Self Sponsorship

[NomesK 3]

Hi, Due to the fact that my husband is a Lifer in prison in PA, we're looking at me sponsoring myself. I know I have to have a percentage in savings over the poverty line, but what would that amount be in USD please? Also, am I better to apply after I have a certain amount saved up, and keep saving whilst my application is processed, or should I have my $$'s all saved up and then apply please?  Can anyone think of any other hurdles associated if I self sponsor myself please?

TIA

[pushbrk 12,979]

2 minutes ago, NomesK said:

Hi, Due to the fact that my husband is a Lifer in prison in PA, we're looking at me sponsoring myself. I know I have to have a percentage in savings over the poverty line, but what would that amount be in USD please? Also, am I better to apply after I have a certain amount saved up, and keep saving whilst my application is processed, or should I have my $$'s all saved up and then apply please?  Can anyone think of any other hurdles associated if I self sponsor myself please?

TIA

You have a number of hurdles, but for the financial one, you'll need liquid savings of 3 times the income requirement.  That's the minimum for spouse of US Citizen, but it is still a judgment call.

[Boiler 45,670]

Joint Sponsor would seem to make more sense.

[NomesK 3]

2 hours ago, pushbrk said:

You have a number of hurdles, but for the financial one, you'll need liquid savings of 3 times the income requirement.  That's the minimum for spouse of US Citizen, but it is still a judgment call.

So if I was to aim to have about $50,000 usd and have job offers/jobs lined up, I should be ok then?  Also, would that amount need to be saved up prior to me submitting my application or I can apply say when I have half saved up please? Sorry for sounding dumb, I'm not really, I just don't want to get things wrong & waste savings on multiple applications.

Thanks

[NomesK 3]

1 hour ago, Boiler said:

Joint Sponsor would seem to make more sense.

Unfortunately, his family all have multi family members so them having the 'funds' to offer to sponsor me, are minimal - for instance, 2 siblings are 6 - 7 members, and the other is only 3 members, with the possibility of another on the way, and that would put their income down further, so I must try to sponsor myself.  I do have a friend (online) in FL, but as I've never met him, I would not expect him to commit to sponsoring me for 40 quarters/10 years, especially as he is retired. I plan on being self sufficient and not relying on anyone else to 'keep me', I'd rather flip burgers for minimum wage than ask someone for help. Obviously if my husband were not in prison then this would be a no brainer, but he is, and as such, I am self providing.

 

Thanks

[pushbrk 12,979]

57 minutes ago, NomesK said:

So if I was to aim to have about $50,000 usd and have job offers/jobs lined up, I should be ok then?  Also, would that amount need to be saved up prior to me submitting my application or I can apply say when I have half saved up please? Sorry for sounding dumb, I'm not really, I just don't want to get things wrong & waste savings on multiple applications.

Thanks

No, that's not enough.  For a household of 2, the minimum is 21,775, so three times that number.  Probably more, because it will be 2022 or 2023 numbers being used when the time comes.  No financial data is required to file the petition.  It will be needed 6 to 12 months later.

[Redro 4,611]

6 hours ago, NomesK said:

So if I was to aim to have about $50,000 usd and have job offers/jobs lined up, I should be ok then?  Also, would that amount need to be saved up prior to me submitting my application or I can apply say when I have half saved up please? Sorry for sounding dumb, I'm not really, I just don't want to get things wrong & waste savings on multiple applications.

Thanks

Personally, I would want to have at least $70 000 USD saved before you have to submit the I-864. This is to show you will be able to support yourself and because setting up a new life in a new country is extremely expensive. You'll need to secure housing, health insurance and a car when you arrive.

 

Securing a job in the States before moving might not be that easy. I've been looking to study when I first arrive in the States and the first question most schools ask me is: are you a permanent resident? When I respond I am in the process of obtaining residency, they tell me to email back once I am in the States with proof of residency. 

 

If you can find a joint sponsor in the States that would be beneficial. Will you be able to live with your husband's family when you move? It will show the CO you will have support in the States and are less likely to become a public charge. 

[nastra30 2,288]

7 hours ago, NomesK said:

Unfortunately, his family all have multi family members so them having the 'funds' to offer to sponsor me, are minimal - for instance, 2 siblings are 6 - 7 members, and the other is only 3 members, with the possibility of another on the way, and that would put their income down further, so I must try to sponsor myself. 

Joint sponsor doesn't necessarily have to be a family member. Any US citizen or permanent resident can be joint sponsor. Does he or you have any friends that could potentially help as joint sponsor. You have a big hurdle to get over if you are self-sponsoring.

