Fiancee visa requirement? Need advise..

[George_123]

Started my own business 2 years ago. First year i have lost over $31,000. So far this year, i am close to breaking even. I have no other income beside my personal saving. What is the chance of getting a fiancee visa or K-1  visa for her? Thanks for reading.

[jb]

This is another one of those FAQs and I wish there was someplace I could refer you and save myself a boatload of typing.  The Fiancee visa is relatively easy to obtain if you can show income or assets which posit yourself as solvent.  Income, personal income that is, must show you are actually living on more than 125% of the National Poverty Guideline wage for a family of however many.
http://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty/05poverty.shtml

It doesn't say you have to earn that much, it can be from savings, stocks, bonds, your mother, your rich uncle or cousin, any source actually.  Surely you aren't existing on rice and beans and wearing 3 year old underwear.  Your personal financial statement, plus 3 good years of IRS returns, showing the ability to support yourself and a family should be enough.  Otherwise you will have to have a co-signer with your application from someone in your family who will guarantee nobody is going to starve or wind up on Public Welfare if the I-129F is granted.

The real scrutiny will come during the AOS, that's where they hold your feet a bit closer to the fire.

I hope that helps.

[George_123]

I don't make enough to even pay myself. So, i have no income for about 2 years. Currently, i am using my personal saving and stock to support myself.
Thanks for reading.

[Michelangelo]

George, as you read though RWD strands, you'll see that it is VERY expensive to get the girl here and then support her.  As tough as it sounds, you might be better off to wait a while to make this move...

[jb]

I didn't want to be the one to rain on George's parade.   

[Admin]

This is another one of those FAQs and I wish there was someplace I could refer you and save myself a boatload of typing.  The Fiancee visa is relatively easy to obtain if you can show income or assets which posit yourself as solvent.  Income, personal income that is, must show you are actually living on more than 125% of the National Poverty Guideline wage for a family of however many.
http://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty/05poverty.shtml

It doesn't say you have to earn that much, it can be from savings, stocks, bonds, your mother, your rich uncle or cousin, any source actually.  Surely you aren't existing on rice and beans and wearing 3 year old underwear.  Your personal financial statement, plus 3 good years of IRS returns, showing the ability to support yourself and a family should be enough.  Otherwise you will have to have a co-signer with your application from someone in your family who will guarantee nobody is going to starve or wind up on Public Welfare if the I-129F is granted.

The real scrutiny will come during the AOS, that's where they hold your feet a bit closer to the fire.

I hope that helps.

Hey jb - got a proposition for you.

If you are willing to take a stab at a FAQ - put it in any form you want (M Word, Notepad, whatever), I will take what you come up with and put it into a permanent page which will be referencable.

For that matter, you can start a topic called "Help me Develop the RWD FAQ" (or similar) - and invite all the members of RWD to contribute both the ??'s and the Answers - all aimed at a consolidated list which will be the reference source you seek.

Whaddya think?

- Dan

[Jet]

George,
In leu of "income" you can use assets. The formula for this is 20% (1/5th) current market value.

Poverty level for 2 people (you and fiancee) is $12,830
125% (12830 X 1.25) is $16,037.50, if you or she have children that number goes up.

If you own a 4yr old car worth $19,000 but still owe $1000 before it's paid off:
19000 X 0.2 = 3800 - 1000 = $2,800.00 toward that $16,037.50 goal

Stocks are valued in the same manner, but bonds or savings are considered at full face value

Before considering use of your business, I would seek the advice of a CPA for valuation purposes.

As others have commented, there is the ethical question of whether you even *should* file for a K-1 at this time, but the above is merely a look at the mechanics of getting from where you are to where you think you want to be...

[jb]

Well, crap~!

Me and my big mouth.

Ok, here's what I propose.  I'll take a stroll down newbie lane (Beginners Section) over the next day or so and see if I can come up with a list of FAQs.  I'll get back to you on that.

I'd like to invite others to assist in certain areas, for example, I'm somewhat sharp on Immigration procedures, but OTOH, I know zilch about agencies, maybe Rvr can help field questions about that. 

I also don't feel comfortable discussing sexual issues, so I'm out of that one to. 

Visa questions a another area we need stock answers to, often the answers are readily available from the various Country's diplomatic websites, but of course the newbies haven't been at it long enough to do much research.  Mostly their idea of research is thumbing through MOB agency pictures of pretty women.

We have enough married guys here so general relationship advice shouldn't be a problem.

I think a thread discussion will help finalize the actual answers that eventually get posted to those FAQs.

If this feels acceptable, maybe we can put something together.

Whaddya think?

jb

[Admin]

Well, crap~!

Me and my big mouth.

