Can I apply for a fiance visa even if I don’t have a job, as long as I have a joint sponsor?
You can certainly apply for a K1 fiance visa if you are currently unemployed. Please note that some U.S. Embassies may not accept joint sponsors for the K-1 fiance visa (e.g. U.S. Embassy, Manila Philippines) whereas, most U.S. Embassies do accept joint sponsors for the CR-1 spousal visas.
Before any fiancé can receive a K-1 fiance visa, the U.S. citizen petitioner must must show that he or she earns enough money to support the foreign fiancé and to prevent him or her from becoming a public charge and receive means tested benefits.
The U.S. citizen petitioner must fill out a USCIS Form I-134, Affidavit of Support. By filling out this form the U.S. citizen petitioner becomes what is known as a sponsor.
The minimum financial requirements for Affidavits of Support are determined by the U.S. government’s Poverty Guidelines on USCIS Form I-864P.
If the U.S. citizen petitioner doesn’t meet the minimum income requirements, they may be able to use a joint sponsor. A joint sponsor is someone who is willing to accept legal responsibility for supporting your family member with you. A joint sponsor must meet all the same requirements as you, except the joint sponsor does not need to be related to the immigrant.