[SalishSea 17,928]

7 hours ago, NomesK said:

Unfortunately, his family all have multi family members so them having the 'funds' to offer to sponsor me, are minimal - for instance, 2 siblings are 6 - 7 members, and the other is only 3 members, with the possibility of another on the way, and that would put their income down further, so I must try to sponsor myself.  I do have a friend (online) in FL, but as I've never met him, I would not expect him to commit to sponsoring me for 40 quarters/10 years, especially as he is retired. I plan on being self sufficient and not relying on anyone else to 'keep me', I'd rather flip burgers for minimum wage than ask someone for help. Obviously if my husband were not in prison then this would be a no brainer, but he is, and as such, I am self providing.

 

Thanks

I highly doubt the consulate would accept someone you’ve never met in person as a joint sponsor.   They do look at the relationship there - it’s not just based on income or willingness to do it. 

7 minutes ago, nastra30 said:

Joint sponsor doesn't necessarily have to be a family member. Any US citizen or permanent resident can be joint sponsor. Does he or you have any friends that could potentially help as joint sponsor. You have a big hurdle to get over if you are self-sponsoring.

She mentioned an online friend.   I can’t see that ever happening.

[Redro 4,611]

2 minutes ago, Jorgedig said:

I highly doubt the consulate would accept someone you’ve never met in person as a joint sponsor.   They do look at the relationship there - it’s not just based on income or willingness to do it. 

She mentioned an online friend.   I can’t see that ever happening.

Would this case be a red flag? No legitimate sponsor so the beneficiary has to self sponsor=someone trying to circumvent the immigration process?

Is Australia a diversity visa country? Would it make more sense to apply for the diversity lottery, too? Or would creating solid relationship evidence and finding a sponsor within the family be better? 

[SalishSea 17,928]

1 minute ago, Kor2USA said:

Would this case be a red flag? No legitimate sponsor so the beneficiary has to self sponsor=someone trying to circumvent the immigration process?

Is Australia a diversity visa country? Would it make more sense to apply for the diversity lottery, too? Or would creating solid relationship evidence and finding a sponsor within the family be better? 

It wouldn’t be a red flag for the bonafides of the relationship, but she could be deemed inadmissible due to the public charge.  DV lottery could be a consideration, though it’s a long-shot.

 

Personally, I’d line up a joint sponsor unless I had well over the amount mentioned by Pushbrk. 

[NomesK 3]

8 hours ago, pushbrk said:

No, that's not enough.  For a household of 2, the minimum is 21,775, so three times that number.  Probably more, because it will be 2022 or 2023 numbers being used when the time comes.  No financial data is required to file the petition.  It will be needed 6 to 12 months later.

Just wondering where you got those figures from please? I googled and came up with the figures on this page and why would I have to use a household of 2 please? My husband is in prison, and is a lifer, so therefore won't be living in the household, it'll just be me.

[NomesK 3]

2 hours ago, Kor2USA said:

Personally, I would want to have at least $70 000 USD saved before you have to submit the I-864. This is to show you will be able to support yourself and because setting up a new life in a new country is extremely expensive. You'll need to secure housing, health insurance and a car when you arrive.

 

Securing a job in the States before moving might not be that easy. I've been looking to study when I first arrive in the States and the first question most schools ask me is: are you a permanent resident? When I respond I am in the process of obtaining residency, they tell me to email back once I am in the States with proof of residency. 

 

If you can find a joint sponsor in the States that would be beneficial. Will you be able to live with your husband's family when you move? It will show the CO you will have support in the States and are less likely to become a public charge. 

i may be able to live with his family, depending on where I can find work, as they live in a remote-ish area with not alot of scope for employment.

[NomesK 3]

1 hour ago, nastra30 said:

Joint sponsor doesn't necessarily have to be a family member. Any US citizen or permanent resident can be joint sponsor. Does he or you have any friends that could potentially help as joint sponsor. You have a big hurdle to get over if you are self-sponsoring.

I'm not sure, but I don't believe any are financially viable - our friends' circles are low - middle class people with families (that do, and quite rightly so, come first) and not millionaires (unfortunately, or this wouldn't be an issue for me) and I hate to be a burden on anyone, but it's looking like I'll have to swallow my pride (and stubbornness) and begin asking.

[NomesK 3]

1 hour ago, Kor2USA said:

Would this case be a red flag? No legitimate sponsor so the beneficiary has to self sponsor=someone trying to circumvent the immigration process?

Is Australia a diversity visa country? Would it make more sense to apply for the diversity lottery, too? Or would creating solid relationship evidence and finding a sponsor within the family be better? 

I'm not trying to circumvent the immigration process - just want to be closer to my husband is all