Ok, here's what I propose.  I'll take a stroll down newbie lane (Beginners Section) over the next day or so and see if I can come up with a list of FAQs.  I'll get back to you on that.

I'd like to invite others to assist in certain areas, for example, I'm somewhat sharp on Immigration procedures, but OTOH, I know zilch about agencies, maybe Rvr can help field questions about that. 

I also don't feel comfortable discussing sexual issues, so I'm out of that one to. 

Visa questions a another area we need stock answers to, often the answers are readily available from the various Country's diplomatic websites, but of course the newbies haven't been at it long enough to do much research.  Mostly their idea of research is thumbing through MOB agency pictures of pretty women.

We have enough married guys here so general relationship advice shouldn't be a problem.

I think a thread discussion will help finalize the actual answers that eventually get posted to those FAQs.

If this feels acceptable, maybe we can put something together.

Whaddya think?

jb

I think it sounds good. Let's see how it comes together and what input we receive from the members.

In any case, the idea of an FAQ is a great idea.

- Dan

[Turboguy]

I researched this a bit for another friend in the same situation.  Supposedly it is just as Jet said.  If you have enough assets to cover her support it is in theory OK.  If you read the guidelines close enough they say that.   In practice I have not heard of anyone actually doing it.   Most people in that situation try to get a co-sponsor.   I think you could expect some resistance about the value of your assets.   If you show a car that you say is worth $ 10,000 they may not be impressed.   If you show a CD worth $ 10,000 it will be an easier sale.   Remember the affidavit of support you file (I-134) at this point is worthless.  It is not a legal binding contract.   Therefore your co-sponsor is taking no risk at all.   However when you do the next one, for the aos  that is a legally binding and enforceable contract.  My suggestion if you are determined to go ahead is to find a co-sponsor now, but try to have enough income by the time you get to AOS to do it on your own.   The income requirements are not that high so if your business continues to improve you should be there, if not you can always work the night shift at Mickey Dee's to supplement your income.

[George_123]

Started my own business 2 years ago. First year i have lost over $31,000. So far this year, i am close to breaking even. I have no other income beside my personal saving. What is the chance of getting a fiancee visa or K-1  visa for her? Thanks for reading.

[Turboguy]

I will stay with what I said before.  Since you have been living on your savings if you have around $ 30,000 or more left in your savings you have a chance of selling it to the embassy.  I would say 50%.  If you have a lot more than that left it would be an easier sale.  If your assets are less liquid then it will be a harder sale. 

The best bet still would be to get a co-signer.

[PeeWee]

If you have savings and if you are living on it why not pay yourself 20,000 this year? You are going to spend that amount or more anyway. Then you  would have a record of an income this year. You have only 6 months left in the year and if you are not going to apply for the visa until 2007 why not have a documented income this year?

Peewee

[jb]

Why, I wonder, does everyone try to find wiggle room in something so cut and dried?

The guidelines for what it takes to get a I-129F approved are very clear.  The notion that someone who doesn't pass muster might somehow get a girl into the country by hook or by crook is just amazing to me. 

George has posted his situation, and then reiterated it again by posting a quoted version of his original topic starter.  Basically, George has told us he's operating a new business on a shoestring and cannot even to afford to pay himself a minimum wage salary, in fact he is hemorrhaging money from savings just to get by the first year, and maybe, just maybe, will break even this year.

Is this yet another example of the Rah-Rah cheerleader section doing what they do best? 

George, my best advice to you is to forget about a Russian wife at this time, you are just not prepared for it.  The fact that you've visited the woman twice in Moscow belies the notion that you have no money, that's obvious.  But where you should spend your money is the $64,000 question.  I'm saddened to think that somewhere in Moscow there is a woman who has high hopes of a future with a wonderful and caring man.  If you decide to continue to pursue this business venture, that in two years cannot earn the minimum requirement to fulfill a K-1 application, then I think you've led this girl down a false path.  Shame on you for that.

If, on the other hand, you make the hard decision that she is indeed worth the effort and want a good and decent life for her and yourself, then maybe you ought to go back to whatever it was you were doing so successfully before, where you earned all the money you are now living and running on.  You have a choice to make, get a job or give her up.

That's the simple honesty of it.

[Jet]

George,
You have re-quoted your original question in this and the "tourist visa" thread you started recently.
Is this because you have not bothered to read the replies, or because you don't like the answers you are getting?

If you don't have $16037.50 in income for the past three years
and you don't have $80,187.50 in assets, or any combination thereof
and you don't have a co-sponsor willing to put up their income/assets for a MINIMUM of 10 years,
then the answer is *zero* George. You have zero chance of getting a fiancee visa or K-1  visa for her.
End of story...

