of culture shock when she arrives.

8) Set up an emergency flight fund for her. You need to have at least $ 1,500.00 saved in a bank account for her in case it is simply too much for her to handle. This way you can buy her a plane ticket back. I mention this because it is hard enough for two people in the same house hold to learn about each other. You have your parents and grandparents. That is catastrophic on a young marriage.

I wish you the best bro. You two do make a good looking couple. I always say " Plan smart, be patient now, be happy later"

In closing, only the recent tax return is required when filing the I-129F

Thank you for listing down situations we need to expect This is reality..

[charmed2006 31]

1) I'm sure my family will have to assist us initially, but we'll make it. I'm pretty experienced in the field of IT so as soon as I start driving again God willing I will find a job making a lot more than I do now. Failure is not an option for me. This girl is my world and we'll find a way.

2) I should have the money for it, if not I can probably borrow it from family.

3) She does, I have stressed this to her. She is not a spoiled brat and doesn't care about having nice things like a lot of filipina girls, she cares about being with me and nothing else.

4) She has a son, but he's not moving here anytime soon. Not for at least 10 years maybe longer. She wants him to finish high school over there.

5) The one thing she doesn't have to worry about is English. My fiance's english is excellent. She is far better at it than 90% of filipinos. Getting a job in the US now is hard for anyone, you're right. If things get hard we will have to lean on my family. MY Filipino step-aunt emigrated here and she has been at the same job for 20 years and when she moved here her English was horrible compared to my fiance. I think if she can make it my fiance definitely can.

6) It's just me, my Grandma, and my parents. This only until I get my license back, start making real money again and move out which isn't far off. My mom does most of the cleaning and what not in the house.

a) My fiance and I won't be living in my parent's house. The plan is to either be moved out already by the time she gets here or to move out as soon as she gets here.

b) I come from a very altruistic family

c) LOL, dude my fiance is not the typical filipina. She comes from a wealthy family and has never had to cook or clean. She can make lumpia and that's about it haha. I already told her we will split house chores and all the mundane stuff 50/50.

7) I got a DWI, it's a misdemeanor. It can and can't hurt finding employment, just depends on the hiring manager.

8) She has family in 2 different states here. We're like best friends so she will never leave me, I'm not trying to hate on anyone, but we're not together like a lot of couples I have seen for a matter of convenience. We truly love each other and could spend all day glued together and not be bored.

But I admire your persistence

I can feel the love here.. Go for it..

Everywhere in the world, looking for a job we want is always a challenge. But there is always a way

I moved to 3 different countries in my lifetime, and every time I move, I am always warned how hard it is to get a job in my destination, but I guess if there is a will, there is a way, and somehow made it.

I wish you both goodluck on your application.

[Soapies 18]

Just my two cents, but my fiance made literally $100 over the 125% minimum in the 2013 tax year... and we were approved. No co-sponsors. I was SO WORRIED about it too, but I didn't feel comfortable asking someone to sponsor us...

[altonbebe 48]

1) I'm sure my family will have to assist us initially, but we'll make it. I'm pretty experienced in the field of IT so as soon as I start driving again God willing I will find a job making a lot more than I do now. Failure is not an option for me. This girl is my world and we'll find a way.

2) I should have the money for it, if not I can probably borrow it from family.

3) She does, I have stressed this to her. She is not a spoiled brat and doesn't care about having nice things like a lot of filipina girls, she cares about being with me and nothing else.

4) She has a son, but he's not moving here anytime soon. Not for at least 10 years maybe longer. She wants him to finish high school over there.

5) The one thing she doesn't have to worry about is English. My fiance's english is excellent. She is far better at it than 90% of filipinos. Getting a job in the US now is hard for anyone, you're right. If things get hard we will have to lean on my family. MY Filipino step-aunt emigrated here and she has been at the same job for 20 years and when she moved here her English was horrible compared to my fiance. I think if she can make it my fiance definitely can.

