reeses16

I don't think it really matters as long as its neatly organized & labled. I don't think it matters where the binding is (top or left side). My understanding is the people who process the application will take it apart anyway (this is why its important to organize and label).
For our application, I submitted everything in a 3 ring binder which had colored dividers, and a color coded table of contents. When I was thinking about organizing the application, I was really thinking more of my fiancee. I sent him the exact copy (originals actually) of what I sent to USCIS. I wanted to make sure everything was easy for him to look up and add or remove papers as necessary.
-DA

Not a problem. In fact you can use your financial aid (loans, scholarship, grants, fellowships) to count toward the sponsorship requirements ; 125% above poverty (I-134 for the K1 visa and I-864 for AOS application). You just have to include your financial aid award letters, letter from the bank and tax returns (or either a statement of why taxes were not filled- student loans are not taxable, but many scholarships and fellowships are).

Found out yesterday that we're pregnant with our first!

Good news! I was offered a great position at a fantastic organization! Even sweeter I'll be working on projects in Ethiopia. Its based in the US, but I get to travel to Ethiopia . Its truly a blessing! Only God could have orchestrated the events that led to me learning about and applying for this position.

MAO, thank you very much for starting this thread. I am so happy to hear that you and your hubby are trying to make things work. I think you, Dee, Sam, and many of the others that have posted gave good solid advice. Thank you all for sharing these very personal stories....and for writing those looooong posts! : ) I'm sure you all could have been doing something else, spending time with your family, etc. - your words were priceless.
I've been raised to believe that if someone cheats on you, you leave them. I guess thats fine if you dating...but I could never reconcile that with marriage and "'till death do us part". I used to think that people stay with a person who was unfaithful because of weakness- they're afraid they won't find anyone else. But I think this thread has really shown me that staying can be a mark of strength, commitment, and unconditional love.

MAO, thank you very much for starting this thread. I am so happy to hear that you and your hubby are trying to make things work. I think you, Dee, Sam, and many of the others that have posted gave good solid advice. Thank you all for sharing these very personal stories....and for writing those looooong posts! : ) I'm sure you all could have been doing something else, spending time with your family, etc. - your words were priceless.
I've been raised to believe that if someone cheats on you, you leave them. I guess thats fine if you dating...but I could never reconcile that with marriage and "'till death do us part". I used to think that people stay with a person who was unfaithful because of weakness- they're afraid they won't find anyone else. But I think this thread has really shown me that staying can be a mark of strength, commitment, and unconditional love.

I'm a little confused as to who is asking, Schmoopy or SuicideBlonde (non USC & US of the same couple???).
Anyway, Darnell is correct its about DOCUMENTATION. I'm sure there is a way to document SSDI income and any taxes that were paid. I don't know the rules about SSDI, but I'm sure you can visit the www.irs.gov and print out a brief statement on whether this income is taxable. If it is include the tax transcripts, if its not, include the monthly deposits or check stubs.
Is it also a concern that the SSDI is less than the amount you need to meet 125% of the poverty guideline? If so, you can show assets 3 times the amount of the income shortfall to satisfy the I-864 (Read the instructions, paying close attention to Part 7, points 26-29). For example, if the SSDI/year was $1000 short of the 125% poverty mark, you would only have to show a minimum of $3000 in assets (property, cash, stocks, etc). I'm not sure if your embassy requires both the I-134& I-864, but even if it does not I would include this form with a brief note stating that the I-864 allows for a more complete picture of your financial situation, and if your K1 is approved you will have to complete a I-864 in order to complete AOS and the I-864 will superceed the I-134. You have to make the best case you can for your petition within your circumstances.
It's better to continue with the K1, you're closer to finishing that process than would be if you started the CR-1. You can cancel the K1, but you won't get your money back...so all you'll really have is a longer, more expensive wait. The I-134 and I-864 will still play a role in whether or not a visa is issued. Your income problem is not solved by changing visa types.

Glad to read all of the positive stories! My hubby and are coming up on our 3rd wedding anniversary. I can't believe how quickly time has gone by. Our first year was good, but stressful. He was adjusting to life in America and I was adjusting to a new city and grad school (We moved 2 months after he immigrated). It took a while for him to find a good, full-time job. And for a long time (2.5 years?!?!) I was stressed about cooking for him, he was so particular about ingredients and preparation, etc. This year he wanted to do a traditional 50 day Ethiopian Orthodox Christian fast for Easter- which meant vegan food only. He fasted regularly in Ethiopia, but never did before in the US since I had no idea how to prepare vegan food. Well, this year we fasted together for Easter (my fast became vegetarian due to the 3 lattes I had, lol). We picked new recipes together and it was actually fun. And now that fasting is over, I still cook many of the same things. And he's compromised a bit about his diet too... he'll eat beef or chicken as long as its organic, and he's been eating different types of fish (before he insisted on tilapia only). I can live with that...actually, I find it easier to cook and that our diet it more balanced and healthy.
We often look back at our lives since we have been married to see the things we have accomplished together. It's really amazing! This year we're visiting both of our families...we haven't seen them in 3 years. And he's applying for citizenship.