I would like to know if the officer at the U.S. embassy oversees look at the total income and see if it is at least 125% of the poverty guideline or the gross income which can be found at the bottom of the first page of 1040 (this is after deductions)? So for 2008, I have to have made at least $17,500 in order for me to sponsor my spouse to get a K-3 visa. That was my total income, but after the deductions, that was dropped to $14,000. Will I still be able to sponsor her? Any suggestions please?