Proof of income timing

[Backpackers 19]

I (US Citizen) will be petitioning for my girlfriend (Filipina) to come to the US using the K1 visa. We have been backpacking around SE Asia for the last 4 months. We would like to continue traveling, but it seems I will need to show proof of income to get the visa approved. When should I continue working? Is it possible I could mail the I-129f in, then we continue traveling for a couple months, then I go home and find work?

I do contract work through a consulting firm, so I work 3-6 months at a time. I have been taking time off between contracts to go backpacking. I don’t have steady employment but my income for the past few years has always been well over the poverty line, even though I only work part of the year. I would prefer to stay with her for the waiting time but it seems I have to show ongoing income. Ideas?

[Russ&Caro 1,549]

If you have a permanent US residence, have filed a 2015 US income tax return showing income above the poverty line, and have a current active contract, then you're probably good to go. If you're short any one of the 3, then you'd probably need to return the US and shore up your residence/employment situation. Alternatively, if you find a co-sponsor, you might only need the permanent US residence.

Click on the guides link, above, to see how co-sponsorship works.

[Greenbaum 12,260]

Backpackers, on 11 Mar 2016 - 6:17 PM, said:

I (US Citizen) will be petitioning for my girlfriend (Filipina) to come to the US using the K1 visa. We have been backpacking around SE Asia for the last 4 months. We would like to continue traveling, but it seems I will need to show proof of income to get the visa approved. When should I continue working? Is it possible I could mail the I-129f in, then we continue traveling for a couple months, then I go home and find work?

I do contract work through a consulting firm, so I work 3-6 months at a time. I have been taking time off between contracts to go backpacking. I don’t have steady employment but my income for the past few years has always been well over the poverty line, even though I only work part of the year. I would prefer to stay with her for the waiting time but it seems I have to show ongoing income. Ideas?

With income above the poverty guidelines, you filed a 2015 tax return, and you have solid contracts that confirm your earning potential I think you are good for the interview. Have fun backpacking.