*sigh* More job confusion

[RosaMystica7 0]

Application's on hold again, the job that seemed so sure fell through. I mean, I'm glad it did, because it turned out that the woman (it was a live-in nanny position) was a psycho and I'm glad I discovered that now rather than later. But... still... *sigh* back to square one. At least other offers are coming in, I've got 1 new interview and a few people that I'm talking to with interview potential, so a job will come and we just have to be patient.

I've had one offer that I'm wondering about. In addition to the pay she's offering me an apartment - bedroom, full bathroom, kitchen, and den. So, naturally, she's only offering me $300/week salary. That's only $15,600/year. Would it be taken into consideration that I'm also getting an apartment as payment? I haven't asked her since it's early on in our discussion and I haven't seen the apartment (she's an hour away - eep), but perhaps my fiance could live in it with me.

I might be able to talk her up to $325/week as that's $16900/year but that's barely scraping above 125% of the poverty guidelines... and last year's tax returns DO show nothing. So last year I made nothing and this year I'd be making $400 over the limit? I don't think they'd like that. And to be honest, I'm not sure if I like that... other than the fact that I'm getting a full apartment worth about $800 or $900/month (it's in a very rich and beautiful area by the water) with it. Especially if my fiance could move into it with me. When I have to fill out the sponsor-thing could I claim it somehow? That reminds me of other forms where if you claim your house and something goes wrong the government could take your house away from you as payment - would this be similar?

I'm not sure what to think about this one. Thoughts and advice?

[gwenneh 7]

Since you don't actually own the apartment, it won't qualify as an asset that you can list, no. I don't think it will be taken into consideration, just your salary.

[Keigwyn 1]

Meeting the 125% is the requirement. It does not say anywhere you get extra kudos for having a stash somewhere. We got over the 125% as a scrape also (for the I-134). Can you get co-sponsorship if this bothers you?

[RosaMystica7 0]

We'll be trying to find co-sponsorship after I have a job. We don't want to ask anyone until I can tell them that I'm in a steady secure job making X amount of money.

I didn't think this was something as light as "a stash somewhere", Keigwyn... this is getting a full apartment worth $800 - $900 per month included in my salary which sounds a tad bit bigger than a stash to me.

Anyway. Thanks Gwen. That's good to know. It's sad that I couldn't consider it as an asset somehow... I mean, it's worth a lot and included in my salary and is the reason my salary would be so low.

Regardless, I did the math last night and, even though the apartment is awesome, $300/week really isn't enough for me to put money away for all the expenses we'll have when my fiance moves here. That's why I don't want an apartment right now, I can't save money while handling an apartment's expenses.

So, as neat as it sounds, I think I'm going to have to turn her down and keep searching for something with more pay.

Edited March 24, 2006 by aselano

[Jasman0717 8]

[TracyTN 237]

Why not take the job and look for something better at the same time? Seems logical to me!

[KarenCee 3]

Well, I certainly hope something turns up for you...wondered where you had gone Glad to see you back posting again.

Have you tried the Department of Labour in your area? Just a thought. I remember when I was looking for work when I became a single mom....I had a résumé and made like 25 copies. I hit the street one day and applied at like 15 places...man was I tired! But, I did get a few offers. Not much advice in my post I'm afraid, just wanted to send you some encouragement.

[meauxna 15]

I've had one offer that I'm wondering about. In addition to the pay she's offering me an apartment - bedroom, full bathroom, kitchen, and den. So, naturally, she's only offering me $300/week salary. That's only $15,600/year. Would it be taken into consideration that I'm also getting an apartment as payment? I haven't asked her since it's early on in our discussion and I haven't seen the apartment (she's an hour away - eep), but perhaps my fiance could live in it with me.

I really encourage you to do further research for your questions instead of only asking on message boards.

The Dept of State FAQ seems to suggest that you may count comp housing on your I-864 (this is not the same as the I-134; please take that into account).

I'm not giving an opinion either way whether *your* offer counts; I am encouraging you to do more reading and research.

http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/in...nfo_1328.html#7

Can free housing be counted as income?

Yes. Sponsors who receive housing and other benefits in place of salary may count those benefits as income. The sponsor may count income that is not subject to taxation (such as housing allowance), as well as taxable income. The sponsor would have to prove the nature and amount of any income that is not included as wages or salary or other taxable income. Evidence of such income can be shown through notations on the W-2 Form (such as Box 13 for military allowances), Form 1099 or other documents that show the claimed income.

Edited March 25, 2006 by meauxna

[gag54611 1]

Here's my suggestion. Ask your landlady to increase your salary by the rent amount and then you pay her the rent. That way your salary is higher. This seems reasonable to me.

G

[Hilarious Clinton 452]

[silverbutterfly228 0]

Here's my suggestion. Ask your landlady to increase your salary by the rent amount and then you pay her the rent. That way your salary is higher. This seems reasonable to me.

G

aww you posted what I was going to suggest.

I would agree that this would work. You could than claim 500 a week or so based on 300 earnings and 200 a week for the place. It would put you well over the guideline and they don't need to know that most of those earnings are going back to ur employer. You have to live somewhere right? so in turn your going to be paying for a place anyway. just be clear on what your doing to your employer. this to me would solve the problem.

[Turboguy 6]

I am looking at this a little differently than everyone else and perhaps I am all wet but to me, what they are going to look at hardest is your previous years tax return and your w-2's. I don't know the timeline on your visa plans but if you are "going to get a job" that pays you the money you need to support a spouce You are not going to have either of these. Next they will look at your last three pay stubs to know that your income is still in place and finally they will look at the letter from your employer to know the likleyhood of your income continuing into the future.

My recommondation is to look for a co-sponsor. Remember the I-134 is not enforced so someone co-sponsering is risking nothing. Of course the truth and convincing someone of the truth are two different things. Good luck

[Dixie_Peach 1]

Application's on hold again, the job that seemed so sure fell through. I mean, I'm glad it did, because it turned out that the woman (it was a live-in nanny position) was a psycho and I'm glad I discovered that now rather than later. But... still... *sigh* back to square one. At least other offers are coming in, I've got 1 new interview and a few people that I'm talking to with interview potential, so a job will come and we just have to be patient.

I've had one offer that I'm wondering about. In addition to the pay she's offering me an apartment - bedroom, full bathroom, kitchen, and den. So, naturally, she's only offering me $300/week salary. That's only $15,600/year. Would it be taken into consideration that I'm also getting an apartment as payment? I haven't asked her since it's early on in our discussion and I haven't seen the apartment (she's an hour away - eep), but perhaps my fiance could live in it with me.

I might be able to talk her up to $325/week as that's $16900/year but that's barely scraping above 125% of the poverty guidelines... and last year's tax returns DO show nothing. So last year I made nothing and this year I'd be making $400 over the limit? I don't think they'd like that. And to be honest, I'm not sure if I like that... other than the fact that I'm getting a full apartment worth about $800 or $900/month (it's in a very rich and beautiful area by the water) with it. Especially if my fiance could move into it with me. When I have to fill out the sponsor-thing could I claim it somehow? That reminds me of other forms where if you claim your house and something goes wrong the government could take your house away from you as payment - would this be similar?

I'm not sure what to think about this one. Thoughts and advice?

Is this apartment on the premises of the job? (ie: since it is included as part of the packet, does this person own the apartment?) I have a friend who has a job that includes her apartment... but, it also includes the utilities... other than her personal phone, cable, & internet... i would inquire to see if that is also possible... and if so... see if they would include that in a letter of employment...... just a thought... hope ya get some good news soon!