Changing from a student visa - Affidavit of Support and other materials

[OR5]

Hi all,

I'm kind of new here and started this whole process not too long ago. Before I submit my application, I want to make sure that I get everything clear first.

I'm an international student here, on an F1 visa, and I have married my long time girlfriend about a month ago, who's now my wife. We met in our country 5 years ago, but while she always possessed a US citizenship, I did not. When we moved here 2 years ago, she moved as a citizen and I moved as an F1 student. Now that we're married, I want to apply for Green Card and start our adult lives here in the US.

I read that we would need to submit an affidavit of support. Needless to say that we're both students with very minimal income. We're both very fortunate to be supported by our families whom both live in our country of birth. Obviously, my family aren't US citizens, and she ha a guarantor who is a relative. The problem is that we're not sure that he will agree to "sponsor" me as well, as I don't know the guy.

Moreover, I'm not entirely sure what is exactly requested in that Affidavit and who can provide it. Can my father, a non-US citizen, be my "sponsor/supporter"? Can he transfer me $X that will exempt me from being have to submit the affidavit? What are they looking for in that affidavit?

Lastly, if you have any tips of documents we should submit along with our application, that would be great appreciated.

Thank you in advance for your help!

[bandk]

You need a US permanent resident or citizen with income (or assets big enough). You dad cannot be a sponsor for this reason. They need to sign documents guaranteeing their support. It's very binding contact with no way out later. Your wife's guarantor/family is your best bet usually.

[OR5]

You need a US permanent resident or citizen with income (or assets big enough). You dad cannot be a sponsor for this reason. They need to sign documents guaranteeing their support. It's very binding contact with no way out later. Your wife's guarantor/family is your best bet usually.

Thank you, bandk, for your response and insight.

In my wife's tax return, her income was evident to be roughly more than $30K - can she fill up the affidavit of support? If not, can I transfer her $X and she, as an American citizen, would then be eligible to "sponsor" me? If so, how much?

Thanks!

[bandk]

Thank you, bandk, for your response and insight.

In my wife's tax return, her income was evident to be roughly more than $30K - can she fill up the affidavit of support? If not, can I transfer her $X and she, as an American citizen, would then be eligible to "sponsor" me? If so, how much?

Thanks!

30k is enough to sponsor you. Asset works 5 to 1. In order to have 20k of support she would need 100k of assets. But 30k income yearly is above 125% of poverty guidlines USCIS announces every year so you guys should be OK:

http://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/files/form/i-864p.pdf

(assuming it's only you and her there's no one that she's responsible)