6) It's just me, my Grandma, and my parents. This only until I get my license back, start making real money again and move out which isn't far off. My mom does most of the cleaning and what not in the house.

a) My fiance and I won't be living in my parent's house. The plan is to either be moved out already by the time she gets here or to move out as soon as she gets here.

b) I come from a very altruistic family

c) LOL, dude my fiance is not the typical filipina. She comes from a wealthy family and has never had to cook or clean. She can make lumpia and that's about it haha. I already told her we will split house chores and all the mundane stuff 50/50.

7) I got a DWI, it's a misdemeanor. It can and can't hurt finding employment, just depends on the hiring manager.

8) She has family in 2 different states here. We're like best friends so she will never leave me, I'm not trying to hate on anyone, but we're not together like a lot of couples I have seen for a matter of convenience. We truly love each other and could spend all day glued together and not be bored.

Brother man, for a young dude, I have to say you have your stuff together.

My sincere compliments to you.

Your a mentor all young men should look up to.

Thank you for listing down situations we need to expect This is reality..

Your very welcome. I'm a realist. I believe that all should know what they are getting into before they do it.

[Darnell 8,478]

In closing, only the recent tax return is required when filing the I-129F

since when?

it's shown/evaluated on interview day,

never to be given over with I-129F submittal.

Never.

[Peaky_blinderz 3]

So I just calculated what I made so far this year and it's 19,089.87. But the year isn't even over, I'll be well over that at the year's end. I think we're definitely in the green so I think we will go ahead and get things moving. We're sick of skype! I'll keep you all posted and you'll probably see me around here with tons of questions, thanks guys.

[raven52 233]

A friend of mine just back from the Phils., and is filing a K-1 visa, tomorrow, ""BECAUSE"" according to the visa company he hired, the Filipino Expedite is still working, through the end of December, at least!

Now, "get your house in order" if you want this lady here on a K-1 visa, if you "goof off" and wait for this and that, then you will get the 6-8 month TSC service!

Hire somebody to drive you to work for a better job, do something, as they want to see the last two pay stubs, so get a job, and do "whatever" it takes to get more income.

I suppose you have met and can prove it! Interview can be tuff in Manila, as my wife is Filipino, but hers was ok.

I wish you really good luck and good decisions on your part, to get this done!

[Peaky_blinderz 3]

A friend of mine just back from the Phils., and is filing a K-1 visa, tomorrow, ""BECAUSE"" according to the visa company he hired, the Filipino Expedite is still working, through the end of December, at least!

Now, "get your house in order" if you want this lady here on a K-1 visa, if you "goof off" and wait for this and that, then you will get the 6-8 month TSC service!

Hire somebody to drive you to work for a better job, do something, as they want to see the last two pay stubs, so get a job, and do "whatever" it takes to get more income.

I suppose you have met and can prove it! Interview can be tuff in Manila, as my wife is Filipino, but hers was ok.

I wish you really good luck and good decisions on your part, to get this done!

Hi, thanks for the input. I plan on finding a better job soon, I will have my license back before December is up. But I already make over the 125% minimum poverty line, so won't that suffice? Or are you saying I still need to make more despite that? We're not in a rush. 6-8 months from now will work better for us anyway as I'm not quite ready for her to move here yet.

[clairegie 265]

Hi, thanks for the input. I plan on finding a better job soon, I will have my license back before December is up. But I already make over the 125% minimum poverty line, so won't that suffice? Or are you saying I still need to make more despite that? We're not in a rush. 6-8 months from now will work better for us anyway as I'm not quite ready for her to move here yet.

I'm not sure if the expedite is still in place. But if it is, you wont have to wait 6 months at all. You might be looking at 3 months give or take.

[ayla_42 39]

My fiancé just makes 1000 over the guideline. And we did it without a sponsor. We could use him mom. But the guideline is there for a reason. And we are over it. We can prove it with paysstubs and employment letter.

His past tax terurn were all under the guideline. Is all about what you make now.