[jb]

I guess that means Jet is not a cheerleader......

[George_123]

Thanks gentlement for all your great advised.
One more thing, i never lied to her about income. She knows about my business and that i lost money last year. She is willing to wait it out and see what happen next.
Thank you

[Turboguy]

George, I have started a number of businesses and been in business for myself since I was 21.  Most all business start ups loose money the first year and sometimes the second.  Most frequently the third year is profitable if the business is ever going to be profitable.  Of course some business start ups never do make it.   You should have a pretty good feeling now for where your business is going.   Hopefully your future income will be fine.  You still have a problem with your timing.  I have to agree with the others it is not easy to do a business start up and persue an FSU woman at the same time. 

You have been honest with your gal.  If she can accept that it is good.  I really think you have two choices.  Put the gal on a real slow track and target a time two or three years from now to do a K-1 or get a co-sponsor.  You have not really disclosed how much savings you have left and that is personal anyway.  I would not expect you to.  If you still have a wad then that makes another situation.   Dreams can come true but you need to focus.  You are trying to focus on two dreams at the same time.  It is not always easy.

[George_123]

You're a good man! Thanks for you advise..
About my business? I have invested close to $200,000. All my life saving is in my business and i'm not giving it up easy. If i do, i'll not only lose all my investment but i'll also lose my dream of marrying her. 

[George_123]

You're a good man! Thanks for you advise..
About my business? I have invested close to $200,000. All my life saving is in my business and i'm not going to give it up. If i do, i'll not only lose all my investment but i'll also lose my dream of marrying her. 

My girl friend was on the board and she was reading the suggestion from you guys. After all that reading, She sent me an e-mail today. This is how it goes

Sat, 17 Jun 2006 09:11:29 +0400
   
sorry love! still i realy don't think that we will be able to do it.
they guy who said that you shouldn't have left your job is right. i'm
sorry. i love you but i think i will never be with you in in US. it
doesn't meat that i don't want but simply as far as i can see that's not in
my desteny. you may say that i give up to easy...i haven't given up yet
simply i'm being realistic! i'm so orry that it happened to us!!!!
sorry, you shouldn't have quited your job!!!

love you dearly

[Turboguy]

Well, I knew some of these guys consider themselves problem solvers George and I guess they solved your problem.   I think that was not quite the solution you were looking for.

I think you are probably not the first person to have a problem because their girlfriend or wife read the board. 

George, she still has feelings she just thinks it is going nowhere.  One of my observations about FSU women is that when it comes to money, finances, and related issues they are totally clueless.   I too lost the girl that I always considered to be the girl of my dreams when my business was at the same point yours is and over the same basic issue, money and my lack of income at the time.  My business went on to be very successful.  Actaully loosing my gal probably helped my business.  I just poured myself into it working non stop usually 130 hours a week or so.  I was trying to keep my mind off my former gal.

George, running a business takes a different set of skills than being a good employee and it takes a variety of skills all of which you must posses or find someone that does.  Numbers are only numbers and they can be massaged a lot.  You may need to make more personal sacrifices and fewer sacrifices to your savings account and try to manupulate things so you show a taxable income of at least $ 16,000 this year.  At least that is if you what an FSU woman our maybe even the one you probably just lost in your future.  Are you incorporated?  My reason for asking is if you are self employed you have to show 3 years taxes.  If you are an employee, and if you are incorporated you are an employee of the corporation and just happen to own the stock, then you only need to show one years taxes. 

You have three choices. 

1.  Try to get her back.  Get some income this year and you will be ok.

2.  Hunt for another gal and still you need to get your income up.

3.  Get your finances in order then start hunting for a gal.

If you can't get her back then # 3 is the best choice.  Good luck.

[Shadow]

George, don't worry. Russians will always expect the worst and call it destiny.
It is up to you to change destiny, and you can.

[Turboguy]

George, Shadow is one of the brightest guys here.  Even so, sometimes I disagree with him.  This time I don't.  He is right on about Russian mentality.   Here we turn on a faucet and expect hot water.  We get in a car and turn a key we expect the car to start.  We fall in love with someone and they tell us they love us, and we think we have a relationship with a future.

There, if there is no hot water they just shrug and say. "It's Russia"  If something seems like it is not going to work out, "it's destiny".   I think they have less knowledge about starting businesses and your potential if it does not work out.  You will be fine one way or the other and she would have been fine one way or the other.  You always have the option of working for someone else and settling for just making money. 

jb suggested you give it up and get a job.  jb is also a smart guy with a lot of good ideas but that was the worst advice of the thread.  jb has spent most of his life as an employee for a large company, yes, I believe he does some consulting now which is sort of like having your own business but it is also not quite the same.  It is extra income when it is there and otherwise the same as if he was retired which he is.  The mentality is just not the same as someone who really has their own business. 

