JLC2015

Thanks for reminding me!

At the interview the officer almost immediately asked for a joint sponsor. No discussion about current income or my husband's intentions to pursue a career in the veterinary field. We were prepared with a joint sponsor, but I was hoping to avoid it, so I did not submit it to the CEAC site. It seems we didn't really have a choice though. My advice is to find a joint sponsor (easier said than done, I know. Especially if you're like me and HATE asking anyone for help) and have it ready to go at the interview if you have any any concerns that your tax transcripts may not be enough.

Overall, the interview was easy enough. We spent a lot of time worrying and being anxious but it wasn't as bad as we (both amazingly talented overthinkers) imagined. Good luck!!

Update: still have not heard back from NVC. But while doing some perusing of the CEAC FAQ page I did find this:

"Is a sufficient Form I-864 the only consideration for meeting any public charge issues at the time of the visa interview?

Thank you all!

I feel more confident now. And I did find someone who is willing to be a joint sponsor so we have that up our sleeve in case it is needed. I'll have that paperwork ready by next week. Still have not heard back from NVC but will post their response, once I get it, for future reference.

Also, I realized I was looking at the 2019 Federal poverty rate, when maybe I should have been looking at 2017's. That coupled with the cash in the bank alone should put us in a favorable position.

Thanks again

Hi!

I have submitted the I864 and DS260 for the CR1 visa. For the I864 I received a Case FE note:

"Based on the income provided on the Affidavit of Support, SPONSOR does not meet the minimum income requirement to sponsor the intending immigrants for this case. The consular officer will make a decision regarding this requirement at the time of the interview. For more information, please visit https://www.uscis.gov/i-864p. To avoid delays, an additional Affidavit of Support Form I-864 for a joint sponsor may be submitted." 

Ok... except 125% of the Federal Poverty Level for a household of FOUR is $32,188. I provided a final, end-of-the-year check stub showing I grossed $34,259.80 from that job alone. I provided a letter verifying employment and an increase in my annual salary to $40,310.40. I also provided bank statements showing weekly child support payments cumulative to $3,626.48 annually. Even just looking at the lowest figure, without child support, my income is still $2,071.80 over the guideline. Admittedly, my 2017 tax documents are for a previous job (and a lot of time off to travel) reflecting annual income of ~$22,000. In addition to all the above and other documents requested, I submitted 2015, 2016, and 2017 tax RETURNS. After review of the AOS package, I received a request for 2017 tax return TRANSCRIPTS. Those have been submitted but not yet reviewed. 

Worth noting: I have an email out to the NVC (I've called and waited on hold for over an hour on two separate occasions and gave up) but want immediate consolation if possible. Also, my husband is a veterinarian with a doctorate degree; with just two tests and a fee he will be licensed to practice vet medicine in my state. He needing assistance will not likely be an issue.

My questions: Does the FE Review note go out just for the fact that they requested more financial documents, like a blanket response? Or at the NVC level, are they only considering income proven by tax documents and ignoring actual current income information? Do I need to ####### my pants and frantically search for a joint sponsor that probably doesn't exist? Or can I relax because the consular officer at the interview will surely consider my most recent income? Will the beneficiary's potential for finding employment and earning income in the US be considered during the interview? 

I appreciate your advice,  support, or sharing of your own similar experience! Yes, ultimately I will take the word of NVC, but in the mean time I need some answers!