Current income v.s. Taxes what’s used for guidelines

[Devon&Julius 21]

I need some help from experienced members. What is used to determine if you meet poverty guidelines? Last year was on SSDI and worked part time. Last year is below guidelines. Currently at the same job full time permanent and well over guidelines (3xrequired amount) but last years taxes don’t reflect it. Do I need a sponsor? Please advise

[pushbrk 13,468]

21 minutes ago, Devon&Julius said:

I need some help from experienced members. What is used to determine if you meet poverty guidelines? Last year was on SSDI and worked part time. Last year is below guidelines. Currently at the same job full time permanent and well over guidelines (3xrequired amount) but last years taxes don’t reflect it. Do I need a sponsor? Please advise

Current income is what is used to meet poverty guidelines, in that if you don't have it, you don't qualify.  Having a qualifying income currently is not a guarantee of a positive decision though.  The will evaluate the totality of circumstances.  You'll be providing evidence of current income and information from three tax returns.

[Devon&Julius 21]

9 minutes ago, pushbrk said:

Current income is what is used to meet poverty guidelines, in that if you don't have it, you don't qualify.  Having a qualifying income currently is not a guarantee of a positive decision though.  The will evaluate the totality of circumstances.  You'll be providing evidence of current income and information from three tax returns.

So is it your advice from what you have seen that I should get a sponsor? Trying to avoid any extra wait time. I currently make enough. Have 9 months check stubs and job letter. Along with tax transcripts from 2017,2016. 

[pushbrk 13,468]

5 hours ago, Devon&Julius said:

So is it your advice from what you have seen that I should get a sponsor? Trying to avoid any extra wait time. I currently make enough. Have 9 months check stubs and job letter. Along with tax transcripts from 2017,2016. 

No, it is not my advice that you get "joint sponsor".  You will always be THE primary sponsor.  Do you not also have a 2015 tax return?  Your most recent is the 2017 return filed in 2018.  Did you not file a tax return in 2016 for 2015?

[Devon&Julius 21]

 Yes I have.

Edited April 6, 2018 by Devon&Julius

[Devon&Julius 21]

4 hours ago, pushbrk said:

No, it is not my advice that you get "joint sponsor".  You will always be THE primary sponsor.  Do you not also have a 2015 tax return?  Your most recent is the 2017 return filed in 2018.  Did you not file a tax return in 2016 for 2015?

 

4 hours ago, pushbrk said:

No, it is not my advice that you get "joint sponsor".  You will always be THE primary sponsor.  Do you not also have a 2015 tax return?  Your most recent is the 2017 return filed in 2018.  Did you not file a tax return in 2016 for 2015?

 Yes I have. I only submitted last two. Since it stated optional for prior years. I thought they only want most recent. The only reason I included two is because the “most recent “ tax year is now for 2017earnings.  So I added it. This is all very confusing and I hope it’s over soon with positive outcome for my family. I am a bit worried because I see some being requested to get sponsor even if they are above currently based on their income being below previously. I just want to be prepared. I think they should change the instructions on the form. To state if prior years are below sponsor will be required. That would save a lot of heart ache and stress for many. I appreciate you.

[pushbrk 13,468]

3 hours ago, Devon&Julius said:

 

 Yes I have. I only submitted last two. Since it stated optional for prior years. I thought they only want most recent. The only reason I included two is because the “most recent “ tax year is now for 2017earnings.  So I added it. This is all very confusing and I hope it’s over soon with positive outcome for my family. I am a bit worried because I see some being requested to get sponsor even if they are above currently based on their income being below previously. I just want to be prepared. I think they should change the instructions on the form. To state if prior years are below sponsor will be required. That would save a lot of heart ache and stress for many. I appreciate you.

But you would have provided INFORMATION from three tax returns in order to complete the form itself.

[Devon&Julius 21]

9 hours ago, pushbrk said:

But you would have provided INFORMATION from three tax returns in order to complete the form itself.

Yes I did. But was just a little concerned about the guidelines. I hope they accept my current income which I provided proof for being over guidelines. I sent work letters, check stubs, transcripts and personal statements explaining everything. May God intervene. 

[NikLR 13,232]

God has nothing to do with it.  Mostly it comes down to the CO and the consulate or embassy involved.  Some require 3 years above the poverty guideline, others are happy with 3 months current income.  

Edited April 8, 2018 by NikLR

[Devon&Julius 21]

1 hour ago, NikLR said:

God has nothing to do with it.  Mostly it comes down to the CO and the consulate or embassy involved.  Some require 3 years above the poverty guideline, others are happy with 3 months current income.  

God has everything to do with everything. To each his or her own 😀. Thanks for your reply.

[pushbrk 13,468]

I think what is being said is that in this context a Consular Officer IS "the god of this decision".  Barring an actual miracle, you are going to be at the mercy of a Consular Officer's judgment call on the public charge concern.  That's just how it works. If you want to interpret their decision as "God's will" no matter which way it goes, then "Amen". 

[Devon&Julius 21]

1 hour ago, pushbrk said:

I think what is being said is that in this context a Consular Officer IS "the god of this decision".  Barring an actual miracle, you are going to be at the mercy of a Consular Officer's judgment call on the public charge concern.  That's just how it works. If you want to interpret their decision as "God's will" no matter which way it goes, then "Amen". 

Understood