Sixteen years ago I was right where you are but perhaps a thousand times worse since I did not have a few hundred thousand to tap on when I needed it.  I had twice I sat down and wondered if it was possible to go on.  I could see no options but to throw in the towel.  When I thought there was no hope something good always happened to get me through it.   I already mentioned I lost the gal I considered the love of my life during that period.   I have a lot of memories of the struggles I went through in those days.  When I drove up to my office the first thing I always looked for was to see if the sheriff had been by to padlock the place.   I had some unusual things happen when I had started which probably cost me close to that much or my struggles would have been much easier. 

George, I have a feeling you are a little down in the dumps right now.  You have been through a hard two years getting your business started and you are to the point where is should start making money and hopefully a lot of money.  You also think you may have just lost the gal you love.  I will tell you a little of how my business went, not to brag but in the hopes it might give you a little inspiration.  The third year my business started making money and then it started to really grow.  I manufacture a machine for the landscape industry.  We have now sold about 6000 of those machines,  in terms of units sold we are now the largest in the world and do sell them worldwide.  I even have units in Russia and Ukraine.  NASA, the Panama Canal, Pebble Beach Golf course, Wimbledon all own my machines.   I have had to expand 4 times and we will be breaking ground in 6 weeks to add 50% more to our manufacturing space.  My advertising budget is a quarter million dollars.  Money is something I don't have to worry about.

I will tell one more story about the early days before I hit the post button.  After I got my heart broken I did not date for a long time.  Then I met a gal I wanted to take out except I was fairly broke.  So I asked her out and we drove into downtown Pittsburg and there is a hill that overlooks the city with observation decks and benches.  We went there and talked,  rode a pretty neat thing called the inclined plane into downtown Pittsburgh  ($ 1.25 each round trip), walked around station square, rode the then new subway into downtown to all its three stops  ( $.50) ea did a lot of talking and wandering around and then headed back.  She scared me on the way back.  She said let's stop at Eat and Park restaurant and get something.  I was hoping she wasn't real hungry because I would not have been able to pay the check.  Fortunately she got toast and coffee and I was OK.  He comment at the end was that it was the most romantic first date she had ever been on and it cost me $ 8.00 which left me about two or three in my wallet.  That gal and I went together for several years and fortunately I had enough cash the following week to do a more conventional date.

George, don't give up on your gal.  You are a guy who is brave enough to lay everything on the line for your dreams.   It is not easy to focus on two dreams at once but you can do it.  Go for it George.   You can win her back.

[jb]

jb suggested you give it up and get a job.

I didn't say any such thing, I said George has a choice to make.  He needs to either get a job or give up pursuing a Russian wife.  If you are going to paraphrase my words, try to at least get the context right.

jb is also a smart guy with a lot of good ideas

At least we agree on something.

but that was the worst advice of the thread.

It seems the RW in question is in agreement with this bad advice.  She apparently sees no future in store for her and George because his finciancal situation is letting her twist in the wind indefinitely.  Knowing RWs as well as I do, I find it hard to imagine a 25 y.o. RW who has made the decision that it's time to get married and start her family to be happy with that kind of situation.  From the very beginning of this thread I fully expected her to react exactly as she did, with or without reading anything from this board.

jb has spent most of his life as an employee for a large company, yes, I believe he does some consulting now which is sort of like having your own business but it is also not quite the same.  It is extra income when it is there and otherwise the same as if he was retired which he is.  The mentality is just not the same as someone who really has their own business.

So what?  Do you honestly think I have no idea of what it takes to make a company successful?  Give me a break.  With all your posts indicating the amount of running and playing with the young chickie-babes you do, I'm pretty sure someone else is busy making your company successful, 'cause it sure as hell ain't you at the helm.

[Jet]

Turbo,
Money is a funny thing, for those that have it, it just ain't that important, for those that don't, it controls every aspect of their lives. Something I've written about before, which directly correlates to jb's "bad advice", is that the average Russian woman craves exactly one thing: STABILITY. Someone starting up a new business, with all the highs and lows, windfalls and sweating over unpaid invoices, is exactly the opposite of what this woman wants and needs. Sure he can make it in the end, sure things will be fine *eventually*. The average Russian lady has been waiting on *eventually* for all of her life, and is acutely aware that she is NOT getting any younger.

If he can't pay himself, how's he going to pay all the other incidental associated fees that go along with that initial $170.00 filing fee? Probably the most heartbreaking situation I've ever had to observe, was a couple that really was in love, but discovered they didn't have the money to see it through to the end - the problem was that the guy didn't come to this realization until AFTER she was here in the USA...